Classic Ironworks Grand Opening Party
By beryl nitrate

As submitted to "Thunder Press" magazine, www.thunderpress.net

     June 12, Redmond, WA - How do you tell your loyal customers that you've moved your business a few blocks down the street? With a BBQ, live music, prize drawings, run information, and a few friends. Brock and Debbie Radloff have just moved Classic Ironworks Custom Cycle Shop to 15125 NE 90th Street in Redmond. Both are really pumped about their new home. The shop space has more than doubled, there's plenty of parking out front and in back, and the neighbor's don't seem to mind if you invite a few friends over on a Saturday for a celebration.

     The new shop has over 5000 square feet. That means more space for servicing, repairing, restoring, and fabricating motorcycles. More space for customers to wait comfortably and chat in the lobby. More space to display Brock's custom work and bikes for sale. And private space for Debbie to handle the business end of the shop. "I have my own office, with a door that closes!" The kids have a play area, too. It's a family business, and now the kids have place of their own, close by Debbie, but out from under foot.

     On this day, the family were all present to help out. Jerry and Grace, Debbie's parents, have been involved with the shop, and with supporting motorcycle organizations, for a long time. Brock and Debbie's two daughters were lending a hand too, especially with sampling the food.

     And the food was plentiful: pizza, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, and such summer favorites. And to go with the food, live music, served up al fresco. The band was set up behind the building, in an excellent spot. You could hear the music in the service area while admiring the bikes in waiting, or come on outside and close up. Two bands were scheduled for the day, and someone seemed to always be listening.

      At one point, Brock caught me admiring a green Panhead chopper in the row of in-process bikes. The owner (Warren) had the entire bike in boxes. Pieces here and there, each in its box, many with receipts and packing slips, all collected in the 70s and stored for years. Brock has put the bike back together, with all the original parts, except the rear fender. That's a slightly modified Fatboy front fender, but it fits in like it was always there. It runs, but now Brock is fine tuning it and ironing out the rough spots you get when parts sit in a box for nearly 30 years. So today it sits with a drip pan, waiting to be back on the road.

     The bikes in the lobby don't need bibs. These are Brock's recent customs. Two were shown the this year's Seattle Roadster Show (and there's more than one first place trophy on the wall for Brock's bikes). Black with silver flames, and red with silver flames: graphics and paint by Jesse Welch of Trick Paint (www.trickpaint.com). The sleek curves, wasp-like waists, and wide rear ends show Brock's touch. The third bike dwarfs the other two. It was custom built for a Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle. The frame, the front end, the tank, and the entire bike were sized for a six foot - five and 300 pound rider. This bike is for sale, just in case you're looking for something in a "Big and Tall" size. Don't forget to ask about the discount for ABATE members while you're shopping.

     For those who were more interested in actually riding than looking at customs, the crew from the DOCS Foundation were on hand for the DOCS Ride Kickoff. The rides is on July 11 in Woodinville, but Spike and friends came out to pre-register riders and offer information on Juvenile Diabetes. Spike started the DOCS Foundation and the ride 5 years ago to raise money for juvenile diabetes research. The name stands for Diabetes on the Cure in Seattle. Funds raised from the ride will be donated to Children's Hospital to fund research.

     This year's ride is a scavenger hunt, starting at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville. To entice early registration, Spike brought along a few souvenirs, a band, a babe for photos, and Dan Haggerty. Dan's been involved with the ride for a few years now, and he enjoys helping out the kids. Just ask Tyler, Sammie, and Andrew, cousins who were delighted to have Grizzly Adams pose for a picture with them. If you missed the party, don't worry. Dan will be back at the Ride on July 11, with a camera crew in tow. Dan is working on a new series on motorcycle shows, and you'll have to attend the ride to find out more.

     Bands and food in the back. A shop full of interesting bikes in the middle. Celebrity bikes and celebrity guests in the front lobby, and a small show out front of all Brock's customs and friends' bikes. What a way to kick off your new store! Thanks to Classic Ironworks for a great grand opening party. The new shop is spacious and inviting. I spied a lot of good iron in the shop, and I'm sure Brock's clients are in good hands. For more info on DOCS Foundation, see www.docsfoundation.org