For 15 years now Thor Drake, owner-operator of See See Motorcycles in Portland, OR, has been internet hosting the venerable One Moto Present. By all accounts, the 2024 version of the customized motorcycle-centric pageant was an enormous success attracting a number of the greatest crowds since its inception in 2009.
At this time we’re sitting down with Thor to be taught a bit concerning the man, the evolution of the occasion, and what the long run has in retailer for the One Moto Present.
“The One Motorbike Present has grown to be North America’s largest customized bike present, attracting hundreds of bike lovers, builders, and artists from world wide to Portland annually. With a concentrate on creativity, individuality, and the spirit of motorcycling, the present has change into a must-attend occasion for everybody.” – the1moto.com
Please inform us a bit about your self and the function bikes have performed in your life.
Hello, I’m Thor. I like lengthy rides on the seaside, massive jumps, and going quick… kidding. If i haven’t misplaced your consideration by now. I’m an outsider to the motorbike world. I snuck in by way of a secret portal left open by the Orange County Chopper motion.
I received into dirtbikes at round age 15 as a result of my greatest buddy rising up rode and we did the whole lot collectively. I received the style of it and couldn’t ignore it. I’ll spare you the sappy love story with bikes and preserve it to a minimal by saying this… Because of bikes I’ve been all around the world and met essentially the most attention-grabbing folks, constructed a enjoyable profession, met my spouse, and have bikes stuffed in each nook of my life. Bikes are good.
What was your authentic idea and thought for the One Moto Present?
First, you get one bike.
Then you definately develop out of that one so that you get a second bike.
Then you definately get curious since you see different bikes on the market, so that you attempt these.
Then you definately understand what sort of bike you want.
Then you definately attempt to discover a bike that has the whole lot you need in a motorbike to no satisfaction
Then you definately attempt to construct that bike with no success, or possibly success nevertheless it creates the formulation throughout.
Then you definately understand you’re chasing an thought… The ONE Moto.
Unexpectedly you’re an skilled.
For individuals who can’t attend, what can guests to the One Moto Present anticipate to see?
Magic. Do you wish to journey again in time to a world the place everybody involves have a good time motorbike tradition? All the things from stunt exhibits, to dwell music, mini bike racing, good emotions, and FUN, yup enjoyable. That’s the reason we begin driving and we generally want a little bit reminder. Bikes are enjoyable. The One Moto Present is a spot to be part of that enjoyable irrespective of who you’re.
What number of bikes had been there within the first yr of the present in comparison with this yr?
The primary yr we had about 60, now we now have over 300. All sorts of bikes are celebrated, shit even a couple of automobiles with bikes strapped to them got here. Every year, we goal to discover a cross-cut of bikes that signify what we expect is thrilling on the earth of bikes. The cool factor about doing a present for 15 years is lots of builders have began due to the present. Possibly coming as a curious attendee;l then quick ahead 5 years they usually’re now a acknowledged builder.
What are a number of the belongings you’ve seen change or evolve within the scene over the 15 years of working the present?
What’s the saying, the one factor fixed is change… or I’d say “motion”.
Every year we attempt to reinvent ourselves. We take heed to what folks, sponsors, and companions, are saying and attempt to do our greatest to handle it in our means. The largest factor I noticed is the present is a motion, some folks path off simply as new ones are discovering it, or getting concerned. The Present is a river for folks to become involved with bikes. It’s solely vital in case you suppose it’s. We expect it’s.
Are you able to share a couple of reminiscences from previous exhibits which have caught with you?
Yearly one thing occurs that offers me a brand new life lesson. Be it good or dangerous. I like Motorbike Individuals. There’s at all times a way of vulnerability, which creates some lovely and awkward moments. Final yr I used to be watching everybody fortunately dancing to a Queen cowl band mid-show. As a promoter and sort of humorous dude, I like so as to add a juxtaposition to the present. It’s like powerful motorbike dudes toe-tapping to “We Will Rock You.” That’s an sudden win for me.
Why do you are feeling the One Moto Present has resonated so nicely with the customized motorbike neighborhood?
It’s actual. Yearly I take part as a builder, artist, and attendee in addition to placed on the occasion. The participant view of the present helps me keep enthusiastic about it and jogs my memory mid-stress that that is for enjoyable. Retains my perspective in test. Does that make sense? I don’t wish to be the man placing on the present. I simply needed to be a man in a present exhibiting off his bike, no occasions hit that for me so I made a present that I believed was what I needed. Now I’m caught… in a great way.
What has the help from motorbike producers been like?
Good, final yr… nice. I at all times say it. If OEMs wish to promote extra bikes they should get extra folks racing, customizing, and destroying bikes. Within the course of, you’ll construct a much bigger trade.
How are the winners of the present chosen?
It adjustments annually however the fundamentals are this. The awards are supposed to be enjoyable, not like a severe “if I don’t win I’m gonna cry ” kind of state of affairs. I imply who would wish to win the “polished turd award?”
Did you’ve got a private favourite this yr?
Each bike within the present was massively higher than the primary One Present’s greatest bikes. The caliber of bikes is insane nowadays. The winners of awards are all standouts and I’ll say that they received awards for a purpose.
And eventually, what plans do you’ve got for subsequent yr’s present?
Which One … trace trace. Jk. I don’t know but. I would like a second to catch my breath. However will probably be, like yearly, MAGIC.
Pictures by Eric Jutras
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