News Feature

You still have a few days to enter your unique ride in the Motofellas Curbside D’Elegance custom bike show, set for Sunday, July 14 at the Brooklyn Beer Garden in Bushwick. This first-time event promises to be an inspiring exhibition of motorcycles created by both backyard wrenchers and pro builders. And as a kicker, all proceeds from admissions ($10 per person, includes 1 beer or non alcoholic drink) will be donated to Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue.

We recently sat down with two of the movers and shakers behind the show – Jason Hodrinsky and Denizcan Dedeoglu – to talk about the event and the New York bike builders scene.

1) So, Brooklyn has a new custom bike show … what was the impetus for creating the Curbside D’Elegance and how long has the idea been in the works? Where did the name originate and who created the event’s artwork?

Jason: Part of the MotoFellas ethos is to try and do something to benefit the local NYC community each season. Deniz brought up the idea of the custom bike show as a means by which to showcase the skills of some of the MotoFellas as well as give a platform for other local builders, amateur and smaller scale professional builders alike, to display the results of their labor all while donating the proceeds to help a local charity.

Deniz: Over the course of several years, we have met lots of talented builders and experienced their two-wheel artworks being created in sheds, garages, and even living rooms. An event to celebrate them was an idea we were circulating for a while. After we shook hands with the venue, we started brainstorming about the name. Many variations later, we decided on Curbside D’Elegance. I believe it represents the rough but elegant creations of NYC perfectly.

We are very privileged that MotoFellas embody a great deal of talented people. The pigeon logo was created by Taisiya Lazareva, another talented MotoFella, way before the show as a MotoFellas mascot. After we defined the concept of the show, it was evident that the pigeon would be a part of it. Fed Pacheco and a group of fellas put the finishing touches (on the artwork).

2) With the loss of the Brooklyn Invitational this year, it seems like a perfect opportunity to launch this new venture. What about this particular custom show makes it different from other New York-based events?

Jason: The loss of the Brooklyn Invitational wasn’t really on our radar when we decided to put on this show, but it certainly impacts things. With this show we are striving to showcase the DIY spirit through a wide range of brands and styles. The idea is to showcase bikes built by folks lacking the resources of big name builders: Bikes that are built in single-car garages, on NYC streets, or even in people's living rooms. Our aim is to showcase the skills of the builder to push through adversity and make something that can inspire budding builders to get out there and make something of their own.

Deniz: As Jason mentioned, this show is all about showing how much can be achieved with a limited amount of resources and a lot of sweat equity. We have also invited various established shops to show their craftsmanship and inspire all wrenchers attending the show.

Some members of the moto collective know as Motofellas (current membership: 81) — Rahoul Ghose

Deniz brought up the idea of the custom bike show as a means by which to showcase the skills of some of the MotoFellas as well as give a platform for other local builders, amateur and smaller scale professional builders alike, to display the results of their labor all while donating the proceeds to help a local charity.

3) What for you defines the New York City style of bike when it comes to local builds? Who do you see currently as leaders in the local build community who are producing new and unique bike designs?

Jason: Taking care not to call out names as we have not finalized the lineup and I don’t want to give anything away, in my mind the New York City style of bike is defined much like the city’s residents … not defined by any one style or origin, but rather by attitude, artistry, and creativity.

Deniz: I guess the answer to this question will be given at the show. Just by looking at the variety of submissions, one can easily say that the diversity in NYC not only applies to its residents but also its custom builds.

4) I see that you’re accepting entries from all over the North Eastern US. How many bikes will be shown at the event and what are your factors in choosing to invite one local builder over another?

Jason: We initially capped the show at 14 bikes, but due to the sheer number of amazing bikes that have already been submitted, we are working with the venue to fit even more.

5) The cutoff for submissions is July 1. What types of bikes have been submitted to be shown on July 14 and who is on the judging panel which determines the final show lineup?

Jason: We’ve had all kinds of motorcycles submitted, from locally built cafe racers that are show veterans to a tracker built in a guy’s apartment. We are encouraging folks to submit bikes of all types. We have a group of admins who will determine the final lineup. I'm submitting a bike for consideration, so I'm not on the panel. But the panel is comprised of MotoFellas with diverse tastes and rides.

6) Is the final show itself also judged with winners in categories being selected … or is the show more just to highlight a variety of builds?

Jason: We have three categories: 1) best amateur build, 2) best professional build, and 3) people’s choice.

Jason Hodrinsky working on a bike project — Rahoul Ghose

Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit network of rescuers, fosters and volunteers who work together to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from high kill shelters in the south. They give these dogs a second chance at a caring relationship with humans, and we think that’s just awesome.

7) The Motofellas are the overall hosts for the event, but who were the individual movers and shakers for the show and what role(s) do/did they play?

Jason: Deniz is the brains behind the show, but there are a number of folks behind the scenes who have helped shape the show and will help day of.

Deniz: This is MotoFellas’ very own show. Our collective accommodates members with various skill sets who are all supporting the event.

8) Is this an event you can see being held annually or is it too early to make that decision?

Jason: We obviously hope this becomes a yearly event.

Deniz: We have been organizing charity events ever since MotoFellas was established. Hopefully, this one will become our signature event.

9) You’ve also attached the event to a worthy cause: Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue. Tell us a bit how that relationship developed and what BBAR do for the community.

Jason: Well, in a few words, the work they do is badass. Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit network of rescuers, fosters and volunteers who work together to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from high kill shelters in the south. They give these dogs a second chance at a caring relationship with humans, and we think that’s just awesome.

10) Will any other Motofellas be showing their bikes?

Jason: In addition to myself … fingers crossed, we have received a few submissions from other ‘Fellas, so it’s likely there will be at least one MotoFellas builder represented in the show.

11) The event is being staged at the Brooklyn Beer Garden in Bushwick. Will the bikes be displayed inside? How are you going to showcase them … elevated decks?

Jason: We are trying to work out the final bike count with the venue, but all show bikes will be inside the venue. We also anticipate having showcase bikes that are owned by ‘Fellas but were built by others. These bikes won’t be part of the judging, but they will provide some nice additional eye candy.

Deniz: The venue is basically an open-air beer garden. There is even a sandbox in one corner where we are planning to showcase some of the scrambler bikes. We are also expecting the parking areas around the venue to be a show on its own.

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us … we are definitely looking forward to the show.

Denizcan Dedeoglu — Rahoul Ghose

This show is all about showing how much can be achieved with a limited amount of resources and a lot of sweat equity. We have also invited various established shops to show their craftsmanship and inspire all wrenchers attending the show.

To sign up for the Curbside D’Elegance, visit motofellasnyc.com/curbside and fill out the online entry form. Submissions from all professional and amateur builders in the North East are being accepted. Those chosen to show bikes will be contacted directly by organizers. Up-to-date info is also published on the @motofellasnyc Instagram. Admission for the event will be $10 (includes 1 beer or non alcoholic drink) for visitors with all proceeds going to Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue.