Friday, November 1, 2024

Here we go!


Join us on February 9, 2025, at the Ventura Fairgrounds for the greatest motorcycle show around. Please go to https://www.chopperfestival.com to become a vendor, secure a spot for the swap meet, register your custom motorcycle in our bike show or purchase your general admission ticket. Buy your tickets in advance, skip the lines and receive a FREE limited edition David Mann Chopper Fest poster. Receive your free poster when your ticket is redeemed. General admission is $15 presale (includes free event poster), $20 at the gate. Military with ID $10, kids 12 & under are free.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Congratulations to the following!

Photo By: Will Soltes - Biker Events Magazine - with Tory DuVarney, artist Cynthia Polk, Denver's Choppers Mondo Porras, and our gracious host, Jennifer Santolucito.

Many thanks to every person who entered our bike show. We wish we could give every bike owner an award as the caliper of ingenuity and customization was off the charts this year. Congratulations to the following for taking home an award. If your name is listed in blue below, please email me your mailing address to tory@chopperfestival.com so I can send your award to you. Thank you. - Tory

Chopper

1st Place Tim Scott

2nd Place Sean Carter

3rd Place Charlie Parker


Bobber

1st Place Landy Brakke

2nd Place 709 Cycles

3rd Place Eugene Garcin


Antique

1st Place Albert Reyes

2nd Place Glenn Bator

3rd Place Bob Ives


Daily Rider

1st Place Samy Clark

2nd Place Carlton Cook

3rd Place Charles Halloway

Modern Chopper

1st Place Russell Mitchell

2nd Place Spike Salton

3rd Place Eric Baez


Racer (race bike)

1st Place John Green

2nd Place Brandon Kennedy

3rd Place CDC Chris


Special Construction

1st Place Jake Roca “Sandy”

2nd Place David DuVarney

3rd Place Richard Best


FXR (presented By KD Customs)

1st Place Tom Edison

2nd Place Justin Ramos

3rd Place Devon Nelder


DYNA

1st Place Trevor Hibbs

2nd Place Corey Dencouse

3rd Place Eric Roberts


Ladies

1st Place Quinzy Panameno

2nd Place Shanelle Cripps

3rd Place Donna Ramirez


Rat Bike

1st Place Keith Young

2nd Place Billy Lay

3rd Place Jordan and Jen Bean

Radical Design

1st Place Jake Roca “Sandy”

2nd Place Slim Fab

3rd Place Keith Young


Metric

1st Place Masaya Kosaka

2nd Place Steve Jarvis

3rd Place Brandon Kemmeroy


Koolest Paint

1st Place Daniel Gonzalez

2nd Place William Polock

3rd Place Harpoon

Bagger

1st Place Daniel Gonzalez

2nd Place Pat Grieco

3rd Place James Lord


Sportster

1st Place Richard Best

2nd Place Jared Smith

3rd Place Glenn Bator


British

1st Place John Green

2nd Place Bob Ives

3rd Place Steve Jarvis


Best Knucklehead: Max Schaaf

Best Panhead: Frankie Klepadlo

Best Shovelhead: Wes Pollard

Best Of Show: Hawke Lawshe (photo by Hawke)

David Mann Memorial Award: Sean Gallagher

Ross Kiwi Thomas Award: 709 Cycles (photo by Carolyn Tomas at Kiwi Indian Motorcycles & Parts)

Mann Kind Award: Micah McCloskey

Award art by Kent Reppert - Photos by Terry Bert

One million thanks to Russ Brown Motorcycles Attorney and Harley-Davidson for their ongoing support!


Sunday, February 18, 2024

Tribute poster available.

Many thanks to Kent Reppert for providing the artwork for the David "Huggy Beahr" Hansen tribute poster. We have a handful of posters available if you'd like to purchase one. US shipping only. 

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Let's Party!


Join us at the @bombaybarandgrill on Saturday, February 10th, from 5 to 10 pm. Live music by Quick Bizness and special drink offerings from our friends at @805beer and @monsterenergy.

Friday, February 2, 2024

2024 Custom Culture Art Show



 Please visit the Anacapa Hall for the 2024 Custom Culture Art Show! Originally organized to showcase the work of Easyriders magazine artist David Mann after his passing, the Chopper Fest Art & Culture Show has evolved into an indoor, multimedia art exhibit focused on up-and-coming and established artists that work in the genre of motorcycle, hot rod, and low brow art.

Artists come from all over the country to pay tribute to the Norman Rockwell of the biker world, and to meet like-minded artists, industry professionals, and art patrons looking for something "off the beaten path". Artists are encouraged to create David Mann tribute art, be on-site to promote their art, and do some "live painting". Artwork is displayed on fencing and tables supplied by Chopper Fest.

Monday, January 22, 2024

A special Mann Monday ♥️


 Today's Mann Monday is a special tribute created by artist Kent Reppert. Kent pays homage to David "Huggy Beahr" Hansen ♥️ in this David Mann-inspired piece. Please visit the Chopper Fest merch booth to purchase this limited-edition poster and visit Kent's booth in the Anacapa Hall on February 11th. Kent, thanks for making this beautiful tribute possible.

Friday, December 15, 2023

New Chopperfest Gear!


PRE-ORDER The 2024 ChopperFest event t-shirt and hoodie. They feature a small David Mann / Chopperfest logo on the front and David Mann's "The Shores aka Crazy Dave’s Broadslide" on the back. We will ship the shirt out in the first week of February.

Bike Show Entries will receive a free David Mann Chopperfest t-shirt and poster when you check-in on Sunday, Feb 12th, at the Bike Show gate.

Monday, November 13, 2023

Join us on February 11, 2024

 


The 20th Anniversary David Mann Chopperfest will be held on Sunday, February 11th, 2024, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura CA from 8am-4pm.

The Event Features: A very special David Mann and Friends Motorcycle Art Exhibit, an All-Brand Antique and Custom Motorcycle Show; Custom Bike Builder Displays featuring World Class Bike Builders; Hundreds of Motorcycle/Culture Vendors; a New and Used Motorcycle Parts Swap Meet; Live Rock and Blues Bands, Food and Beer. General Admission is $20, Presale $15 (Includes event poster), Military with ID $10, and kids 12 & under are free. Note: No Colors, No Pets, No Outside Alcohol.

The "If you build it they will come" All Brand Motorcycle Show will feature 22 classes of motorcycles from Antique and Old School to Special Construction and Radical Design classes. Check out the Bike Show link for more details on all the classes and entering your motorcycle(s). If you have a bike that fits one of these classes please enter it, it's only $40 and you get 1 admission and a David Mann Chopperfest event t-shirt. The trophies are amazing one-of-a-kind pieces of art. It's going to be another fun-filled day for the whole family with all sorts of cool stuff on 2 wheels. We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our sponsors: Harley-Davidson, Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, 805 Beer, Ventura Harley-Davidson, Duane Ballard Custom Leather, The Shop: American Motorcycle Specialists, Choppers Magazine, Sonny Boy, Schapiro And Leventhal "The" Motorcycle Attorneys, Kiwi Indian Motorcycles & Parts, Easyriders Magazine, Biltwell Inc., KD Customs, My Garage, Barnett Clutches and Cables, Cycle Source Magazine, JIMS, Learn To Ride VC, Born-Free Motorcycle Show, Tobacco Motorwear Company, Choppertown, Denver's Choppers, & USA PARTS CO.

We'd also like to thank all the attendees, volunteers, friends, and family who help make this event happen and keep David Mann's spirit alive.

https://www.chopperfestival.com/

Monday, May 8, 2023

David "Huggy Beahr" Hansen Celebration of Life


Dear family and friends, please help us honor and celebrate the incredible life of David "Huggy Beahr" Hansen on Thursday, June 8th from 2:00PM - 5:00PM at the Ventura Fairgrounds.

Those of you riding in - please join us for "The Final Ride" in his honor, meet at "The Shop" at Noon sharp. Riders will head out at 1:00. Directions to The Shop.

6541 Ventura Blvd. Ventura CA 93003

There will be an Indian Honor Corral for all attending on their Indian Motorcycles, which we all know were a passion for David.

Take a walk down the Huggy Beahr Hall of Fame, exchange stories and memories with us as we all honor his life. Anyone interested in sharing a few words is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Ventura County, https://www.hsvc.org/ David had a soft spot for furry friends in need.

Please email any photos you would like to contribute to the slide show to christie@bdrocks.com.

You can RSVP here.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Radical Design Award

Congratulations to Slim for taking home the 1st place Radical Design award with “The Executioner” custom trike. Job well done! 
Stellar photos by @ribsfitmedia 

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Rest In Peace, Dad 💔

My dad David “Huggy Bear” Hansen passed away suddenly while being cared for in the hospital. He was a larger than life character with an infectious smile. He had a brilliant mind and the biggest heart. As you can imagine, we are shocked and devastated. We appreciate the outpouring of love and condolences.

My Dad will be deeply missed by many. To be loved by him has been the greatest gift of my life.
We ask for your patience and understanding while we navigate this unexpected loss. As soon as arrangements have been made we will let you all know. Thank you. -Tory

Monday, February 27, 2023

Congratulations to the following!


Congratulations to the following folks for entering their motorcycles and winning an award! We appreciate your ongoing support!

Chopper class

1st Place Nick McAtee

2nd Place Jeff Gray

3rd Place Ryan Burdick


Bobber 

1st Place Larry Brakke

2nd Place Robert Klein

3rd Place Santee Vallejo


Antique

1st Place Brent Johnson

2nd Place Jim Ostovani

3rd Place Robert Cartier


Daily Rider 

1st Place Masaya Kosaka

2nd Place Dyba Andrzej 

3rd Place Ryan Burdick


Modern Chopper

1st Place Jordan Dethmers

2nd Place Russell Mitchell

3rd Place Wesley Folsom


Radical Design

1st Place Slim

2nd Place Tom Mills

3rd Place Dalton Walker


Metric

1st Place Gerald Casey

2nd Place Matt Jones

3rd Place Richard Hill


Koolest paint

1st Place Jordan Dethmers

2nd Place David polgreen

3rd Place Zach O


Bagger

1st Place Chris Bennet

2nd Place Rich Davidson

3rd Place Tom Jessup


Sportster

1st Place Michael Velarde

2nd Place Jimmy Denson

3rd Place Ray Sweeten


British

1st Place Anthony Robinson

2nd Place Stacy McCleary

3rd Place Ty Brauum


Racer

1st Place Dan Zandona

2nd Place Dan Currie

3rd Place Anthony Gonzales


Special Construction

1st Place Jordan Dethmers

2nd Place Gerald Casey

3rd Place Nick McAtee


FXR

1st Place Tom Edison

2nd Place Jim Sanborn

3rd Place Tom Jessup


Dyna

1st Place Zach O

2nd Place King Bado

3rd Place Shannon Harris


Ladies

1st Place Taylor Delongh

2nd Place Quinzy Panameno

3rd Place Lily K


Rat Bike

1st Place Paul Wheeler

2nd Place Daniel Glassburn

3rd Place Glenn Brueckner


Best Knucklehead 

Ryan Grossman


Best Panhead

Joe Norkin


Best Shovelhead

Gino Ilacqua



Best of Show

Richard Best


David Mann Memorial Award

Gerald Casey


Ross "Kiwi" Tomas Award

Hokan Martinson


KD Customs "FXR Show" Winners"

Builders Choice- FXR

Kirk Taylor

Best Paint- FXR

Dan Currie

Best Of Show- FXR 

Keishiro Hoshino

Friday, February 10, 2023

Here we go!

Here is this weekend's schedule:

Saturday from 12 to 5 pm at the Fairgrounds: Early access load-in for vendors and bike show entries. There's 24-hour security on-site.

Saturday Night: Join us at the Bombay Bar and Grill for our pre-party. Live music is provided by Raging Arb and the Redheads. Thanks to 805 Beer for sponsoring the pre-party. Please don't drink and drive. 

Sunday: Join us at the Ventura Fairgrounds for the 17th Annual David Mann Chopperfest. Our friends at Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys will hand over $2500.00 to the Best in Show winner! 


Make sure to visit the Anacapa Hall for the Biltwell Helmet Show and the Custom Culture Art Show. You won't be disappointed!

Safe Travels, and we'll see you soon!

Meet Featured Builder Eric Justesen

 Meet Featured Builder Eric Justesen at Casa Customs.

"The CASA CUSTOMS reputation has been built on the quality of services provided and goods delivered for over 15 years. What started as a hobby quickly developed into passion and success. In sunny Southern California, CASA CUSTOMS is a custom bike shop specializing in Honda Shadow builds for customers worldwide. Supported by a local network of the highest quality vendors and craftsmen, CASA CUSTOMS has designed and executed creative and bold builds for countless satisfied customers."-Eric. 






Please visit Casa Customs' booth during the day to speak to Eric about modifying your Honda Shadow.  

Casa Customs: Website / Facebook / Instagram

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Meet Featured Builder Joe Norkin


"It's truly an honor for me to attend the 2023 David Mann Chopperfest, with the distinction of not only coming in as a featured builder but also a custom builder. Raised in California during the 1960s, I was exposed to iconic motorcycle cultures at an early age, racing dirt bikes and evolving to my love affair with Harley-Davidson,  and the classic custom chopper culture, once I got my driver's license. That said, I never did leave the dirt bike world, as there's no better way to hone your riding skills than to race on dirt motocross tracks against the nation's toughest competitors in the sportsman classes. My passion for this cultural art form has compelled me to build several gorgeous bikes over the years, which I've sold, traded, or ridden until they were morphed into a new build. Unfortunately, some of my bikes were burned and destroyed in the 2018 Camp Fire when I lived in Paradise, CA. 


My entry this year is a '50 Panhead Bobber, a shared vision, fabrication, and collaboration between myself and good friend and colleague Will Freeman of Freeman Choppers. This bike was featured in last year's November issue of Cycle Source Magazine. In addition, this build has been blessed with several accolades and awards at numerous big bike shows across the nation over the past year as well. 

Having the opportunity to present this build at the 2023 David Mann Chopperfest is icing on the cake, and I'm very excited to be a part of it."-Joe Norkin. Be sure to give Joe a follow on Instagram and visit his booth during the day!


Party with Us

Join us at the Bombay Bar and Grill on February 11th from 5 pm to 10 pm for our pre-party featuring live music from Raging Arb and the Redheads. Thanks to 805 Beer for sponsoring the fun! Safe travels. We'll see you soon! 

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Meet Featured Builder Dalton Walker

"My background is in welding and fabricating. I've been doing that for about 27 years in the family business full-time. I have been building bikes and one-off motorcycle parts for 19 years. I was an invited builder for Born-Free, have won many awards over the years, and received the Best in Show award at the ChopperFest a few years back. It's an honor to be included in this line-up. I have two great kids and hail from Hanford, Ca. You can see most work on Instagram."- Dalton