Continued....

World-Famous builder Alan Bernard's custom choppers have been bought and sold around the United States and in Europe. His choppers are being ridden in and around places like Australia, the Dominican Republic, Panama, France Belgium and Germany. Not too bad for a local company in Gibsonton Florida. A fifth generation builder from France, Bernard is the owner of Santiago Chopper. It is likely that most people reading this will have never heard of him. But there are few people in the country with his level of fame. His work has appeared on TV and on countless magazines covers from around the world. He is in demand to attend every increasing number of bike fests around the country. In the motorcycle industry, Bernard has long since arrived-and he did it by just being himself.

Now Alan has come up with a new concept on an old-school ride from the 60's and 70's. We're talking about trikes but not your usual bulky rides. We're talking about full-custom trikes with chopper, pro-street, Nino's, twin-cam, Ferrari and old schools like their 39 Coupe style. These trikes are show-stopper and winners having won every build-off they have entered, from Daytona, Sturgis, World Class Builders and local events. They are unstoppable with their trikes. Just ask the owner of their newest build for Mike Gaundy. His 39 Coupe replica has won five out of five shows entered, from Best of Show, first and second places, and his most recent first place win at the Boardwalk in Daytona on March 10th of this year during Bike Week Daytona. Making it six wins out of six.

Santiago Chopper's most recognized trike by far without a doubt is Jessie's Ride. A tribute trike built for the Jessica Marie Lunsford Foundation. This trike has been seen around the country promoting children's rights. Thanks to Jessie's Dad, Mark Lunsford and his fight for keeping our children safe. Jessie's Ride has been featured on America's Most Wanted and has been in the presence of former presidents and the present governors of 26 stated, most recent with S the governor of California, Arnold Schwartzenegger. A On May 28th Santiago Chopper will be raffling.

On May 28th Santiago Chopper will be raffling off a custom Santiago Chopper. You will be able to pick one of two choppers both built by Santaigo. The raffle will be at Quaker Steak and Lube. Tickets are $10.00 each with only 4000 tickets to be sold. As of today only 1800 have been pre sold, if you would like to purchase a ticket before May 28th you can call Santiago Choppers self at 813-677-1676 or visit their shop. For those of you that prefer you may go to either www.santiagochopper.com or www. jmlfoundation.com to order tickets on line. You do not need to be present to win the drawing all proceeds go to the Jessica M. Lunsford Foundation.

Now Santiago Chopper is taking on a new challenge with a project they are calling special-needs trikes for people who thought they may never ride again because of back surgeries, hip surgeries, bone fusions, amputees even taking on the challenge of building a trike for a man who has been paralyzed from the waist down for more than seven years. Santiago Chopper believes that a person who possesses upper body mobility can still ride. They have proven it with their trikes time and time again.

Alan and his crew will do everything in their power to enable a person who thought that their riding days were over to enjoy the experience once more with a custom built trike. When a chopper or trike leaves his shop it is with his name on it. That means he is the actual builder. That makes him a rarity among big name builders. In Alan's words "It is far more than just wrenching a motor onto a frame." It is a true Vision.

Through his patented designs such as differential rear axels, swing arms and frames with air ride, he can provide comfort and easy driving capabilities that are being sought after by major companies that have seen Bernard's ideas perform. Alan believes his work of art, even though show bike quality, they are built to be ridden and not a decorative piece of art like some TV builders portray. If he builds a chopper or trike for a customer he wants to see them ridden. Alan believes a motorcycle has a spirit and that spirit need to be set free. Just jump on the bike and ride. Enjoy artistry and enjoy the statement you can make by riding your dream. From this nondescript strip mall in Gibsonton, Florida, each with only 4000 tickets to be sold. As of today only you can see where your spirit takes you. 1800 have been pre sold.

if you would like to purchase a If you would like to see these works of art for your self or are interested in having a one-on-one consultation with Alan and his crew, you can stop by the shop located at 9879 U.S. Highway 41 Gibsonton, or you can telephone at 813-671-9097 or go online at www.SantiagoChopper. com or if you have any questions you can e-mail them at SantiagoChopper@ aol.com . Santiago Chopper would like to thank everyone who has taken part and supported their custom endeavors. Special thanks to Christine, Remy, Chris S, Tom C., Scott E., Don V., ar Crazy Zack, Mitch 1. with the Observer News, Po Boy Painting by Russ and thanks again to all of our customers.

Customer Testimonial

Hello, Readers. My name is Mike Gaundy. I am the owner of a Santiago Chopper custom 39 Coupe trike. My wife actually was the one who saw a Santiago custom trike first and had to tell me about them, because she thought it just might be what I was looking for. So the next day we took a ride that changed my life forever. I had been an avid motorcycle rider for years, having owned motorcycles, dirt bikes and quads. But for years I had not been on a bike -not that I didn't want to -but because of an accident that has left me paralyzed from the waist down. i, Trust me when I say that my hopes and dreams of ever riding again were definitely over. But, like they say; nothing is over until the fat lady sings. Santiago has proven that to me heart and soul. Alan Bernard and his crew have in my eyes created a miracle by building me a custom 39 Coupe trike. At first I was skeptical but after an hour of sitting with Alan he made me a believer. I was shown countless styles before choosing my 39 Coupe, which Alan customized for my own personal needs. It is equipped with all handdriven components: electric air shifter, suicide clutch and dual hand braking. He used custom chrome grills that are identical to a genuine 39 Coupe. The trike is powered by an 88 ci RevTech engine, a six speed tranny and unbelievable warranties. Along with a custom air-ride frame, custom running boards to stabilize my lower extremities. Alan also installed an adjustable air shock in the rear so my trike drops down to ground level for accessibility. He topped it off with a custom flame paint job that matches my Chevy truck This trike is truly amazing. I never thought I would be the owner of a motorcycle like this. What I never really thought was that something that I owned would be a show winner. Santiago Chopper asked me if I would like to enter my trike in a show. To my amazement it took Best of Show. So, I decided to enter it in the next show. Again it took Best of Show. Again and again. Five out of five wins. Santiago Chopper contacted me and asked me if I would enter in one more show, this time in Daytona. What do you know? Once again it won 1st Place Best Trike on the Boardwalk March 10, 2007. That made sic out of six wins. Santiago Chopper was not surprised with their custom trike but I was. Well what else can I say. I am very happy and proud to be the owner of this trike. It is like a dream come true. I can say that they have definitely changed my life and other lives. I hope they can make every person feel the way I feel every time I ride my trike. Anybody who would like to get in touch with me with any questions can e-mail me at Lightingboy48@tampabay. rr.com. Also, I am on My Space at www.myspace.comlrollingflames. Thanks to everyone at Santiago Chopper. Alan, Christine, Remy and Chris. You all have made my life a lot brighter and a whole lot hotter. Mike G.