Student Techs Revive Vintage Bikes, Win Top Honors

Students from Palmer Career & Technical Education Center in Hudson, New Hampshire, have claimed top honors at the state's first-ever Bike Build Off competition. They not only secured first place but also received the prestigious Charlie Snow award, named in recognition of a pivotal figure in the competition's establishment. The event challenges student teams to restore vintage motorcycles.

Organized by Joseph Roy, owner of Vintage Custom Cycles, and supported by Bring Back The Traders, the competition aims to foster and highlight young talent through friendly rivalry. Palmer students transformed a 1976 Honda CB 550, while Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School students worked on a 1996 Harley-Davidson Road King. Both teams dedicated their school year to the intricate restoration process.

The competition saw significant public engagement, with over 1,000 electronic votes cast to determine the winners. Organizers hope to expand the event, with plans to include four schools in the upcoming year, emphasizing the value of providing a platform for hidden talents. Trophies for the event were skillfully crafted by students from Portsmouth, who are slated to compete next year.

Participants like Anna Murphy from Palmer highlighted the rewarding nature of the project, emphasizing the dramatic transformation of the motorcycles. Ethan Buja noted the opportunity to learn welding and fabrication skills, while Gavin Ryan pointed out the budget management and practical lessons gained, including self-painted finishes. The experience provided invaluable lessons for all involved.