Be You, they're going to Judge you anyway

As we enter our ninth year of being in business and as I am getting closer to 50 than I am to 40 there have been a handful of things that occurred to me over the last few years. Some of these things were painful lessons while others brought joy, and a handful of them just stopped and made me slow down and think.

One thing I learned is to start celebrating birthdays again, in the last decade I have buried more friends than I made. Walked a lot of them to their graves and think about them quite often. I think about the laughter they brought into my life and how we always thought time was not an issue. I realize now that I am fortunate to still be here. instead of cursing another birthday and being mad about what wasn’t accomplished in the last 365 days, be thankful that you survived and have more chances to do it better.

Even the bad days have something positive we can take away from them. I know that is some new age type of thinking but it is true. Even if it is just the fact that you made it through the day without ending up in jail, try to see that silver lining.

It is not too late for greatness! And by greatness I mean your version of greatness, the greatness that is going to be what brings you your greatest joy. It could be writing that book you always had in your head, learning an instrument, becoming a better cook, being a better parent, learning how to live in the moment, finding faith again, etc.. For each and everyone one of us that greatness will mean something different and that is why it is so important to never compare your accomplishments to others or to judge what makes others complete.

Also, others think about you much less than you think they do, if they think about you at all. And that is a good thing!! Many of us waste so much time and energy worrying about what others think about us that we physically make ourselves sick. We think twice about a business venture or taking that class because we fear people are going to talk trash or say we’re “starting over again”. They might? And some even will. Do it anyway, you will see you don’t need those people in your life.

In the end, just be you. So many people want to be the next big thing; the next Zuckerberg or Lebron James. Me, I am happy with being the first Anthony Cabrera

Be Passionate.. not greedy

It is unfortunate that we live in a time when success is often judged by financial wealth. Often I look around and see that the youth is impressed by those who have the most material items; Athletes with more homes than they can ever occupy, Social Media stars with a fleet of cars that just sit there collecting dust and Actors who actually purchase their own islands. What is never shown in these displays is what was given up to obtain those things and are the owners truly happy. We need to go back to the basics and measure the success of a man by what joy he has given to his fellow man, by how happy he is and the people around him and how much he truly enjoys what he is doing.

I started Jester Cycles as a project roughly five years ago now. I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy every moment, every success and every setback. I am fortunate enough that I have a full time career that allows me to pace myself and not rush into it hastily. But what truly keeps me going is the passion I have for what we are doing and the happiness that it brings me. If it was about the chase for quick money then this endeavor probably would have been dead a long time ago.

The time spent in the garage bringing old bikes to life, the friends we meet at bike shows and car meets, the thousands of acquaintances we’ve made through social media, the shirts we have donated to all sorts of organizations, the posts that we are tagged in when people wear our items.. these special things are what helps Jester Cycles continue to grow.

I hope that this blog post finds you truly happy, or at least that you are approaching happiness. I hope that you are able to do something you truly enjoy. If you aren’t then I hope that you will one day be able to. If I can give you any advice it is to focus on that passion.

Sayville Summer Festival 2023

The Sayville Summer Festival has been going on for decades and every year it is one of my favorite events. Nothing says America like closing off main street so that people can enjoy an incredible car show, shop the local vendors and take in a carnival at the town lawn. It is an event that I look forward to bringing my family to.

Though it is an all around family fun festival, I will focus on my favorite part… The Car show!!! I am in my happy place when i am walking among classic cars, motorcycles and Kool Kustoms. Some will say that I am a little compulsive but I have a system to ensure that I do not miss any of the vehicles. I also enjoy being able to talk to the owners, shoot the breeze about their cars and try to absorb as much information as possible. A word to the young readers, whenever you get a chance to truly engage with an older generation about something they are passionate about, be sure you take it. You will learn more from them than any Google search or manual from Amazon. Their knowledge is priceless.

So without me wasting any more of you time, I hope you enjoy these photos from today’s show.

Lindenhurst First Annual Hot Rod Block Party

It is safe to say that the Kustom Kulture is alive and well on Long Island, NY by the incredible turnout of the First Annual Lindenhurst Hot Rod Block Party!! The show was hosted by The Holy Black Trading Company and I think that all in attendance can agree that we hope this is the first on many shows to come.

The show was open to all hot rods that were produced prior to 1969. I am a big fan of this, even though I love all make and models it is nice to see a show just focusing on American hot rods and the great builds of their fans. As you will see in the attached photos the block party definitely did not disappoint. From all original classics that look like they just rolled off the assembly lines to wicked customs with flames and lace paint there was something for everyone’s taste.

Besides the cars what is a show without entertainment and drink. There were five bands slated for the day to play on the main stage, there was a number of food choices to be had, There was a nice mobile bar who even made a “mocktini” for my sons and hot dogs. If you had a few dollars burning in your pocket then there was a great selection of vendors selling some awesome must haves. Cool car themed antiques, tattoo art, motorcycle themed merchandise and even some horror based macabre items. I for one could not leave without picking up a Rat Fink style painting from Boom Boom Restorations. The hardest part will be deciding where to put it. It is way too nice for the garage!!

The Long Island Hot Rod scene can not thank The Holy Black enough for putting this show on. I hope that it becomes a tradition and grows yearly.

Ride what you have or can afford!!!

Hello fellow Jesters, I hope that this message finds you well. We all have that dream car or that dream motorcycle. Some of them are attainable to us right now, some of them will take a little bit of overtime and some penny pinching. Then there are those that will take only the correct lotto numbers for the vehicle to end up in our garage. The problem with waiting for that dream car or bike is that you might end up wasting a lot of time and if my 44 years have taught me anything it is that time is priceless.

Yes, we all have a certain ride that we desire, a certain look that we may prefer over others but too many of us get caught up in having that ideal ride. We tell ourselves that once we get that certain bike or car then and ONLY then we are a REAL motorcycle rider or a real hot rod guy. Truth is, that is a bunch of bull.

Being a biker starts the moment you begin to show an interest in motorcycles, the day that you start surrounding yourself with the motorcycle culture and then there is that most memorable day; when you finally throw your leg over the seat and ride that bike. It does not matter if it is the freakishly fast rocket that is the 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa or an older GS 1100. You may hope to one day own a Harley Davidson Fat Boy but you will be riding just the same on a Sportster. The moment you to hear the engine and feel the vibration, from the instant you start to roll out in first gear and then the when you start to accelerate and that feeling of the wind on your face… guess what? You are now a biker!!

The same applies to muscle cars and hot rods. Maybe a Corvette has always been your dream car? They have made the Corvette for 70 years now!! Many of those years are quite affordable and obtainable. The same goes for Mustangs and the Camaro. It may not be your ultimate dream year and model but I bet you once you get behind the wheel on the open road you’ll forget all that. Once you customize it a little bit and make it yours then you truly enjoy it regardless that it might not be your so-called “Dream” car. There are so many classic cars out there that maybe need a little work, are not the most popular body styles or sought after years, that are just waiting for someone to pick them up and enjoy.

Another problem i see all the time is people who do obtain a nice motorcycle or car but never use it because it is not perfect yet. Reality check… it will never be perfect. There will always be a chip in the paint, a little surface rust on a lower quarter panel or a seat with a tear in it. Those little blemishes do not make the ride any less cool. Nor will they take away from the enjoyment!! Believe me, very few people notice.

in closing, it is important to have dreams that we strive for, goals that we are working towards. But it is just as important to live in the moment to the fullest, to enjoy the things we have and to get use out of them. Ride that bike damn it!! Ride it like you were the third friend in Easy Rider. Throw the family in the car, crank up the radio and go for a cruise. Be proud of these rides and show them off!

Car Show Season Is Here!!!

Welcome back Jesters!! I hope this message finds you well and that you are as excited for Spring as I am!! Some of my favorite memories growing up are spending time attending car shows with my dad. My father was not much of a sports guy, rarely got into any television programs but him and I really bonded in between the rows and rows of cars at just about any car show and swap meet that I could get him to take me to. I would listen to every word he said about which body lines went with certain years and what cars his friends drove. We would laugh about the shenanigans he and his friends got into and the trouble they found.

There is always something you can learn at a car show. You bump into the older guys who will be more than glad to point out which trim came with each option and which car is not what they would consider all original. Then there is the younger crowd who will always try to tell you that the modern handling and technology of their newer cars can be beat. You will also find a ton of vendors eager to do some wheelin’ and dealin’… from greasy fried food and ice cream, car parts, retro toys and all things automotive memorabilia you will always leave with some goodies.

I try to get to as many car shows as I can with my sons. I love walking the rows with them, no tablets or iPads, just talking about life and cars. I do not know if they enjoy these trips as much as I do or they just want to make me happy. I can only hope that they remember these shows as fondly as I do the shows I frequented with my dad.

Atlantic City Bike Show

Hello fellow Jesters!! I hope that this blog finds you well and that you are enjoying the winter. Maybe you live in a place where you are still able to ride, maybe you are wrenching in the garage on the new project or maybe you are just sitting around daydreaming about warmer weather. There really is no wrong way to enjoy the cooler months. The worst part about the winter for me is not being able to attend Motorcycle and car shows /Swap meets. That is why I was more than excited to see that there was going to be an indoor show in Atlantic City. And though I live absolutely no where near Atlantic City, over three hours away to be precise, on a frigid cold Saturday February 4th morning I packed up the family and headed to the show.

The show was being held by Jam-Pro productions and advertised as an International Motorcycle show. and held at the Showboat Hotel and Casino. Upon arrival we were shown to the parking garage, $25 for the day. A little high but it keeps you out of the cold and close. Tickets were very reasonable at only $20 for adults and free for kids.

The venue area was quite small for a bike show but after months of hibernation, who cares??!! There were plenty of really nice custom builds there. There were choppers, baggers, cafe racers, American Metal and Imports. There was a nice selection of vendors, entertainment and an overall sense of lightheartedness to the whole day. I picked up some cool t-shirts, posters and made some new friends along the way.

Would I trek the almost 4 hours to go again? I do not know. Probably. More important, it was a day out being surrounded by the culture that we all love so much. Below you will find some pics from the show. Hope you enjoy and see you soon

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!! I hope this letter reaches you all doing well and excited for the new year to come. Some people welcome a new year like any other day, no big deal. Others get extremely excited and embrace this turn of the calendar page as a fresh new start, a way for them to better themselves or perhaps even reinvent themselves. Then there are those like me who find it the most depressing few days of the year. Maybe you look back in the past year and celebrate running a marathon, writing a book, building your Hot Rod or getting that degree. Maybe it was not a great year and you look back at it saddened, happy that it is over and looking forward to better days. The most important thing about 2022… you survived! You made it through all of the ups and downs and you are still here with us. And for that, I am grateful.

This year we are hoping to really expand Jester Cycles and the Kustom community that we enjoy so much. We have a few custom builds that are almost complete, some new clothing on the horizon and partnerships with numerous craftsman /woman that also represent the lifestyle that we love and promote. Please keep any eye on in the near future as we will be showcasing these artist and their amazing creations. We will be posting more frequently and adding to our website, starting a mailing list and possibly some local events. Most importantly, we will be doing our best to enjoy time with friends, family and all of you.

So as the new year begins we hope that it is a great one. We hope that you are as eager to spend it with us as we are with you. And whatever your journey may take you this year, be it mountain climbing or grinding out another day at work, we hope that you do it with passion and in good health.

Here’s to 2023!!!

No Cliques in Motorcycling!!

Hello Jesters! I hope that the change in weather finds you well and getting ready for the holidays while taking a look at your winter projects. Here in the North East we only have a few more weeks of riding weather before most of us are forced to put our rides up for the next few months and just dream about warmer weather and longer rides.

With the holidays quickly approaching I see a lot of Toy Runs popping up and I love Toy Runs and the camaraderie that it brings. During your regular Toy Run it is common to see a Hyabusa next to a Harley Wide Glide, or a Triumph Thruxton next to a Honda Gold Wing. Now I ask you, why do we not see this more often?

Like most of you I fell in love with Motorcycle culture at a very young age. And probably like most of you an older rider influenced my preference in motorcycle styles; Harley “Cruisers”. I would snub my nose at those Japanese Crotch Rockets or British Cafe Racers. Those guys were not real bikers, were they? Boy was I ignorant!!

The more time I spend around motorcycles and the longer relationships that I have with riders I have learned one very important fact, RIDING IS RIDING!! We really need to put the labels and the cliques behind us and just hit the road with as many two wheel lovers that exist out there. All of us love the road with the adventures it offers, love wrenching on our bikes and love the freedom that hopping on a motorcycle brings. We need to stop limiting our “clique” to only those who ride a similar bike. Who knows how many missed opportunities this has caused?

Now when I go to a motorcycle show I can not wait to see the latest bikes in all the catergories. I look forward to seeing the newest Scramblers, Flat Tracks, Race Bikes, Cruisers and Cafe Racers. Show me your chopper you built in your garage or the Moto Guzzi your grandfather left you, I have equal appreciation for both. When I visit our local motorcycle hang out I enjoy talking to everyone.

So as we start to settle into a long winter of wrenching and road trip planning I hope that you too include riders of all things on two or three wheels. The world is divided enough,let us not forget those in cars who already consider us a menace to the road. The last thing we need is to separate us internally. When you are out on the road give a wave to your fellow rider regardless of what they are riding and the next time your at the local hang out start a conversation with someone you normally would not. Because in the end, we are all in this together.

So Much to be Thankful For!!

I would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that this message reaches you in good health. We are at that time of year again when we take a good look around us and recognize all of the blessings that we have been gifted. I can not begin to thank all of you who have supported Jester Cycles over the last few years. We are really looking forward to expanding with a brick and mortar store in the next year or so, collaborations with great craftsmen, adding new merchandise, motorcycles and services.

But today is about being thankful for what we have now. See, I have a theory regarding being THANKFUL and I feel so much of it comes down to perspective and appreciation. For beginners, if you are reading this you are part of the 65% of the population that has access to the internet, many of us forget millions of people do not have access to the internet. That does not begin to include the millions whose access is limited by government control. There are millions who still do not have access to clean water or electricity.

Perspective plays a large part in my happiness and behavior. You can yell and complain when your kids are being loud and unruly, or join in and be thankful that you have kids while so many would love to be parents. You can curse all the way to work or you can blast your favorite radio station with the window down and be thankful that you have a job. Instead of complaining about cooking, let us remember all of those who go without food.

Now I am not saying to be a machine, like everyone else I get my low points. I get down in the dumps on some days too. But is is those days that I have to take a step back and really focus on the things that I have to be Thankful for. Take a look around and see what things are actually in my control and if they are things that can be changed, put a plan in action. Do I always follow through with the plan? Hell No.. but then I only have myself to blame. And I have a new day tomorrow to be better than today.

So when you are reading this or when you have a few moments let your perspective help shape your mood. Take a good look around and focus on what you have to be grateful for. If you are down in the dumps call an old friend, go visit a relative or shoot me an email and we can talk a bit. Just know that I am grateful for each and every one of you guys.

20th Century Cycles Museum

This weekend I finally made my way over to the 20th Century Cycles Museum in Oyster Bay. This is the personal motorcycle collection of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Billy Joel. Though the collection is displayed in a smaller building in the middle of Main Street it packs quite the punch.

To say that this collection is impressive is an understatement. Not only are all of these bikes in showroom condition, beautifully maintained and displayed they are all ridden on a regular basis!! The bikes are often swapped out depending on which ones are currently being used. Though it is not a tremendous building you do not feel crowded and are able to really get up close to all the machines. The staff there consists of only a few employees who know and maintain the collection and they are more than happy to talk shop with you.

From Ducati, Harley Davidson, Triumph, BSA and Japanese motorcycles, every style of motorcycle is on display there. Cruisers, Cafe Racers, Street Bikes and touring you get a little bit of everything. The museum is free for entry and is located right in the middle of town, walking distance to a number of other stores and eateries. They do have select hours, usually open only on the weekends from 11:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M but I would check thier website at 20th Century Cycles – Recreating the Classic Motorcycle Asthetic just to confirm.

Below is just a small sample of what they have on display

Kustom Kulture Fest , Brooklyn NY

Hello Jesters, I hope this message reaches you in good health. This past weekend my brother Petey and I attended the first Kustom Kulture Fest which was held in Brooklyn, NY on November 4th, 5th and 6th and I must say that it did not disappoint!!

Upon arrival entry was quite simple; you could have prepaid and had your tickets ready on your phone or just pay at the door. An all-day entry fee was only $25 per ticket or $50 for the whole weekend. VIP tickets were also available. The event was well worth the price of admission.

The festival had everything a good Greaser, Tonup Boy, Biker, Rockabilly fanatic tattoo loving guy or girl could wish for. Some of the East Coast most famous tattoo artists were present to welcome old and new customers as well as sell original prints. It was incredible to go from booth to booth seeing all types of styles ranging from traditional to Japanese to current trends.

There was a small but impressive bike show there with beautiful custom builds from Chaos Cycles, Iacona Custom Cycles and others. I am sure as this event grows in the future it will attract more builders. There were burlesque dancers, music and a selection of food vendors to also hit up.

But what I was most impressed with was the quality of the craftsman/woman who were showcasing their work there! First I met the extremely talented Natalia who is the jeweler behind Mother-Night Jewelry Home | Mother Night (mother-night.com) Though new these pieces have a great goth and/or biker antique look and will definitely be something we’ll be purchasing in the future. Next I met Stephen from Core Timepiece Core Timepieces and I could not leave without picking up one of their incredible Seven Sins watches. There was this extremely cool shop called The Wicked Little Bats owned by Nicole Tower which displays these wild diorama like scenes that you have to really see to appreciate!! There was also the Candle Witch Co owned by Rachel King. With scents like, Cozy Coffin, Whore, Mango Sweet and Lock Your Door I am mad I forgot to go back and take one home. Before leaving I had to drop by the Hard Rider NYC booth which was selling awesome hoodies, shirts and beanies. I could not go home without one of their shirts. Check them out at Hard Rider apparel made for your active lifestyle. – HARD RIDER APPAREL (hardridernyc.com)

To say that the first Kulture Kustom Fest was a success is an understatement. I do not have enough space here to do it justice. This was just a sample of what was there, and I cannot wait to see what next year brings.

The Motorcylepedia Museum in Newburgh, NY

Hello fellow Jesters… I hope all is well. On a cold winter day this past winter I decided to trek up to the Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh, NY and I must say that the visit was more than worth the ride up there. The Museum is absolutely amazing, and jam packed with history. There is not one square foot of this building that is not showcasing some sort of motorcycle history.

The building has everything from motorcycles, original film posters, lunch boxes, concert posters, toys and anything else that you can associate with the world of motorcycles. You will be enjoying custom choppers one second and then eyeballing an all-original Harley still in its crate. They have Rat Fink creations and even Jerry Garcia’s bike. Words and pictures do not do this place the proper justice. I suggest that you take the trip yourself and enjoy the day there. With over 600 motorcycles on display and plenty of memorabilia be sure to give yourself plenty of time to take everything in. Below is just a little taste of what they have there. The museum is located at 250 Lake St and is open from Thursday to Sunday.

Now is the time.

Hello friends, I hope and pray that this message reaches you in good health. If you are able to stay home at this unprecedented time in our life I hope you do say. If you are forced to work then I pray that you return to your home safely and in good health.

I write this blog today not to scare anyone, I am not going to talk about statistics, about clusters or potential numbers. I will talk however about the human spirit and what it is capable of, what is has always been capable of in dark times.

Now is the time to let your spirit shine. To extend that helping hand to those who may be in need. We will get through this, will we be the same afterwards? No… Maybe that is the point. Because now is a time that you can truly make a difference. It does not have to be on a grand scale, you do not have to donate any money. But there are so many other things that you can do.

If you’re heading to the store you can ask your neighbor if they need anything. If your company allows you to share sick/vacation days you can offer it to the single parent who has to choose between leaving their kid home alone or not getting paid. If you’re at the grocery store and have a few extra bucks pick up an item or two for the local food bank. If you enjoy wrenching on bikes, exercising, reading, painting, etc.. make a video to share your passion with others.

Right now we are smart to keep a physical distance from each other. And it is difficult. But that does not mean we have to keep an emotional or spiritual distance from each other. Because when this is over, and it will be over, we are going to need each other.

Be safe

Character

Your Character, your Word and your Loyalty… that is really all we have left in this world. Everything else falls into the “grey” category, an awkward realm where it can be proven or debunked by some high priced attorney or crazy prophet. In today’s fast paced world of quick talk at the end of the commercial or small writing at the bottom of the contract, there is way too much wiggle room for exploitation or a con.

Your Character is a different story. What you do that isn’t posted to social media, the acts of kindness that will never have a spotlight shown on them and how you treat those who can never repay you. Your Character should enter a room long before you ever walk in and linger after you exited. It does not need to be brought up because it is already known. A simple , “he’s a good guy.” with a head nod.

You can’t have Character without your word. You have to keep your word. If those around you cannot depend on what you say then your Character is garbage. Do not promise the impossible just that which you know you will be capable of following through on and be sure to follow through.

And last but not least is Loyalty… almost no one has it anymore and it is sad. It appears everywhere you look nowadays you are only as good as your last f@%K up and this is what kills morale. In the past, our loyalty would allow us to overlook a misstep, an error and move on. We would be loyal to our friends and heaven help whoever would bad mouth them in our presence.

These are the traits that I look for in my inner circle and the traits that I promise to return to those who take this ride with me. Take a good look around your circle, if you have any doubts… cut them loose.

Time...

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, etc... I hope that all who are reading this are doing well! With the holidays now behind us and the start of a fresh year I would like to share something that I have learned in my 41 years and something that I am preaching for the rest of my years... TIME is the most important gift.

That is all anyone really wants isn’t it. It is not the gift that “Santa” brought your young one, it is the excitement of time spent playing with it. It is not the huge diamond engagement ring, it is the promise of time spent in the coming years sharing a love. Time. Your parents, loved ones and friends most likely don’t need another trinket, travel mug or sweater. It is your time that they desire.

So I say to you with this new year upon us to remember that your time is precious! Spend it with those who truly want to be with you and cherish your company. Keep your door open for old friends with a few cold beers in the fridge and a hot pot of coffee ready to pour. Share old stories and make new ones. Shoot that funny text to someone you haven’t seen in a while knowing that it will brighten their day. Don’t waste your time with toxic people, or if you have to be sure to limit it. Because your time and what you do with it is truly the greatest gift.

Happy New Year

Welcome!!!

I hope this blog finds you well as you settle down and prepare for a nice comforting winter. Here on the East coast many of us have put our sleds away for the winter and started to map out any projects that we plan on doing. It is a very exciting time. The thought of paint schemes, exhaust options, rakes and long rides in the warmer months to come is enough to give anyone sweet dreams.

As we begin to embark on this new website and the adventure that comes along with it, I ask that you join us. I would love to hear your stories, plans and projects for the winter. We would love to see what bikes your working on, garage set ups and grocery haulers in the driveway. So please send along whatever you think we might find of interest and I will do my best to share it on our page. I will also be occasionally sending out some free swag to those who send in some photos and backstory.

So again, I thank you for joining us on this ride. I pray you all safe travels and look forward to hearing from you all soon.

Anthony Cabrera

Not everyone plays catch with their kids.

Not everyone plays catch with their kid. And you know what? That is okay. Because there are so many other ways that you can bond with your family. Why is this on this page you ask? My father isn't a sports guy. But he knew that I loved cars and motorcycles. So instead of tossing around a football where he would be miserable and I would know he was miserable, we bonded over our walks through the fields and fields of weekend car shows and swap meets.
He entertained me for hours with stories about which friend owned that car and which color this car came in. He would show me the minor details that separated one year from another and we never left without me grabbing some car show goodies and a hot pretzel.
The ride home was talks about which cars were our favorite and which ones we would have done differently. We did not have to worry about if our team one or loss, we just enjoyed the moment and the time together.
So the next time you see a sign with an arrow pointing to a car show or motorcycle, swing in with your son or daughter. You may be surprise of the life long effect that time will have.