The Heart & Soul of Motorcycling

We love riding and testing new motorcycles. We’ve always got a couple on loan in our garages, and our crew certainly enjoys sampling the latest offerings in technology, comfort, and “rideability”. These of course, can only be purchased from brand dealerships, and we appreciate our relationships with our regional ones, as well as the motorcycle brands themselves.

Boxer Works, Watkinsville, GA.

But there’s something special about the small, privately owned “mom & pop” motorcycle shops. The true essence, the heart and soul of our motorcycling culture and lifestyle can really only be tasted in these local shops. Our friend Ryan Richardson, the North Georgia rep for Law Tigers, knows this very well.

Cherokee Choppers, Douglasville, GA.

Having worked for a number of years in several Atlanta area motorcycle shops, and with an aptitude and passion for photography, Ryan endeavors to capture the true spirit of motorcycling through his lens. He regularly visits small motorcycle shops all around metro Atlanta and North Georgia, capturing images of life among these moto-privateers, and we wanted to share a few of his recent shots.

Davis Cycles, Bremen, GA.

“I love photographing the folks at these local motorcycle shops, and highlighting the great work they do. You never know what you might capture, up on a stand, in a corner, or mounted on a wall,” Ryan reflects. “These men and women are the real heart of our lifestyle, in the shop every day, building or repairing the bikes we love so much. I love spending time with them.”

Eclectic Cycle Works, Lilburn, GA.

Ryan makes the rounds for Law Tigers, sharing promo materials for shop owners, employees and patrons alike. But his real passion is to showcase those shops and workers themselves, and call attention to the work they do in keeping our lifestyle running and thriving. It is here, among the lifts and parts and tools, that Ryan finds the deeper spirit of motorcycling.

G & G Cycles, Roswell, GA.

“I love the sights, sounds and smells in the shop, back behind the lobby,” Ryan says. “The old hanging light fixtures, the smell of oil and fumes, heavy metal so often playing through a small speaker on a table, the dirty rags and tools scattered about. That’s gritty and real. This is what I want to capture in photos.”

Pop’s Coffee Co., Roswell, GA. Not a motorcycle shop per se, but partnered with and co-owned by Triumph of Roswell. We just love their model of “mochas & motorcycles.”

We’ve written about these small business owners/operators before, and we still believe they not only represent all that makes America great, but they are the backbone of our motorcycling lifestyle. They are indeed the heart and soul of biker culture. So thanks for capturing a little sample of their efforts, Ryan, and thanks to all the small shops out there, wrenching away so we can stay on the road. We salute you.

*All photos by Ryan Richardson.