Mike Parti in his Los Angeles workshop. Through my photography I have been privileged to meet some very cool interesting and talented people. Mike Parti certainly falls into this category. Firstly he is a Master Restorer of vintage motorcycles. He was the go to man for Steve McQueen who entrusted many of his valuable bikes to him for restorative work. He is also in Jay Leno’s telephone book too. Just take some time to admire his orderly shop, every tool in its place. The Hot Rod alludes to Mike’s more rebellious past as an outlaw rodder and biker. He was an early member of the Galloping Goose MC and he told me first hand how it was to be a 1%er in 1950s California. Although he is not now an active member he still has his Galloping Goose colours hung on his shop door.
When I asked to photograph them he said in true I% er style…..No!
He told me that before the bobbers and choppers there was a group of bikers in LA riding modified JD and VL model Harleys which were referred to at the time as Long Beach Cut Downs because they’d hack sawed off the fenders to save weight.
His stories of early hot rodding were well worth listening to as well.
Mike Parti one true Original.
