Indian Larry’s Gasoline Alley Block Party
Born To Ride continues to look back at our relationship with Indian Larry. Here is a reprint of an article BTR published in August 2004
Where better to spend a Saturday afternoon then hanging out in Brooklyn at Gasoline Alley? Indian Larry is the host with the most and proves that his talents and vision surpass just motorcycles. From choppers, hemi’s, to jet engine trucks, this made for a world of eye candy and party props. The melting pot of NYC showed its true colors. A wide display of multi talented speed enthusiast, including Dave Cronk made this event completely nostalgic. Everyone from Billy Lane to Easyriders Mike Lichter flew in from everywhere USA for the one day gig to show their support. Other top builders such as Steel City Choppers and Wiseguys Customs also came out to play. What a sight to see such a mix of extreme talent drinking from the same taps, eating the same pig and complimenting each others creations.
The windows of the warehouse district shook to the beat of Sea Monster and several other bands that showed up from all over the world. An old shop engine that was kicking around was put on ice. What a creative contrast considering how hot Indian Larry is on the scene right now.
The ambiance of Gasoline Alley is exactly what it should be a rough and equipped garage full of tools and minimal flash. Set in the warehouse district of Brooklyn who’s going to complain if you’re pounding metal till 4:00 a.m. These guys are set up for psycho engineering; it’s no upper Manhattan showcase. It’s the real McCoy and their not selling golf bags.
Indian Larry absolutely hasn’t forgotten where he comes from the circus was just moved from Coney Island to Brooklyn. Street acts such as the likes of the Ice Cream Man From Hell, and hot dog slammin Rodent from Barnetts (A true New Yorker).
The middle of the day went up in flames as Johnny Jet set off his 1957 jet engine truck. Half of the block had to be cleared out so he could fire up; the rumble of that jet engine was probably heard all the way through the Queens expressway. Within five minutes after take off, the Brooklyn fire department showed up and the guests became even more zealous.
Indian Larry and Paul Cox glow with enthusiasm and pride for their work and it was an honor to see it first hand. As hard as the whole crew at Gasoline Alley grinds, they still took the time to mingle with all their company and talk shop. I admire that even with Larry’s unparalleled success and heavy road schedule that he still took the time to throw a party in appreciation of his fans, old friends, and business comrades. The hospitality was outstanding and so was the party. Let’s not leave out the way cool view of the Empire State building from the alley, and where better to experience it then on Indian Larry’s front curb.
Indian Larry’s Gasoline Alley is located at 151 N. 14th st. Brooklyn N.Y. or check him out on the web at www.indianlarry.com and for a good seat check out Paul Cox at www.paulcoxleather.com
ANGELINA