J&P Cycles Awards $20,000 and Crowns Eight U.S. Vets as Kings of Custom Motorcycle Builders

(Above) Motorcycle Missions’ team of students and coaches created Porterfield, the custom bike that won the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, the world’s largest elite-level motorcycle building competition. Team members (left to right) Staff Sgt. Shawn Stover (Army), Sgt. Erik Sherman (Marines), Sgt. Adria Garcia (Army), Chris Moos, Spc. 1^st Class Ron Harding (Army), Staff Sgt. Cassaundra Melgar-C’De Baca (Air Force), Sgt. Andrew Pike (Army), Lt. Col. Alba Melgar-C’De Baca (Army), Lt. Austin Vermillion (Navy), Spc. Shayne Madison (Army), Airman 1st Class David Roy (Air Force). Front row: Krystal Hess.  Photo courtesy of Garrett Stanley Photography

Chicago — February 15, 2018 — J&P Cycles, the world’s largest aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories retailer, awarded the title of Kings of Custom Motorcycle Builders to eight U.S. military veterans from Texas. They earned the title at the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, the world’s largest elite-level motorcycle building competition. The final stop on the tour was part of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Chicago.  

The $20,000 grand prize was presented to Motorcycle Missions, a non-profit organization in Austin, Texas that uses motorcycles to help veterans and first responders address PTSD. Founded in 2015 by Krystal Hess, a pediatric and surgical nurse who found motorcycles while suffering from PTSD.

The new “Kings” are Sgt. Adria Garcia (Army), Spc. 1^st Class Ron Harding (Army), Spc. Shayne Madison (Army), Lt. Col. Alba Melgar-C’De Baca (Army), Sgt. Andrew Pike (Army), Staff Sgt. Shawn Stover (Army), Sgt. Erik Sherman (Marines), and Staff Sgt. Cassaundra Melgar-C’De Baca (Air Force). Sgt. Garcia is a Purple Heart recipient.

“How can you not be proud of these folks? They served our country and now they’ve teamed up to create this stunning custom motorcycle. We’re honored to name them the Kings of Custom Motorcycle Builders,” said Zach Parham, president of MAG Retail Group.

The motorcycle, nicknamed “Porterfield,” is a 1974 Harley-Davidson donated by a veteran injured while serving in the military. The team was inspired by the style of a board track racer, a popular type of racing in the early 20^th century. It features a long slim frame, a solo saddle and low, racing-style handlebars.

“Since J&P Cycles’ founding, we’ve supported people who love motorcycles. When organizations, like Motorcycle Missions, use motorcycles to positively impact people lives, it makes our jobs even more rewarding,” added Parham.

J&P Cycles sponsors motorcycle events and shows around the United States. Consumers can find more information at www.JPcycles.com.

About J&P Cycles: Founded by John and Jill Parham in 1979, J&P Cycles is the world’s largest online aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories retailer. J&P Cycles operates retail locations in Anamosa, Iowa, Daytona Beach, Florida, and Sturgis, South Dakota. The company’s Rider Service Center is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. J&P Cycles supports motorcyclists with retail pop-up stores at over a dozen motorcycle rallies, races and events throughout the U.S.