That’s What A Burger’s All About…

When I first moved to California back in the 1970s, one of the first things I heard about was In-N-Out.  I didn’t understand the excitement surrounding this legendary organization until I visited one.  Folks, trust me on this, you’ve never had hamburgers this good unless you’ve been to an In-N-Out.  They are simply the best burgers in the world.

In addition to running an immensely successful business with an incredible reputation, In-N-Out operates a foundation to help abused children.   In-N-Out held its 23^rd Annual Children’s Benefit event last Thursday.   The event raises money for the Foundation by auctioning donated sports memorabilia, vacations, concert tickets, collectibles of all sorts, and for the first time ever, a super-collectible California Scooter.  Yep, I’m proud to be able to tell you that California Scooter Company donated a truly unique bike for this most worthwhile foundation.

The excitement in our company in the days leading up to this event was tangible…everyone was excited about your favorite motorcycle company’s latest project.  Things moved into high gear when we saw the first concept sketches, but our motorcycle maestro John is the real genius behind this bike’s unique look.   We’ve talked about John’s work before on this blog (he did the orange-and-white bike for Alvin with the hand-painted Mustang logo), and John’s work is as tasty as an In-N-Out burger.   Under a very tight schedule (and starting with a red California Scooter Classic), John’s genius emerged once again…

That’s the In-N-Out logo on the side of this very special gas tank, but John wasn’t content with that.  He thought it would be a good idea to use the In-N-Out palm tree design on the chainguard, too, and it really made the bike come alive…

Everybody had ideas, and many of them found their way into this very special Scooter.   The buzz in the plant was palpable.  The guys (that’s Tony, Carlos, and Tom in the photo below) were pumped about building this supercool Scooter.   The excitement bubbled up.  Everyone knows what a quality outfit In-N-Out is, and there was this overwhelming feeling of being part of something really special…

A lot of ideas found their way into this bike.  We used the Greaser’s red wheels and wide whitewall tires.   Sandy suggested a red seat with white piping.   We found a pair of white handgrips.   While all of this was being coordinated with the good folks from In-N-Out, they gave us tokens for their great food.  Wow, In-N-Out burgers!  Sign me up!

Everyone showed up at the assembly area picnic table when the burgers arrived (how do they make them always taste sooooo good?)…and we were all having a great time.   Then, the guys in the shop came up with the perfect finishing touch… 

Why not put an In-N-Out meal on the Scooter’s rack!   Take a look at this, folks!

You know, I’ve been getting excited about motorcycles for a lot longer than I care to admit, and I’ve photographed some beautiful machines.   None compare to the In-N-Out bike.  It’s that special.  Our guys and gals hit a home run with this one.

I knew the bike was going to be auctioned at the In-N-Out Children’s Benefit, but I sure didn’t know I’d be lucky enough to attend.   When Steve asked if I’d like to go, I just smiled.  He already knew the answer to that one…

The event was magnificent.  Lynda (our host) made me feel like a member of the family (a trait for which In-N-Out is famous).   The banquet was great.   Seeing how people reacted to the In-N-Out bike was a special treat.  The Scooter was a high-octane smile generator running flat out the entire evening.   Everyone wanted to get a closer look.  I can’t begin to tell you how good it felt to be associated with the company that built it.

The auction started.  All of the auction items were special (including that neon sign I included as the first photo above), but the In-N-Out bike was extra special.  It was the last item to go on the block, and when it did, you could feel the excitement as more than 500 people leaned forward to get a better look… 

There were a lot of bids, the auctioneer put on quite a show, and then suddenly it was going once…going twice…and then… a very satisfying SOLD!   The crowd cheered, and that was it….the first of a numbered series of In-N-Out California Scooters had found its new home!

You know, just writing this blog entry about the In-N-Out bike is exciting, and it’s making me hungry.   Folks, I’m signing off…I’m gonna go for a late night chow run and grab a…you guessed it….Double-Double, fries, and a vanilla milkshake!