I finally got to see the faces that go with the voices at Sinister Bikes. And just in case anyone reading this hasn’t been there, I’d like to describe the scene.
Skye picked me up at the airport in his home on wheels. I don’t know if anyone knows this, but Skye has always been a van man. You know, back in the 80’s he was “that guy;” a mullet wearing, Journey blaring, Miller drinking, tinted window, shag interior “van man!” But by now, he as evolved into a “van man” of the 2000’s which is a more refined version in a Dodge Sprinter housing mostly bikes, surfboards, longboards and other extreme sports paraphernalia. Aaah, thanks goodness for evolution. But I am digressing, so I’ll get back to the story.
After driving over hill and dale, through quaint villages of steeples and town halls with views of trees, trees and more trees, past the John Deere dealership and the Massey Ferguson dealership (I heard they’re making a comeback,) we turn on the a dirt road and there we are at the factory.
We go in and there is Frank- and what do you know, he’s welding! But he stops and shakes my hand, shoots the shit and gives me some breath mints. I try not to be offended, he gave some to the other guy there too and he says he gives them to everybody (just in case?) Anyhow, it was nice of him and I like him a lot. I heard he likes Stouts so if you get the chance and you want to thank him for dedicating his life to building amazing bikes, buy him one, I bet he’d like it.
Then there’s Rob and he’s really cool too! He’s the other guy who makes the frames come together. From what I hear, the place would have trouble running without him and he is an awesome rider.
Paul is the master machinist and he’s really smart. He is the guy who figures out exactly and I mean EXACTLY what size each part needs to be and how to tell the machines to make it. If you’ve ever though about tolerances and how important they are, you will know that each piece needs to fit together in a very precise manner. This guy makes it happen. The fact that Paul is right there making sure that every piece is machined to perfection, instills trust in me. I think it is a sign of high quality control. He even speaks English (as his native language.)
Skye, well he’s the rally man. I’ve never met anyone with a more positive energy and it’s all aimed towards Sinister. He keeps the ideas flowing and the word out on the streets and in the mountains.
And then there’s the steady flow of riders that stop in and hang out. Because Frank, Rob and Skye ride too and everyone knows how important that is. They put their heart and soul in to the company and then they walk the walk (or ride the ride,) they don’t just talk the talk.
By this time, it is pouring down rain and it has become obvious that our ride is not going to happen. But, never a dull moment, Skye and I retire to his office and I am given the honored task of cutting a stencil out of cardboard with a dull matte knife. Although the ride would have been fun, could it have been that much fun? Probably not.
Although I could go on and on about the fun times I had, my point is that this is why I ride with Sinister; because they make ass kicking bikes, they don’t compromise quality and they’re super nice guys.
Cheers
Lilias
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