Rising Thunder Custom Bike ShowLithuania June 1st, 2019
This was the first year for the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at the Rising Thunder Show in Lithuania, in a biennial pattern that will see it alternate with last year's European Baltic States affiliate event - MC XIIIs Custom Bike Show (June 2018) at Cesis in Latvia.Staged at Taurage, Lithuania this year by Twins Forever MC, the event was first held in 2011, and in addition to privateer and shop-based customizers from Lithuania and the other Baltic States, drew competitors from Poland and Germany.
Tom Danius, President of the Twins Forever MC, said that "the leading customizers elsewhere in Europe have many opportunities to have their craftsmanship recognized, but we started Rising Thunder so that the craftsmanship of 'local' customizers could be seen by 'local' enthusiasts.
"Like elsewhere, the quality and number of custom bikes being built here, and of the 'mild to wild' customizing that is taking place in general, has been improving and growing. Rising Thunder not only showcases the work that we are now seeing emerge in Lithuania, but gives new generations of enthusiasts the opportunity to get inspired and get involved."
"We have definitely seen that the number of those who wish to participate and present their ideas has been growing since we started the show, and it looks like the growth will gradually continue.
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| Best in show - 22 Moto with a customized 1,000 cc 1973 Ironhead XLH 2000 |
"Affiliating with the AMD Championship gives our 'local' custom community the opportunity to reach a wider audience, to have their work appreciated internationally, and we are sure that the opportunity for winning builders here to participate in the 'AMD' on a world stage in Cologne will drive that growth still further, and further evolve ideas and craftsmanship that customizers here aspire to."
The show is part of the city festival - an example of the growing number of cooperation between municipal managers and moto clubs throughout Europe. It was on the suggestion of city leaders that the event was not only organized in one of the central squares, but was completely free, with a welcome for everybody.
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| Tommy&Sons won Best Bagger with a Harley-Davidson FLHTKSE |
To mark Rising Thunder becoming part of the AMD World Championship, this year's event was hosted by industry veteran, rider, author and photographer Onno Wieringa. When asked about the event, Onno said: "The show was great. The organization was excellent. The friendship of the organizers, competitors and everybody I met from Taurage was awesome. The international lingua franca of custom bikes breaks down the language barriers and creates one big connected community with shared passions."
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| Motorest Custom also won free entry into the AMD World Championship |
Three participants from this year's Rising Thunder Custom Bike Show have been invited to the 'AMD' at INTERMOT Customized in October 2020 - the winner and 'Best In Show' was 22 Moto with a customized 1,000 cc 1973 Ironhead XLH 2000, with many handmade components including the exhaust, oil tank (including pipes), air intake system, handlebar and footrests. Additionally, the drivetrain was converted from belt to chain; the carburetor and intake manifolds were by S&S.
22 Moto wins the main € 2,000.00 prize to cover transport and associated expenses to compete - along with two additional customizers who received an AMD special invitation for their work - qualified for free entry into the AMD World Championship (and a package of VIP privileges and benefits), and we also look forward to welcoming 'Tommy and Sons' (also Best Bagger and the 'Public Choice' winner), and Motorest Custom.
