Featured In The June 2015 Issue Of Cycle Source
Article & Photos By: Mark Velazquez
On every trip or journey if we are lucky enough when we return there is often a moment from our adventures that change our course in life going forward. Even if for a short time. My last trip to Daytona was just such an event. Actually this journey left me with more of these moments then I could have thought possible. But for now I will share just a moment with a photographer, personal assistant and a very, very interesting Southern Gentleman named Doug. So of course the photographer in this story happens to be myself. And for those who have read any stories that I have shared on the pages of this rag in the past will know this will not be a tech story by any means. But of course there is a very special bike here which is the center of attention. And that is the ’29 JD. Now the personal assistant? Well what do you do when your editor sends you a text a week before you head to bike week asking if you would like to show their young daughter who is very much a photo enthusiast the ins and outs of your craft (hmm what craft do I have I just shoot! But wait maybe they think I know what I’m doing!) you say sure… no problem and then go to the nearest book store and read as many books as you can on how to be a good mentor in just one week! Well note to self that just does not work. I just happen to run into a very special young lady that gives me hope in the crazy, crazy world. So I got lucky this will not be a tech story by any means. But of course there is a very special bike here which is the center of attention. And that is the ’29 JD. Now the personal assistant? Well what do you do when your editor sends you a text a week before you head to bike week asking if you would like to show their young daughter who is very much a photo enthusiast the ins and outs of your craft (hmm what craft do I have I just shoot! But wait maybe they think I know what I’m doing!) you say sure… no problem and then go to the nearest book store and read as many books as you can on how to be a good mentor in just one week! Well note to self that just does not work. I just happen to run into a very special young lady that gives me hope in the crazy, crazy world. So I got lucky and if you want to really get to know her just read her monthly article which is in here somewhere. So now let’s talk about the real story, Doug and his 1929 JD. So my first impression in meeting Doug at the Broken Spoke was hey what a cool laid back guy! As we talked not only at the Spoke but later over the phone I found a man that’s desire and love for life and motorcycles goes far deeper then we could ever have time for. So after getting past the fact that I’m a Yankee and he’s a good old Southern Boy we were able to get into the story behind this very rare 1929 JD. So as the story goes Doug is one of these guys who is known to do the Cannonball Run. Last time Doug made this journey he did it on his 1928 Indian. Great bike, and still running but this time around (2014) he wanted to try a Harley. So in his attempt to find something old, classic and custom he ends up at an antique meet in Oley, PA. It is there that he finds his diamond in the rough! Yes a 1929 Harley JD. And with a blink of an eye it becomes his Cannonball project. Now out of the gate the bike had the original motor and the ‘29 only cylinders. That alone is a great find. Doug also told me that the front end looked like it was from a possible 31-32 VL. It even had the original tool box and horn still on the front. He did notice that the frame was modified so if you take a closer look you will get the feel of a 36 or later knuckle. Fine by me. So with the original “Hollywood” bars cut and turned back to sit lower you even get a slight café feel.
There is so much to this bike that is special that to see it up close and personal will only do it the justice it deserves. But one of the many favorites that Doug did mention as a stand out was the exhaust. The fact that it is all handmade and chromed is very fitting to this special build. And a special build it truly is. After doing some research and I did say this was a custom bike it was brought to my attention that this bike was originally built in the 50’s by a gentleman named Hank the Hermit from Weymouth, MA. His builds have been known to be very rare and today almost impossible to find. So the perfect build for a perfect ride. Sometimes it just works out that way. Shooting this bike was done at the Broken Spoke with the help of my new secret weapon Amelia Rose. A special young lady whose smarts give me hope for goodt hings to come. Together we shot Doug’s bike in about 90 min. Maybe the best hour and a half of my trip. Nah… we shot a few more together, all just as fun! So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Anymore on the bike take a peek at the spec sheet or admire the images we were lucky enough to share with you. As for Doug there is so much more than just a man and his bike. A 4 time around the world traveler, owner of 40 plus bikes some which are stabled in Bulgaria and the Middle East awaiting his return. But most important a man who lives by his own priorities. As a Yankee I have to say … not so bad for a good old Southern Boy!
AROUND THE WORLD TECH SHEET
Owner: Doug Wothke
Fabrication By: Owner
City/State: Laceys Spring, AL
Year: 1929
Model: JD
Model: Harley Davidson
ENGINE
Year: 1929
Model: JD Flathead
Builder: Doug Wothke
Ignition: Points
Displacement: 1200cc
Carb: Linkert
Air Cleaner: Landstrom Foundry
Exhaust: Jamie Payne / Owner
Primary: VL Dual Row Chain
TRANSMISSION
Shifting: 3 Speed
FRAME
Make: JD With Modifications
FORKS
Make: Harley Davidson VL
Year: 1932
Type: I Beam Springer
WHEELS
Front Wheel: VL
Size: 16”
Tire: Coker
Rear Wheel: JD
Size: 16”
Tire: Coker
Rear Brake: Calling It a “Brake” Is Rather Optimistic!
PAINT
Painter: John Dills
Color: Black/Yaller
Type: Shiny
Graphics: Jillian Rossi
ACCESSORIES
Bars: Drag
Risers: Flanders
Gas Tank(s): Fat Bobs, 3.5 Gal
Front fender: What??
Rear Fender: ‘32 Ford Spare Tire Cover
Seat: Bad & G Customs
Oil Tank: Horseshoe
Headlight: Cycle Ray
Tailight: Sparto
Photographer: Mark V & Amelia Rose