F B I A M S T E R D A M I N T E R N A T I O N A L M E E T J U L Y 2 0 0 9
The World's Premiere KustomBike Experience
REPORTAGE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BR&K ASSOCIATE EDITOR JOHN BRAIN
With the 2010 FBI fast approaching let's look back at the good times we had at
last year's event: Summer 2009
Tuesday July 28 saw the beginning of the convergence. Amsterdam, and specifically the Chopperdome, started to see the first trickle of people arriving for the yearly gathering. I was in the company of the Van Heusedens (Rhalf and Kitty), the FBI's premier party organizers. I was also happy to see Yoda (their young son) who had had grown quite a bit in the year since I had seen him last; luckily, he still seemed to find my company quite amusing. Taking the opportunity we (Kitty, Yoda and I) spent some time exploring the wonders of Holland, checking out a bit of the countryside and seeing the inside of an ancient castle, complete with dungeon and moat. The Netherlands is a fantastic place to explore; and though there is never enough time to see everything you want, you still have to try to get in as much as possible.
Later on, after a dinner of Indonesian food (and cigars) it was time to catch up on the news of the day. We received word that the German riders had crossed the border and were heading for Utrecht. The plan was to meet up with them the next morning for a 50KM bike ride back to Amsterdam. The Finns too were beginning to arrive, Ari (top winner of 2008s COTY show) and his family stopped by Rhalf and Kitty's for a chat and sit down. We learned that one of the Finland crew (Annti) was riding his bike the entire way from his home in Finland to the FBI. All I could hope was that he had tough skin, in order to survive such a long ride - at least 600 miles! You have to be young and tough to challenge these kinds of distances. Ari slyly commented, in respect to the Finland crew, that "with enough 'liquid refreshments' even greater things were possible".
One of the premier members of Finland's horizontal crew had Ari worried though. Ari commented "Our road captain 'Y.G.' has been sober for two days; I hope he is feeling well" he added "everyone is concerned; it's not like him to be this way". We later found out that Y.G. was getting into peak partying mode, and was saving up his strength for a week-long bender. No need to worry about Y.G. we figured, his bike seat is low, so less distance to travel to the ground if things got really blurry. Although I must say, that I have never seen a Finn who could not make it back home on his bike after a night of partying, a few wipe-outs on the way notwithstanding.
We were told that the Spanish contingent was well on their way to the FBI party too, in a borrowed truck hauling a dog, 3 live scorpions, an eccentric Englishman, blacklights, and 15 bags of ice. Along with all these items they also had a custom bike that doubled as a portable bar, and a 12 foot long pedaled vision they called "Scorpia".
The topper came when it was announced that the Slovenian bike crew was coming armed with two full cases of 120-proof "Absinthe", which they intended to distribute freely as part of a trial marketing "experiment". The drink "Absinthe" had been banned for nearly 90 years in almost every part of the world till just a few years ago. So everyone was looking forward to being introduced to the "green fairy", the supposed mystical essence that resides within every bottle of the strange- tasting elixir. This all sounded very interesting, and potentially very entertaining.
This combination of Finns, Spaniards, Russians, Slovenians, Scorpions, and two cases of Absinthe had me excited about the coming week's activities, especially since the Absinthe would be freely distributed on one of the following evenings. What would the effect be? Well, whatever happened would surely prove to be educational.
FBI Day 1, Wed July 29th: Day of the Rubber Helmets: I woke up early, and had coffee and warm bread with Yoda. Plans were in motion to load Rhalf's truck with our bikes and head to the train station in Utrecht, a city about 45km from the outskirts of Amsterdam. It was here we'd be meeting up with the newly- arrived German contingent of the "Chopaderos" bike club, and a number of local riders from various other clubs. All peaked and ready to go.
Once our bikes got packed in the back of Rhalf's big Dodge we headed out. Mark (Fonda) and his partner Dana of the Chopaderos also joined us for the ride to Utrecht. As it turned out we had a perfect weather forecast for the day's events, and it seemed the rest of the week was looking just as good too.
Shortly after feeding the thirsty truck at a highway gas station, we found ourselves on the outskirts of Utrecht. The moment we arrived at the train station it was obvious we were right on schedule. People were rolling into the square - just as we were rolling off our "Basmans" from the rear of the pickup truck.
The German arrivals had made their trip in real style. Packing not only the essentials, like beer and pretzels; but also displaying the most significant fashion statement to be
seen during the entire FBI celebration, they all were wearing spiked Prussian helmets, or should I say "replicas" made out of latex rubber, just like the kind used in some countries from the late 1800's 'til WW1. I was informed that the rubber helmets were bought over the Internet, from a European novelty company. I managed to finagle one for myself, and used it constantly throughout the day.
After a short time of getting reacquainted, and getting a last washroom break, the group of 70 riders headed out from the Utrecht train station and headed for Amsterdam. No fear of getting stranded on this trip. Rhalf was trailing the group in his Dodge Ram, to pick up anyone suffering a breakdown on the way. Nobody wants to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with no means to carry on. Rhalf's preparedness for this kind of issue made the ride worry free. The route itself was well planned out, and beautiful. The only real way to get a sense of Holland's beauty is to either walk it, or to bike it - and preferably the latter - especially on a kustom bike. We took an especially striking course, along canals and some very old residential areas. Some of the buildings we saw were very regal and stately; almost castle-like in some instances. The road was edged by these large wooded estates for quite a long way. The riding was effortless too, as the land was quite flat. We travelled for about 20km till we came to our first rest stop which was situated in a small village. A nice combination of snack bar and pub greeted us here. The Germans immediately crammed into the bar to quench their thirst with cold beer. Others flocked to the snack bar for ice cream, and French fries with mayonnaise. I was feeling pretty good about the whole trip so far, and the ability of my body to take on the road.
We took off again after about 25 minutes, with everybody still in good mechanical shape. The morning sun was shining, and we were all performing well. I was taking delight in wearing my Prussian helmet for this phase of the journey, although it got a little warm after a while as rubber is a good insulator of heat. Again, the scenery was spectacular, along with the sight of 70 riders going down the road together. After another 20K and we hit the next break spot, another bar, this time it was outdoors with large umbrellas at the tables, and ice cream again, for those that wanted it. The Germans could hardly get through the entrance gate fast enough, log jamming their bikes at one point - much to the amusement of everyone there. Bikes dropped to the ground anywhere there was space, and people rushed to the bar or the washrooms. More time to get acquainted, lay back and take it all in. Relaxation was the keyword here, and everybody did just that.
Then we were off again in good shape, with no drop-outs or break-downs. You could tell we were getting closer to Amsterdam, the landscape was getting more commercial and the traffic was picking up a bit. The final stop after another reasonable distance was a McDonald's restaurant, Cheeseburgers and large drinks were the order of the day here. People were starting to feel a little tired at this point, but everyone was generally in pretty good shape.
Everyone regained their energy during the last few miles into the city. Groups started breaking up at this point and headed out to the various camping sites and hotels they were booked at.
Many of the locals finished up at the Café Grand Fossa (a floating bar) that sat in a canal in the middle of Amsterdam, it sort of became the FBI's unofficial headquarters that week and became the general departure point for many of the scheduled events.
Late that night the Finns and the Spanish groups converged for some late night elbow bending. Y.G from Finland fell asleep on his bicycle before winding up horizontal in front of the stairs next to the Choppedome. Antti his teammate told me he was just resting up for even bigger things later on that night. Mike from Spain was there too, riding the outrageous ''Scorpia" 3 wheeler into the night. This amazing machine had a cage installed under the seat with live scorpions in it. I also got a demonstration of how live scorpions glowed under the gaze of a black light. Damndest thing I ever saw!
Day 2, July 30 Much of the day was spent outside the Chopperdome, as it served as the initial meeting point for arrivals from all points beyond. This was sort of a prep time for the big night cruise taking part later that evening. Many people were also taking in the sights of the city, touring around at a leisurely pace.
The 50K night cruise is an annual initiation of sorts, a must-do for anyone seriously taking part in the official FBI events, and it's always enjoyable. Participants met up at the "Café Grand Fossa", AKA the "floating bar" with the estimated departure time being around 8p.m. Everyone was kicking back with liquid refreshments and banter, when the unthinkable happened it started pouring rain! The call finally came for the departure, and everyone looked at each other, and whispered "but, what about the rain?" Yes, the rain. No sympathy for getting wet, it was do or die time! I managed to steal a garbage bag which I made into a rain vest. We were being directed by the night cruise organizers to "go go go!", so that's what I did. I hopped on my Basman and started to follow the route I thought was correct. I hurried to catch up, but in vain. I obviously went the wrong way, and was not helped when some pedestrians urged me on to follow a non-existent group of riders. I doubled back in the rain, taking a slightly different way. As it turned out I was not the only person who got lost, I ran into a group of riders at a lonely intersection, none of us knowing where to go. For a moment I had second thoughts, but then off in the distance we spotted about 20 riders who looked like they were on the right course. Luckily, we were no longer lost.
We made it to the next stop which had a restaurant and beer. The sky had cleared and everyone said they felt surprisingly dry. I had to agree, all the rain in my clothes had evaporated. In fact I was getting warm, so I tore off my garbage bag rain suit and tossed it into a dustbin.
The only hill came on the approach to the beach area, and it was very manageable for the majority of riders. A few people ventured off the road and down the path to the sand and the water. The beach was fantastic. This really was living, doing the thing you love to do with a group of over a 100 like-minded friends.
Again, after food and lounging it was a leisurely trip back to the city, with plenty of stops for relief and refreshment on the way. The traffic was a bit heavier on this portion of the journey, and some motorists risked the wrath of the determined cruisers. Sometimes it's a clash between those who are in a rush and those who are taking life easy. The coexistence sometimes has a bit of friction. Nevertheless, not a single incident proved to be an issue. The riders were too busy enjoying themselves to get bent out of shape.
Day 4 COTY The COTY is the "Cruiser of the year" show, and awards ceremony. This is the event that bike builders from all over the world look to for inspiration on what is new, hot, and experimental. This is also the award that all top builders hope to achieve some day, so as you can imagine competition can be pretty stiff. The top prize is decided by the popular vote of the spectators; rather than by a judged system of points, it is a people's award. Individual awards for things like "best paint" are decided upon by committee.
The glow of old street lights along the one canal route made for some memorable views. The temperature actually seemed to be getting warmer as the night progressed. I felt sorry for all the people who decided not to make the trip; they were missing out on a fantastic evening. The rain gave way to make the night cruise one of the best events of the entire week. We were making out just fine.
It turned out the night cruise was going the same route as the previous year run - but only this time - in reverse. A fact I figured out when we were heading back towards the city. The only thing we didn't do was ride though the black forest, where so many people went missing the year before -missing till the next day that is.
After a few hours we were riding back though the Amsterdam, it was around 3:00a.m. or so; with the pack still mostly together. A memorable moment during this portion of the trip was when the Englishman from Spain missed a corner on his bike, and went careening down a park embankment only to smash into a large section of shrubbery at the bottom; into which he disappeared for a while. His dog followed him in, but both eventually emerged; the Englishman a little banged up and scraped, but still able to swear like a sailor on shore leave. Ah, inebriation.
The group converged at the "Dam Square'' , everyone having had a good time, all but the English guy from Spain who was still ranting and screaming like a fan at a soccer game, he was obviously not happy about something. I recall how the Spanish crew eventually tied him up in the back of their truck to keep him from getting into further trouble. All in all it was a most memorable and amazing evening - to be sure.
Day 3 Beach cruise
The cruise to the beach was the third instalment of the 50km cruises. If you managed to finish 2 of the long riding events you were awarded a 100km patch. Coveted by those who were looking for a rare (and earned) memento of the FBI. The weather was warm and sunny and everyone was expecting great things. We took off from the Chopperdome at around half past noon, with at least 150 riders.
Luckily Holland is flat, the perfect geography for a long distance bike trip. The tour took us through the city, and off into the country. With a bit of wind behind us the smell of summer filled the air. This was an incredibly beautiful journey. Biking really is the best way to enjoy the Netherlands; as you get to take in everything around you with all your senses.
After getting back on track we rode for about 20 minutes till we came to a tavern on a quiet street. The rain was taking its toll on a few people whose legs were getting cramped up. I was doing ok, and the rain did seem to be letting up a bit. Then we were off again for the ride, the rain was definitely less that it had had been. What began looking like a horror story of wet, cold, and pain turned out to be a beautiful summer evening. The night tour was feeling fine, enjoyed by 125 riders on their kustomized machines.
It's hard to express how beautiful it was cruising through the night with all those riders surrounding me. Holland is a beautiful country whatever the time of day you're checking it out. And it is never better than when you're pedaling.
This year's event was held in the Machinegebouw building, in Westerpark Amsterdam. Westerpark is just that, a park, made from reclaimed industrial land and buildings that sat idle for decades. The Machinegebouw was the perfect setting for the COTY competition. Kustom bikes and people from all over Europe, Russia and beyond were in attendance. Build quality and design were once again exceptional, some bikes tending on the experimental side; a fact that makes the "COTY" a truly one of a kind event. Bikes in the show were identified with numbers, and show-goers were given a form to identify their favourites this "popular" vote deciding the overall winner. To be chosen winner of the COTY is one of the greatest honours that a kustom bike builder can hope to achieve. In fact, just being able to take part in the COTY show is a pleasure in itself, as it reinforces the core reasons why people get involved with kustom biking to the extent that they do. In this sense every participant rides away a winner, each knowing they had the privilege of taking part in the world's top exhibition of kustom biking. Alongside other like-minded builders who share the same powerful drive to create the new art of the street.
Below: Italy's Alessandro Rorato of "Plasma Customs" designed and built the winner of the FBI's 2009 top bike award. He named it "20's Queen" . It was inspired by the lines of an early 1920's Harley Davidson motorcycle, and is accented with Alessandro's personal detailing throughout. Special features include perimeter brakes, a handmade seat and an MP3 player hidden in the paneled tank area. Congratulations Alessandro, on a job well done.
It was a curious day for many reasons, not only for the COTY exhibition, but also for the "Great Absinthe Test". As I mentioned before, the drink "Absinthe" had been banned in most parts of the world for about 90 years -for its alleged destructive properties. But for some reason (maybe European politics?) the drink has reappeared on the market, and has actually made a comeback of sorts. The Slovenian crew were given 2 cases of 120 proof Absinthe by one of their country's rising new distilleries, with the idea that the FBI would be a good venue to introduce the green liquid to a new generation of discriminating drinkers.
The Slovenian Absinthe was made freely available to everyone outside the COTY building starting just after lunch time. The Spanish crew (ever resourceful) utilized their pedal-powered bar to administer portions of the Slovenian Absinthe to the waiting audience. Curiosity abounded, as people stood in line for this green potion with the licorice taste, mixed in the traditional way - with sugar and water.
A couple of hours later the Slovenian donor of the Absinthe proclaimed the marketing test a success; no doubt based on the fact that the drink caused nearly 20 people to become completely horizontal. Including half the Finland contingent, a number of the Dutch crew, and one member of the British Chopaderos who paid admission to the Westerpark movie theatre for a place to ride out the green haze. A "good idea" he thought; notwithstanding the fact that the theatre was engaged with a children's film festival that day. He commented: "it was air conditioned I think, or at least I thought it was, and, so anyways... I spent the money and crashed in the theatre". He also said "I can't recall anything about the movie really; except for the sound of 200 screaming children".
Even more revelry came with the much anticipated "FBI Party Cruise" which took place later that evening; this event was the culmination of the entire week's social agenda. Enthusiasts from more than a dozen nations met to compare cycles and to socialize. This is the largest gathering of its type in Europe, and the sheer numbers were inspiring. Hundreds of riders headed into downtown Amsterdam en-masse from various points of the city, enthralling onlookers. This multitude of riders assembled in the "Marie Heineken Square"; a place that only minutes prior to our arrival was almost completely deserted. I arrived with the first of the pack, and climbed to the top of a statue to take pictures of the invasion. Every entrance to the square was jammed with the converging cyclists. I quickly realized the scene was far too large to get into one camera shot from my chosen vantage point. This truly was the event that showed just how big the Euro bike scene had become.
The 2009 FBI was a resounding success; it proved that the alternative bike movement in Europe is strong, and that it's evolving into atrue lifestyle and culture of the street. The man behind these annual gatherings (for the last 9 years) has got to feel satisfied that all his hard work has been supremely worthwhile. Rhalf Van Heusden has created a focal point and a phenomenon. The FBI is an event which gives its all to the participants. It has become the template for how it ought to be done.
The first evening ended up in front of the Chopperdome for the annual watergun war. The Germans and the Dutch take a special delight in this event, with the Russian contingent making inroads at getting wet also. The opposing factions worked out strategies and everyone wound up getting soaked.
