So, Cycle Source Magazine has been around 15 years now. With this anniversary Chris has asked us all to write up a little introduction letting the readers know who we are, how we became involved with Cycle Source, and what we were doing 15 years ago. This seems only fitting since this crew is about brotherhood and love interacting and building a bond with the readers.
I’m Matt Reel from West Virginia. You may see me posting on the Source Forum under wvfirerider. I’m a career firefighter, and part time motorcycle mechanic. I grew up around muscle cars learning mechanics and body work from my father and brother. My interest in machines and horse power changed over to motorcycles about 12 years ago when I started working at a bigger fire dept. and bought my first Harley, a 1983 Iron Head. I’ve been building, customizing and riding ever since.
Getting involved with Cycle Source for me started with a simple post on the Forum. West Virginia’s Mountain Fest motorcycle rally had been going on for a couple years, and The Source had been putting on the Chopper Show for them. I posted a message on the forum suggesting that the magazine put on a ride one afternoon during the rally. The response I got back from the editor was “sounds great, set it up”. So I did and we have had a great time every year with around 50-60 riders last year. After that I have had the opportunity to make some great friends have some good times, and now write some stuff for the magazine.
Fifteen years ago I would have never guessed where life would have taken me, but I guess there was a hint. As I said before I was always into cars, but I can remember anytime I was in Pennsylvania I would always stop at a Harley dealership to pick up a copy of Cycle Source. At that time it wasn’t available in my area and that was the best place to find one. So as I said I guess I was destined to become involved with this crew.
