It’s no secret that motorcycling can change lives for the better. Those of us who ride understand the sense of freedom and empowerment that comes with owning a bike, knowing that we can jump on at any time and go wherever our hearts desire. But the uninitiated may be surprised to learn that groups are actually using motorcycling for therapeutic reasons. Some of those involve riding, and some of those, like our friends at Motorcycle Missions, were developed to help a specific group of people heal.
For Motorcycle Missions, that group is U.S. veterans and first responders. The healing power comes through a custom bike build project, where those involved get the opportunity to work together on a substantial undertaking, learning new skills along the way.
In March 2019, MotoDoffo hosted the first ever Women Wheels Wine event, which served as a fundraiser for Motorcycle Missions as well as a kick off for the organization’s 9th build project. Krystal Hess, Founder and Executive Director of Motorcycle Missions, organized a group of six female U.S. Veterans who would partake in the project as a means of therapy for Post Traumatic Stress (Disorder) and Military Sexual Trauma.
The group would go on to meet nearly every week at Marcelo’s workshop at Doffo Winery to transform a 1972 Honda CL350 donated by another female rider and motorcycle enthusiast, Jenell Vollmer. Marcelo would serve as the lead build mentor, imparting his decades of experience restoring vintage bikes. The girls tore the bike down and got right into restoring old parts and installing new ones. They did a complete engine rebuild/restore with Shane Conley from How2Wrench, learned how to prep the bike for paint with Theresa Contreras, and learned how to ceramic coat parts with Krystal Hess. The girls also learned how to fabricate, metal shape, wrap their exhaust, build and bleed custom brake lines, and detail the finished bike to a show quality finish.
What started out as a restoration project turned into a custom build thanks to generous donations from supporters in the motorcycle world. Cognito Moto provided custom triple trees, rear sets, and custom machined front wheel hub. Motodemic donated the 7” LED Evo S headlight and mounting bracket, while Temecula Powder Coating provided their services. Corbin Seats contributed a custom made seat, while Ikon Suspension provided rear shocks and Voodoo Moto threw in mufflers with titanium exhaust wrap donated by DEI Engineering. Motogadget mirrors, turn signals and electrical components were donated by Motovation USA, while the tool bags were made in Austin, TX by Russell at ElevenATX.
The restoration / rebuild / customization came to a close just in time to officially debut the bike at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show. It was a head-turner for sure, and fit right in with all of the other amazing custom builds on display at the show. In the end though, the Motorcycle Missions 1972 Honda CL350 took home the People’s Choice Award!
Krystal Hess of Motorcycle Missions on the project:
“When Samantha Doffo approached me at last year’s IMS in Long Beach with the idea of doing an all female bike build at the Doffo Winery, I was instantly excited for the veterans who would get to enjoy the experience, and I hadn’t even met them yet. Fast forward exactly one year to the same event where the idea was sparked, and these ladies got to stand proud and show the people of IMS what dedication, perseverance, and strength look like. These ladies are tough, and they love to learn – such an amazing combination that resulted in a beautiful, award-winning bike. I couldn’t be more proud of their hard work and the masterpiece they built while healing together. The process of rebuilding the bike was very symbolic of the changes that were going on with them throughout their build – they got to take something that was worn out and tired, and had seen and been through so much, and transform it into something new, shiny, and with a renewed sense of purpose. AND THAT BIKE DID SHINE, as did they when they revealed their bike. Thank you to Samantha and Marcelo for having faith in our organization and our vision for these deserving ladies.”
On behalf of the Doffo Family, congratulations to the Motorcycle Missions team and the amazing group of women who created such a beautiful piece of moving artwork! It was an honor to host the build project and help these women learn some new skills while healing.
Build Details:
- BUILD LOCATION: Doffo Winery, Temecula CA
- HOST and LEAD BUILD MENTOR: Marcelo Doffo – Doffo Winery / Motodoffo Collection
- BUILD MENTOR, engine rebuild and electrical: Shane Conley – How2Wrench
- BUILD MENTOR, paint and prep: Theresa Contreras – LGE CTS Motorsports / Real Deal
- BUILD MENTOR and support: Sofi Tsingos – GT Moto
- BUILD MENTOR and support: Krystal Hess – Motorcycle Missions
VETERAN BUILDERS:
- Pamela Morales-Perez – USMC
- Mary Josephine Joseph – US Navy
- Christina Green – US Army
- Lisa Kukula – US Navy
- Angela Fritzoni – US Navy
- Rocio Villanueva – US Army
PARTS DONORS:
- Cognito Moto – Machined front hub, rear sets, custom triple tree
- Motodemic – LED headlight
- Corbin Seats – custom upholstered seat
- Ikon Suspension – rear suspension/shocks
- Voodoo Moto – slip on exhaust
- DEI Engineering – titanium exhaust wrap
- Motovation USA – Motogadget electronics and lights
- Real Deal / Theresa Contreras – paint
- Temecula Valley Powder Coating – powder coating