Hollister, California, has been known as the “Birthplace of The American Biker” ever since another Independence Weekend back in 1947 when a little motorcycle racing event got a little wild and was blown out of proportion when San Francisco Chronicle photographer Barney Peterson’s photo of a biker appeared in LIFE magazine. If it wasn’t for that event there might be no Harley-Davidson Motor Company today. Years ago even Harley VP Willie G. Davidson acknowledged that to be true to me.

Jump forward to Hollister 2011, leaning on last year’s Customer Appreciation Day at the Corbin facility in Hollister, Mike Corbin continued the event for 2011, learning and improving from last year’s trouble-free success. Mike even offered free exhibiter spaces which were snapped up instantly. The local Hollister club “Top Hatters” ended their annual poker run at Corbin’s. The descendants of the original “Boozefighter” had a book signing and Iconic Hells Angel Sonny Barger made an appearance. The star of the day was Burt Munroe’s LSR Indian, the authentic one built by Burt Munro, not the copy “The World’s Fastest Indian”. made for the film bike. The last time we saw it was at Pebble Beach Concours de Elegance where the price of admission was $165 and at Corbin’s it was free!

Master builder John Reed put four of his creations on display. A couple were winners at the Oakland Roadster Show and one was a 3 cam 6 valve experimental bike. Friday July 1 was set up day with the usual confusion on an event move in, but thanks the Corbin staff it went as smoothly as possible. Samson, CCI, Tesla, bike show, factory tours, Wizards Café, plus other attractions.

Saturday with triple digit temps, the crowds came and went by the thousands to enjoy Corbin’s hospitality and hang with their friends. No incidents, no cops, no heat collapse, and thousands of friendships renewed and new ones made. The vibes were very, very positive with the entire Corbin crew working to make sure that everything was perfect. Five food caterers plus the Wizards Cafe were kept busy feeding and hydrating the people. The Boy Scouts of America sold $1 bottles of water by the thousands. Oh yeah, there was no booze or beer sold or consumed and that might have reduced the attendance by one or two people. Great idea no booze; no drunks, no problems. A great party thanks to Mike and crew.