2009 STURGIS, POST 1

Post by Steve Temple

I got my earliest start to Sturgis this year heading out of the house at 8 am and had a great trip up. My arrival, however, was saddened by news that Bruce Rossmeyer had passed from a motorcycle accident on his way to Sturgis. My heart felt condolences go out to his family.

After getting in and unloading all the artwork and photo equipment out of the trailer, I started building the studio for shooting bikes. A couple problems had to first be overcome, an a-frame was running right where with light was to go and the floor was sprinkled with hydraulic fluid from a forklift. The first problem we tackled was the light and the a-frame. Rerouting electrical conduit, the construction crew from the Buffalo Chip did a great and quick job 'notching' one of the trusses enough for me to raise our light the necessary amount and enable me to do something I thought was very cool, suspend our light from the adjacent trusses using tie-downs. As for the floor, it was decided the next day a roll of linoleum would be purchased to serve as a liner to keep the oil from seeping into our paper background and causing what Michael called, "major problems." At the same time, Rebel Rousers was taking shape next door. Many of the bikes and most of the wall art had arrived and Michael was directing traffic made up of eight and ten foot platforms that the bikes would sit on. It's a daunting task laying out a gallery, but Michael makes it look easy as though he is simply drawing from a vision securely in his mind. With the light in place running like a charm, and the gallery starting to look like a gallery, Michael and I headed to our temporary home at the Chip. Sleep was had under the green glow of mercury vapor lights through semi-transparent shades.

Woke up Friday morning full of vigor, the origin of which being a great mystery to me. Quietly I got ready, although it probably would have taken a small freight train to wake Michael through his ear plugs, blinders and sleep aid pills. Picked some wonderfully prepared pastries (donuts at the General Store) and went straight to work getting the studio a ready as possible for the linoleum to arrive. This iPod was hummin' and I was groovin' along as though the light stands were an extension of my hands putting themselves up in swift strokes. A few hours later Michael made his way to the gallery after a long deserved late morning. With coffee in hand, he quickly took command and the gallery was once again taking shape. At this point I'd like to send a big thanks to all those who have helped us the past 2 days, Michael and I both thank you for all the help. By the end of the day the gallery had been transformed, beautifully lit iconic bikes surrounded by movie posters and memorabilia hanging on the walls. All the hours, days and weeks of research, phone calls and emails has come to fruition in the form of Rebel Rousers. As for the studio, Jesse James' first Camel bike now sits in a beautifully lit stage awaiting Michael's creative vision.

Sunday we are off to Broken Spoke County Line for the Sugarbear/Lichter ride. Come on out and join us!