[Snap shot of our banner which employed Scott Toepfer's photo from the It's Better In The Wind Project]

When Rev. Jim Goodrich told Herm and I (Jason) that we really had no idea what we were getting into when we said we thought we were ready to have our grand opening we honestly didn’t know what he meant. Thoughts of people doing burnouts, the cops getting called and brawls taking place in streets just like Brighton Bay filled our minds. Oh the horror! Fast forward to after our event which took place on May 14th and we now know what he meant. It had nothing to do with bikers foaming at the mouth gnashing at one another…rather the overwhelming acceptance of our “different” way of doing things and what it is to live and be part of, cafe racer culture.

That said, we want to thank the most important person throughout all of this. You. That’s right, the guy/gal sitting on the other side of the screen right now reading this BLOG post. Without you and your support and belief in what The Wing’d Piston stands for Herm and I would not be able to do what we do every day. You say we inspire you well, you inspire us…and thus is displayed the beauty of what we can all accomplish together!

And for those of you that are local, an extra twist of the throttle goes out! You braved wind, water and the washing away of band equipment and despite the elements trying to shut things down, you stuck it out, with us, and made the Dime City Cycles grand opening a fantastic event that will hopefully go down in the history books as one of the best gatherings of legit vintage speed machines to ever take place in Florida. We had everything from a 37 Knuckle to a one-off hand-made factory works MV Augusta! Where else has that ever happened in Florida? You guys and gals rock and we are forever in debt to you for all that you do to help us keep the dream alive.

[Louise and Chris Dutton from Vintage-Rider.com braving the rain]

[One of the Miss Dime City USA Pageant Contestants and the stunning MV Augusta that was brought out]

We would also like to thank Rev. Jim Goodrich, Terry Hopkins, Zane Kuhle, the entire team from Preachers Motorcycle Promotions and Winters and Yonkers. Rev. Jim was instrumental in guiding Herm and I through the process of planning a proper grand opening. Spending countless hours managing tasks that really didn’t even belong to him, Rev. Jim took charge and made the event one to remember. All the way down to driving around and physically putting fliers in peoples hands, Rev. Jim was there every step of the way.  Guys, you’re the best- there’s no way we could have done this without your help! Your fresh ideas, involvement in the process, financial investments and authentic interest in what we’re all about made the event what it was. Bruce, you’re the man! Thank you!

[Rev. Jim doing what he does spreading the word]

Next we would like to thank all of the vendors that took the time to come out and share their products and services with the event attendees. We had (in no particular order) the crew from Lowside Magazine who rode over 1,000 miles to partake in the event, Rusty Knuckles out of North Carolina and Loser Machine Co. out of Los Angeles to name a few that came from a distance! Locally, we of course had the entire team from St. Pete Powersports onsite with some awesome new Triumphs, we had On The Trashy Side and Pin Up America promoting classy pin up clothing and the lifestyle as well as the rockin’ Dive Bar Stalkers who drown out the storm with some killer rock-a-billy tunes!

[Debbie Fitch, Dan and Rich from Lowside enjoying a reprieve from MD's weather]

[Ralph Miller from Rusty Knuckles and Soda Pop from Pin Up America discussing rock n' roll]

[The Dive Bar Stalkers doin' what they do]

Folks, it’s important to know that these guys all come out for you and without their financial and back-breaking support prior to and during the event, we wouldn’t have been able to create such a unique and diverse offering for everyone to enjoy. Give it up for them and the next time you need a helmet, motorcycle, some rad pin up digs for your lady friend or an awesome band look ‘em up, first. They’ll appreciate it and so will we!

[Another lovely contestant in the Miss Dime City USA Pin Up Pageant]

Shifting gears and getting closer to the ton, we would like to thank the staff of Cafe Racer TV as well as Mark and Linda Wilsmore from the Ace in London. The involvement of their brands was instrumental to the success and “air” of the event throughout the day. The crew of Cafe Racer TV truly does believe in and love cafe culture, they’re not guns for hire shooting from the hip to collect a bounty. These guys spend over half the year away from their families on the road staying in hotels living out of their suit cases to bring real quality motorcycle content to your TV screens, (and soon computers) so give it up for them. They’re the real deal and deserve some applause! Season 2 begins soon and it’s guaranteed to one hell of a ride!

[From left to right; Ed Caughlin, Producer Cafe Racer TV, Mark Wilsmore, Ace Cafe London, Alain Bernard, Santiago Choppers]

As for Mark and his fantastic wife Linda who came all the way from London, what can we say? Having them here for our event with the mini-Ace Cafe setup serving coffee, tea and beer was such a delight. Just listening to Mark talk of days gone by in London where Rockers and their vintage speed machines ruled the streets left us speechless. To be able to ride next to Mark through and around gorgeous Clearwater Beach with him at the front of the pack on a brand new Triumph Thruxton, now that was amazing! After the ride, and during the event to share in laughs and moments that will be imprinted in our memories forever, that made the days happenings EPIC.

We can only hope that as time goes on and Americans adopt cafe culture that it’s kept as close to the roots as possible and that we can continue bring a smile to Marks face. Even if it be an old joke about Johnny Kidd vs. Johnny Cash… Mark, you’re the best sir. We thank you from the bottom of our petrol burning souls!

[Mark Wilsmore leading the morning ride from Dime City out to Clearwater Beach]

Last and most definitely not least I’d like to take a quick moment to note all the awesome photographers who were on-site the day of the eventsnapping away despite the wet camera damaging rains that we started off with. Without them capturing all the images you’ve seen above and here at THIS LINK there would be no way to share and re-cap the event.

We’d like to thanks Debbie Fitch, Chuck Carroll, Doug Barber aka: Q-Ball, Vickie Smith from Ducati.net, Zane Kuhle from Preachers and Staci Hocket. All of your images were stellar! Please click this link for the “Best Of” photo gallery being hosted on our Facebook Page and click their names above for their full albums (1,000+ pics.) And, if you’re ever in need of professional photography give one of them a call, it’s how they make their livings and we know they’d appreciate the opportunity.

[Devon's awesome So Cal style v-twin bobber from Sake Bomb in St. Pete]

As for us and what we feel about the event? The feedback from the community has been fantastic and that’s all the matters. From what we gather you all loved the diverse showing of bikes and the prizes for those who entered the legit vintage bike show, having The Ace onsite was super-cool and something no one expected and everyone loved, the Miss Dime City USA Pin Up Pageant. Which would NOT have been possible without the support of St. Pete Power Sports and their gracious GM, Donny Wilson. Donny shares the vision with Dime City and we were proud to have them as the main sponsor of the Pageant.  More on that soon, Miss Dime City is getting doll’d up and heading to her first photoshoot soon and will be making an open request for vintage bikes in Tampa Bay to be part of her new calendar! Stay tuned for more details on that!

[The gorgeous ladies of the Miss Dime City USA Pin Up Pageant]

We’re glad everyone enjoyed the afternoon and evening as much as we did and we feel both honored and privileged to have hosted for such a ground breaking event. We look forward to seeing all of you again next year for another big bash…

Ride fast. Live well.

The DCC Crew

Alright ladies…it’s coming down to the wire and there’s only a few days left to submit for your spot in the Miss Dime City, USA Pageant!  So far we’ve got a roster of gorgeous classic Pin Up beauties and we’d like to thank you all for your submissions. And guys, trust us- you won’t find a better view in Tampa Bay on May 14th than at the Dime City Cycles Grand Opening Event!

Also, as a teaser- come to Quaker Steak & Lube Wednesday May 4th for sneak peak at a few of the Miss Dime City, USA contestants as they will be on stage to answer a few questions about the pageant and at the St. Pete Power Sports booth to steel some hearts for the duration of the night!

As a reminder, here’s a look at the classes for the event and a huge thanks goes out to Melanie Benson of VaVaVoom Photography who will be on site shooting the pageant and working with the girls.

Round 1 – Classic Evening Wear - Think cute pencil skirts, blouses or dresses. This is your chance to steel the crowds heart with what you’d wear for fancy night on the town in a 59 Caddy.

Round 2 – Themed Pin Up - If you thought Rosie The Riviter was a sexy symbol then here’s your shot! Think classic military and hot-rod style pinups. Bananas, props and grease on the chin is welcomed!

Round 3 – The Girl Next Door - Saving the most comfortable class for last this is everyones favorite. What you might be found wearing at a hot-rod event or vintage bike is it! Show off the real you and make a good impression on the crowd!

There’s some people that you meet and after talking about bikes, life or anything in general you just walk away with the feeling of “that’s one solid dude.” Folks, Donny Wilson, the GM of St. Pete Powersports is one such dude. The first time we met Donny was at The Bike Builders Invitational held at Quaker Steak and Lube where Donny was talking up the brand new Triumph Bonneville he had in front of him that was being raffled off, yes, a brand new Triumph Bonneville being raffled off, with all the proceeds going to the Fallen Warriors foundation based here in St. Petersburg, FL. Talk about someone using their powers to do some good, right?

In addition to paying respect to those who truly deserve it, Donny is also a huge appreciator of both motorcycling history and it’s future. Having a love for anything with wheels Donny’s office showcases everything from antique Indian artwork to the latest offerings from Triumph. His power-sports center is one of the few that contains both heritage brands, Triumph and Indian and in addition, they host the complete line-ups of Kawasaki, Polaris and Victory. Talk about having it all! Bonnevilles for weekend road-trips, Thruxtans for hitting the Cafe’s, Victories for cruising long distances and everything else one needs to get dirty or play in the ocean; all under one roof! Did we also mention that for all the brands Donny’s team has been able to achieve best in class status as one of the top dealers for all the marques the St. Pete Powersports Center has on its roster?

After a great meeting setup by Rev. Jim Goodrich, the St. Pete Powersports family and Dime City were working together to showcase the past and pave the way for the future of Cafe Racer culture. The first step, St. Pete Powersports shifting it into first gear and Co-Sponsoring the Dime City Cycles Grand Opening and putting up the $1000.00 in cash prizes for the first annual Miss Dime City, USA Pin Up Pageant.  How awesome it that?

In addition, Donny and his killer staff are going to be onsite with a host of retro Triumphs available for show and tell right inside the Ace Cafe tent on premise. And folks, let us tell you- if you love the way a vintage Triumph, Norton or BSA feels there’s nothing closer than a modern Bonneville or Thruxton. Of all the currently available motorcycles Triumph is the ONLY brand to continue to pay homage to the heritage of classic motorcycles and if you’re in the Tampa Bay area, Donny is your guy to talk to about them.

So come check all the cool retro Triumphs on display, haggle Donny for a deal on your new scoot or just kick back for cold brew or Espresso in the Ace Cafe tent while taking it all it.

Folks, this is going to be one heck of an event and we couldn’t not deliver the goods without the assistance of Donny and the entire team at St. Pete Powersports, so come on out and tell ‘em thanks!

Alright our devout ton-up chasers and grizzly bearded v-twin wielding brethren, listen up! We’ve got some awesome news! (Ladies as well…we gotta make guys think it’s important for them to get their attention too!)

It’s no secret that the 1st Annual Miss Dime City, USA Pin Up Pageant is shaping up to be quite the to-do affair here in the Tampa Bay area. $1000 cash is being provided by St. Pete Powersports to the winners along with a spread by Retro Lovely Magazine for the crowned queen of The City. So far we’ve filled 12 of the 16 available slots with some of the most classically beautiful women you will have ever laid your eyes on. One of which, is actually flying down all the way from Oregon to participate in the pageant! That said…like everything at Dime City, we’re going over the top with this one and would like to introduce all of you to Pin Up America, a local Tampa Bay syndicate dedicated to making Ybor City the Pin Up capital of the world!

We recently had the chance to sit in on a live weekly airing of The Pinup America Show hosted by the lovely Miss Judy Pop aka: Kitten and her vivaciously vixenish co-host, Contessa, where they cover anything from local hot-rod and motorcycle shows to Tampa Bay pin up happenings. Chock full of humor and full to brim with the weekly donated bottle of Sailor Jerry Rum, they delivery a punchy performance that you simply have to watch. They’re just too much fun and it’s easy, just visit the website link above weekly on Wednesdays at 8PM EST and you can watch them live right from you computer, iPad or iPhone. How cool is that?

So what’s the big news at it pertains to Miss Dime City, USA?

Well, we’re fortunate enough to have Judy and Contessa on site at the Dime City Cycles for the Grand Opening with a booth full of gorgeous ladies and Pin Up SWAG for your review. In addition, they will be hosting the Miss Dime City, USA Pin Up Pageant helping us crown the first official Miss Dime City, USA! How fantastic is that? With their help this event is sure to go off without a hitch and go down in Pin Up infamy as one of the best events to be had.

And ladies, you can be rest assured that there’s some great stuff to be announced that will be provided in partnership with Pin Up America as it pertains to Dime City’s new Queen and the face of Cafe Racer! Stay tuned for more details and in the mean time, get plugged into Pin Up America on Facebook by here.

But wait, there’s more…

In the spirit of promoting Pin Up goodness we’d also like to announce the involvement of On The Trashy Side, you’re local one-stop shop for anything and everything as it pertains to womens Pin Up style clothing and accessories in the Miss Dime City, USA Pin Up Pageant.

Hand making every item for that authentic retro look and feel, Shannon and the team at On The Trashy Side have everything you need whether it be pencil skirts, blouses or tops they’ve got you covered with just the right amount crass and class. And to sweeten the Miss Dime City, USA kiddy they’ve been kind enough to offer up $100, $75 and $50 gift bags to the winners of the pageant. How great is that? Be sure to stop by and checkout their booth at the Dime City Cycles Grand Opening to see all their gorgeous hand-made creations in person. There truly is nothing else like them around!

Here’s some great examples of the type of styles we’re looking for Miss Dime City, USA to represent. All presented by On The Trashy Side and available in their 2011 collection. Remember, the rules are very strict! This is a high-class event and anyone showing up in lingerie will be turned away! We’re not kidding! And remember, there will be three classes, Evening Attire (skirts, blouses, pencil skirts), Themed Pin Up (Rosie the riveter, hot-rod girl, etc) and The Girl Next Door.

Alright ladies, here’s the details you’ve been waiting for! Time to grab you best dress, favorite theme outfit and girl next door pin up attire and head down to Dime City Cycles on May 14th for the Grand Opening Celebration and your chance to appear on Discovery Channel HD Theaters Cafe Racer TV with Dime City Cycles as the first official Miss Dime City, USA!

The pageant will be broken down into 2 main events, the first being “Evening Attire,” think long dresses or skirts, flowing hair and red lipstick.  For your second round and final chance to woe the crowd and judges there will be a freestyle “Theme’d Pin Up” think- motorcycle chick, hot rod girl or army git-up.  Extra points will be earned for following traditional pin up couture, so get those glasses on and research the classic pin up girls who paved the way for Miss Dime City USA.

Your third outfit will be “The Girl Nextdoor” and although it won’t be judged it will be your final round on stage and last chance for a “hoo-rah” from the crowd before the tiara is placed on the winner.  We would also like to remind all of you lovely ladies that Retro Lovely Magazine will be onsite and will be providing a feature for Miss Dime City, USA in an upcoming issue of the magazine.  Needless to say, it’s important stay period correct, be on your best and make it count as the camera’s will be rolling!

And do not forget ladies, we have been very adamant in our criteria for the show.  The Miss Dime City USA Pin Up Pageant isn’t about flesh and sin.  It’s about paying homage to classic pin up models and the beauty their imagery embodied at a time when too much skin was considered taboo.  Please make sure you pay close attention to this when picking your outfits. Even if you’ve been approved to compete, we will not hesitate to turn you away the day of the show if you are not wearing what we consider to be acceptable attire or appear to be unable to maintain your composure on stage.  We appreciate your professionalism and respect for this fun event, thank you!

In addition to Retro Lovely Magazine offering up a feature for Miss Dime City USA we would like to thank St. Pete Powersports as our main sponsor for the Miss Dime City, USA Pin Up Pageant.  Without the help of Donny and the team at St. Pete Powersports we would not have been able to pull together the resources needed to put on such a fantastic event.  Namely, the $500 first place, $250 second place and $100 third place prizes.  Read more on St. Peter Powersports Co Sponsorship in the Dime City Cycles Grand Opening later this week in a follow-up post with all the details on these great guys & gals who support Motorsports of all types!

In closing, for all of you who have still not registered please send two pinup shots to PreachersCycles@AOL.com for approval and acceptance via email.