
Kickin’ Back With Dave On Bike Night
Story and Photos by Wendy Manning
Maybe I’m jumping the gun a little here, but spring is right around the corner and for me that means the start of Dave Perewitz’s Bike Night season. I don’t know about you but I’m sick of the economic doom and gloom forecast that the media is shoving down our throats, and I know much of country is sick of the weather forecast. I find myself shying away from the news and being drawn to the creativity used by our industry to keep spirits high even if our cash flow is low. Maybe that’s why I’m so excited about the start of Bike Night season at Perewitz Cycle Fabrication in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Despite the squeeze on everyone’s wallet these days, the colorful Perewitz family belonging to the “The King of Flames” Dave Perewitz refuses to let it get them down. They fight back from June to September by throwing a huge monthly party that draws people by the hundreds, and sometimes even a thousand or more.
It’s a family affair for many, and not only bike enthusiasts and their kids and dogs, but people from all over New England turn out for the camaraderie and party atmosphere, not to mention the surplus of cool bikes filling the parking lot and lining both sides of the street. Offered up is an assortment of food from stuffed quahogs and chili to burgers hot off the grill and even a few potluck goodies brought by the regulars. There’s plenty of music, whether it’s a live band or a DJ cranking out the tunes, and T-shirts and prizes are thrown from the roof all evening long. There’s always someone trying to best someone else in the burnout pit and, of course, there are plenty of bikes being ridden into the parking lot to keep everyone’s head on a swivel. But there’s always an added surprise, be it airbrush tattoos or the appearance of a New England Patriot dropping in to say hello.
Dave has been hosting Bike Night for several years now and says it’s his way of giving back to his customers and his community. Judging by the comments made by Bike Nighters I think it does that and much more. For some it’s tradition, for others it may be the only barbecue they attend all season, and for others it’s a chance to have a personal one-on-one talk with the King of Flames himself. If you want a personal tour of the fabrication shop or his paint booth, Dave will probably show you around himself. A photo with Dave? He’s ready and smiling. Do you want to show him the bike you just spent a whole winter building? He’s more than happy to take a look.
Dave genuinely enjoys kickin’ back with the crowd, being with old friends and making new ones under the stars (and sometimes the clouds). If you’re anywhere in New England this year, treat yourself to a Bike Night at Dave’s. For a complete schedule of 2010 Bike Nights, or to keep up with the daily goings on with the Perewitz family, visit Jody Perewitz’s blog at www.lifeatperewitz.com.