An "American Idol-esque" version of building custom choppers has made a Santa Cruz cycle shop the star of an upcoming episode.
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Filming started Wednesday and continues today at Central Coast Cycles on Commercial Way for a contest to assemble sleek, fast and colorful machines -- something shop owner Scott Long perfected a long time ago.
Long, a motorcycle nut since age 5 who is recognized in the industry as a top bike builder, will show off by constructing a retro-style "bobber" bike for "The Chopper Challenge," which airs on Country Music Television beginning May 14.
He's one of nine motorcycle builders from across the state and Phoenix, Ariz. chosen to participate in the reality bike-building show.
"Riding a motorcycle is like getting tattoos," Long, 48, said. "It's a little addictive."
All the bike parts, including the frame, motor, transmission and wheels, were provided by the show's producer, V Entertainment Group of Beverly Hills.
He said he'll design his own set of wheels, gas tank and fenders from scratch.
Long is tasked with creating a motorcycle that can be used as a promotional tool for the upcoming "Incredible Hulk" movie starring Edward Norton. Long's bike-building episode will also appear as one of the bonus features on the movie's DVD.
"It's going to be a really fast, beautiful bike," Long said. "It's a win to be on the show and to be in front of that many people, that's the bonus for us."
The Cult's "Firewoman" played in the shop as the videographer and sound man set up for a day of filming. One of the first shots was Long giving a tour of his shop, a business he started in 2001. Later, a 1940 Ford delivered a wooden box filled with the parts for Long's bike. |
Long has 30 days to get a bike up and running for the show.
The film crew is expected to visit the shop a couple of days each week while the cycle's construction is under way. "The Chopper Challenge" episode with Long is scheduled to run at 8:30 p.m. May 28.
Viewers can vote for their favorite bike by text messaging or visiting the show's Web site, www.thechopperchallenge.com.
An estimated 9 million people are expected to watch, show producer Eric Harryman of V Entertainment Group said.
The prize for the bike builder with the most votes has not yet been determined, Harryman said.
"We're counting on the exposure," Long said. "That's the win for us."
Contact Shanna McCord at 429-2401 or smccord@santacruzsentinel.com.
