On last spring's cross-country drive from the Dixie Roundup I stopped in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to talk motorcycles and po' boys with ChopCult members from this small port town 30 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. Lake Charles native Chuck Smalley helped organize my photo shoot with his friends at Darrell's Bar and Grill of I-10. Chuck was pretty busted up from a recent accident on the job site, but that hasn't slowed down him or his crew. Chuck and his friend Ben Pugh were eager to show their shovels to ChopCult members, and we were more than happy to oblige. The only thing I regret about last spring's excursion through the Bayou state is failing to eat one of Darrell's famous sandwiches. Maybe next time, guys.

This is my first custom bike build, and everything about the project was totally fun. I tackled it at a buddy’s shop with help from a bunch of close friends and riding buddies. I want to thank Ben Pugh for the shop space and for all his help on a variety of details: everything from truing the wheels to welding and wiring. Thanks to Bucky’s Paint and Body for working on the tank and fender, and to Tommy Martin for helping me rebuild the motor. When it was finished I was blown away that it got “best chopper” at last Year’s Dixie Roundup 2.  

Owner/Builder: Chuck Smalley

Bike name: Pretty Hate Machine

Home town: Lake Charles, LA

Motor: 1979 shovelhead

Frame specs: Paughco, stock geometry

Fork specs: Lowered and polished Narrow Glide

Home-built custom bits: Shaved fork legs and trees; miter-cut dirt bike style handlebars; custom rigid solo seat mounting gussets; 2-into-2 X-pipe exhaust; stainless-steel fender struts, brake line clamps; stainless-steel top motor mount/ignition switch; internal wiring

Wheels: 21” x 3.5” alloy rims laced to stock H-D hubs