HOG Spotlight: Adam and Jess

A Toronto couple bonds over ink and iron

Words and photos by Dustin A. Woods

Partners in both life and business, Adam and Jess have many common interests that keep them busy. Whether their journey takes them to a local restaurant, a live concert by one of their favourite bands, or to their tattoo shop, they can be seen travelling through Toronto’s busy city streets aboard Adam’s 2017 Dyna^® Low Rider^® S – often with Hector, the Taco Terrier, in tow.

Adam caught the motorcycle bug early, acquiring a 50cc mini bike off Craigslist with his cousins when they were kids. Once he was old enough to legally drive, he acquired a Vespa that allowed him to commute faster and cheaper than in a car. He admits he was exploring his Italian roots. After cutting his teeth on classic Japanese bikes, he purchased his first Harley-Davidson^® – a 2014 Sportster^® Forty-Eight^® that he regrets parting with to this day.

Attracted to the last year of the Dyna platform and the 100 Screamin’ Eagle^® motor, Adam has spent more time and money customizing the Low Rider than he would like to admit, but he is very happy with the result. Jess has plenty of experience as a passenger, so Adam was initially more apprehensive about having her ride on the back of his bike than she was.

Even when travelling abroad, they prefer to explore new areas on two wheels. Last summer they stayed at a friend’s place in Hollywood and rented a Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 for the day. They rode up into the hills, visiting the Griffith Observatory and the famous Rock Store, then along the Pacific Coast Highway to have shrimp at Neptune’s Net like Brian and Dom did in The Fast and the Furious. “It was one of the greatest riding days I’ve ever had, and I got to share with the person I love,” Adam says.

There have been many other notable experiences thanks to motorcycles and the HOG^® community. Adam recalls riding up Yonge Street with fellow chapter members and a police escort to take over Yonge-Dundas Square for the opening of the Meatloaf Musical Bat Out of Hell. The couple also once visited a nursing home with a fleet of motorcycles in hopes of brightening the residents’ day. Adam fondly remembers the big smiles that the sight and sounds of the bikes brought to their elderly faces.

Adam also became heavily involved with the local Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and Movember. If you’ve taken part in the Toronto ride, you may recall his outrageous novelty suits. You may also have seen his moustachioed face before, as it graced billboards and commercials around the globe as part of a worldwide Movember campaign.

His latest endeavour involves going into business with Jess to open their own tattoo shop, Stigmata Tattoos. A talented and in-demand artist, Jess can focus on the tattooing, while Adam manages the business end of things. He jokes that he has one and a half Harley^® bikes as he enters the shop. The miniature motorcycle in the front window catches a lot of attention. What started as a lawnmower-engine-powered mini-bike of unknown origin has slowly had various parts added from a wide array of Harley-Davidsons, including the tank, handlebars and headlight. It’s become a conversation piece, but Adam has also been known to show up to the local Moto Social evenings on it from time to time. Both Adam and Jess say there’s a definite connection between motorcycles and tattoos, beyond just the stereotypes. There’s some discomfort and danger involved, as well as the pursuit of personalization and individuality. We customize our bikes and we customize our bodies. The two go hand in hand.

---

Etiquetas: