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Glory Daze 2021
Words: Kurt Diserio - Photos: Alexa Diserio
Hey, Pittsburgh! Your annual vintage and custom motorcycle show returned this year on Saturday, September 25 at the national historic landmark of Carrie Blast Furnaces. Glory Daze was back in a big way with a new lineup of custom bikes from builders throughout the country, many of which returned to the Steel City from the last round in 2019 with new creations. After the whirlwind of 2020, this year was off to another uncertain start with a pandemic hangover causing supply and labor problems, a new virus variant, and the unpredictable worry of more occupancy restrictions. Watching the news or scrolling through social platforms caused daily anxiety that impacted planning tremendously, but after having to call off last year's event, the only option was to hope for the best and power forward. People were eager to get back into the bike show groove, so I knew that once the gates opened, the motorcycle community would have our backs and take it from there.
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Photo by Luke Diserio
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This year we were treated to an even bigger turnout and perfect late September weather. In addition to the indoor invitational motorcycle show and the bike-only courtyard we had last time, the show was expanded to now include another area with outdoor vendors and swap meet spots. Due to the roadway changes made at Carrie Blast Furnaces, the entryway and exit became a one-way loop that circled around the outside to a much larger parking area near the outdoor vendors.
The powerhouse building was filled with groovy motorcycle builds from around the Pittsburgh region and beyond. I like to think of the indoor show almost like an art gallery, with each motorcycle having an impact on attendees in different ways. From the mind-blowing engineering of Christian Newman's stainless, turbocharged 8 valve ULH chopper to the creative use of musical instruments seen on J Shia's pair of 1972 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi SS350s, there was something for everyone. Great art influences us in ways we might not truly recognize at the moment, often creating waves of inspiration for years to come. We can't thank the invitees enough for their dedication and craftsmanship. The show wouldn't be what it is without them.
The powerhouse building was filled with groovy motorcycle builds from around the Pittsburgh region and beyond. I like to think of the indoor show almost like an art gallery, with each motorcycle having an impact on attendees in different ways. From the mind-blowing engineering of Christian Newman's stainless, turbocharged 8 valve ULH chopper to the creative use of musical instruments seen on J Shia's pair of 1972 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi SS350s, there was something for everyone. Great art influences us in ways we might not truly recognize at the moment, often creating waves of inspiration for years to come. We can't thank the invitees enough for their dedication and craftsmanship. The show wouldn't be what it is without them.
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Alexa and I would like to thank presenting partners Iron City Beer and Bell Powersports for having a big presence at this year's event. You could grab some IC swag at their merch table to go along with the cold Iron you were drinking. Bell Helmets had acclaimed painter Skratch set up inside doing live pinstriping and helmet painting during the show. The Trippy Ten helmet art exhibit also returned with ten new artists displaying custom-painted Bell Moto 3, Bullitt, and Custom 500 lids.
We'd also like to thank Rivers of Steel for their work in preserving this amazing site and venue. Big thanks to show sponsors Old Bike Barn, Uptahn Metalworks, Lowbrow Customs, Youngstown Cycle & Speed, and ChopCult for their support. Events like this wouldn't happen if it wasn't for great companies helping out and taking part. Check out their websites, follow them on social, and give them some love when you can. Last but not least, thanks to our team of volunteers for keeping things as organized as possible. We truly appreciate your help in creating such an impactful moment in time.
Glory Daze is returning on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Mark your calendars, tell your friends, and plan your winter motorcycle projects. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!
- Kurt Diserio, event organizer
We'd also like to thank Rivers of Steel for their work in preserving this amazing site and venue. Big thanks to show sponsors Old Bike Barn, Uptahn Metalworks, Lowbrow Customs, Youngstown Cycle & Speed, and ChopCult for their support. Events like this wouldn't happen if it wasn't for great companies helping out and taking part. Check out their websites, follow them on social, and give them some love when you can. Last but not least, thanks to our team of volunteers for keeping things as organized as possible. We truly appreciate your help in creating such an impactful moment in time.
Glory Daze is returning on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Mark your calendars, tell your friends, and plan your winter motorcycle projects. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!
- Kurt Diserio, event organizer
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1971 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead chopper by Chase Chicoine
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1951 Harley-Davidson PanShovel Chopper by Larry Collette
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2006 Twisted Bobber build by Tim Scates
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"Sweet 13" Sportster by Rick Reed
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J Shia brought a couple of interesting 1972 Harley-Davidson Aermacchis
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Skratch was at the Bell Helmets booth painting helmets
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Yamaha XS650 by Speakeasy Motors
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Left to right: Andy and Josh of Uptahn Metalworks, show organizer Kurt Diserio, and Brett Conley of Bell Helmets
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1930 Harley-Davidson 8 valve ULH by Christian Newman
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1929 Indian Four Electric Conversion by Randy Hayward (right)
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1954 Harley-Davidson Panhead by Joe Perrone
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Skratch presenting Todd Zwicker of Iron City Beer a custom-painted Bell Helmets lid
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Jesse Amos
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Brad Barnes / Boosted Brad
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Seth Chaney / Dirty Gold Customs
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Johnny Harris / Johnny A. Kustom Paint
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Travis Hess / Kolor by Tuki
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Phil Leonard / Syrarium Studios
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Paige Macy / Stripe Cult Painting
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Andy Meeh / Flyin' Iron Designs
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Gerad Poepke / Valley Kustoms
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Trippy Ten Helmet Art Show - Jeremy Seanor / Lucky Strike Designs
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1978 Hell Van by Peep Shaffer
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1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead chopper by Evan Favaro
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Black Dog Tattoo Trailer was on site
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Black Dog Tattoo Trailer
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Big thanks to Skratch for painting a custom Glory Daze Bell Bullitt helmet
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1968 Triumph T120 by Jessika Janene
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CT Newman's 8 valve ULH component breakdown
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1972 Yankee Z500 2-Stroke twin chopper by Cubby's Customs
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1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead chopper by Speakeasy Motors
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Event sponsor Uptahn Metalworks
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TE Customs
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The CROIG "Built for Good" Sportster giveaway was presented to the winner during the show
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The courtyard was packed with familiar faces
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1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster chopper by Peter Stovicek
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