Von Dutch Kustom Cycles Chosen to Build
Official Custom Motorcycle of the 2006 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ --
Von Dutch Kustom Cycles (http://www.vondutchkustomcycles.com) has
been unanimously selected by the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce to
build the official custom bike for the 2006 Sturgis Motorcycle
Rally. Von Dutch Kustom Cycles, with it's winning bike desig n,
the Cruelworld Softail Chopper, was awarded this prestigious honor,
beating out numerous motorcycle companies, manufacturers, OEM's
and custom builders. The bike, which has been built for the 66th
Annual Sturgis Rally, will be raffled off for charity through the
Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation and Sturgis Rally
Charities. Raffle tickets will be available online at http://www.sturgisrallyraffle.com.
"We are excited and humbled to receive this distinguished
honor," says VDKC COO and Chief Designer, Alex Mardikian. "Von
Dutch Kustom Cycles was built on the principle of 'Kustom Kulture.'
We plan to use this opportunity that the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce
has graciously bestowed upon us, to help educate the motorcycle
community about Kustom Kulture, and why it is relevant to us and
our fellow bike builders and enthusiasts."
Kustom Kulture is a movement that started in 1950-60's
car and motorcycle culture and continues today. The concept at
the basis of this principle is that everyone is an individual with
their own sense of style that reflects their personality. Kustom
Kulture is an ideology that allows people to express themselves
through the artistry of their vehicles. Von Dutch Kustom Cycles
has infused elements of Kustom Kulture into the bike that they
have built for the 66th Annual Black Hills Rally.
"Von Dutch Kustom Cycles really brings some strong
assets to our charity program," said Marcia Johnston, chair
of the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation. "We
think the relationship with Von Dutch will take us to a new level
and we are excited about expanding our relationship with the company
in a variety of ways."
"The community is sure to win on this one," says
Sturgis Mayor Mark Zeigler. "I'm extremely proud of the way
the Chamber, The City and Sturgis Rally Charities are working together
on behalf of our town. Having Von Dutch Kustom Cycles on board
should really enhance the excitement surrounding the raffle this
year."
The winning Von Dutch Kustom Cycles model chosen by
the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, the Cruel World Softail Chopper,
is a marvel of modern technology and old school design. This bike
features a complete 113 cubic-inch Patrick Racing Billet Motor,
Primo Rivera open-belt drive, and 6-speed chrome transmission.
Additional features include a hand tooled leather seat, Brembo
braking system, VDKC handlebars, custom rims, and custom paint
by award-winning paint by Deano's of Arizona.
The bike has already achieved celebrity status by
being featured and photographed with Hollywood A-listers at the
Showtime Style 2006 pre-Golden Globes retreat. Held at the Luxe
Hotel on the famed Beverly Hills shopping Mecca, Rodeo Drive, the
event boasted some of Hollywood's biggest stars including Angela
Bassett, Daryl Hannah, Terrence Howard, and Michael Madsen, amongst
many others. The bike will continue its media blitz leading up
to the Black Hills Rally, visiting Cincinnati's V-Twin Expo, the
ultimate motorcycle dealer trade show and internationally renowned
apparel trade show, MAGIC Marketplace, in February.
This honorable appointment by the Sturgis Chamber
of Commerce entitles Von Dutch Kustom Cycles to join the exclusive
company of the few organizations who are permitted a license to
use the Sturgis name and composite. The Chamber and Von Dutch Kustom
Cycles are currently working on a variety of licensing deals related
to a unique blend of the two sought-after brands, including a line
of die-cast miniature toy motorcycles by Jada Toys.
About Von Dutch Kustom Cycles
Von
Dutch Kustom Cycles was founded in 2003 by longtime custom bike
and powercraft designer Alex
Mardikian. The company makes both
production models and original, highly stylized custom cruisers,
choppers and bobbers popular for their unorthodox, retro "Kustom
Kulture" designs,
and sells through an exclusive network of dealerships worldwide.
Along with its motorcycles, Von Dutch Kustom Cycles
is the official licensee of Von Dutch Originals, an internationally-renowned
fashion
powerhouse that offers a selection of "
greaser chic" and "garage couture," hot rod-inspired clothing
and one-of-a-kind accessories.
Von Dutch Kustom Cycles is headquartered in
the Los Angeles area and employs an array from top level executives,
chop shop specialists also known as sheet metal fabricators, master
mechanics,
engineers and not to forget, artists. All VDKC creations carry certificates
of authenticity placed out of sight to the fuel tank, the frame, the
oil tank, and the rear fender. Visit Von Dutch Kustom Cycles online
at http://www.vondutchkustomcycles.com.
About Sturgis Motorcycle Rally / Sturgis Chamber of Commerce
Charitable
Foundation / Sturgis Rally Charities
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will celebrate its 66th
anniversary in the summer of 2006. The event draws in excess of
half a million tourists each August to the small town of Sturgis
and the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.
The City of Sturgis, The Sturgis
Chamber of Commerce and Sturgis Rally Charities work hand-in-hand to offer the community
a significant
annual return from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. More than a
million dollars has been given away to dozens of great causes as
a result of sponsorship, licensing and the annual raffle of the
Official Custom Motorcycle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Tickets can be purchased through
the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce at
605.347.2556 or online at http://www.SturgisMotorcycleRally.com or http://www.SturgisRallyRaffle.com.
|