In 2006, Von Dutch Kustom Cycles was the Official Motorcycle of the Black Hills Sturgis Rally

Grand Daddy to them all, Sturgis Black Hills Motorcycle Rally appoints and purchases a Von Dutch Kustom Cruelworld Chopper as the Official Bike:

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Von Dutch Kustom Cycles (www.vondutchkustomcycles.com) has been unanimously selected by the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce to build the official custom bike for the 2006 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Von Dutch Kustom Cycles, with it's winning bike design, the Cruelworld Softail Chopper, was awarded this prestigious honor, beating out numerous motorcycle companies, manufacturers, OEM's and custom builders. The bike, which has been built for the 66th Annual Sturgis Rally, will be raffled off for charity through the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce

"We are excited and humbled to receive this distinguished honor," says VDKC COO and Chief Designer, Alex Mardikian. "Von Dutch Kustom Cycles was built on the principle of 'Kustom Kulture.' We plan to use this opportunity that the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce has graciously bestowed upon us, to help educate the motorcycle community about Kustom Kulture, and why it is relevant to us and our fellow bike builders and enthusiasts."

Kustom Kulture is a movement that started in 1950-60's car and motorcycle culture and continues today. The concept at the basis of this principle is that everyone is an individual with their own sense of style that reflects their personality. Kustom Kulture is an ideology that allows people to express themselves through the artistry of their vehicles. Von Dutch Kustom Cycles has infused elements of Kustom Kulture into the bike that they have built for the 66th Annual Black Hills Rally.

"Von Dutch Kustom Cycles really brings some strong assets to our charity program," said Marcia Johnston, chair of the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation. "We think the relationship with Von Dutch will take us to a new level and we are excited about expanding our relationship with the company in a variety of ways."

"The community is sure to win on this one," says Sturgis Mayor Mark Zeigler. "I'm extremely proud of the way the Chamber, The City and Sturgis Rally Charities are working together on behalf of our town. Having Von Dutch Kustom Cycles on board should really enhance the excitement surrounding the raffle this year."

The winning Von Dutch Kustom Cycles model chosen by the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, the Cruel World Softail Chopper, is a marvel of modern technology and old-school design. This bike features a complete 113 cubic-inch Patrick Racing Billet Motor, Primo Rivera open-belt drive, and 6-speed chrome transmission. Additional features include a hand tooled leather seat, Brembo braking system, VDKC handlebars, custom rims, and custom paint by award-winning paint by Deano's of Arizona.

The bike has already achieved celebrity status by being featured and photographed with Hollywood A-listers at the Showtime Style 2006 pre-Golden Globes retreat. Held at the Luxe Hotel on the famed Beverly Hills shopping Mecca, Rodeo Drive, the event boasted some of Hollywood's biggest stars including Angela Bassett, Daryl Hannah, Terrence Howard, and Michael Madsen, amongst many others. The bike will continue its media blitz leading up to the Black Hills Rally, visiting Cincinnati's V-Twin Expo, the ultimate motorcycle dealer tradeshow and internationally renowned apparel tradeshow, MAGIC Marketplace, in February.
This honorable appointment by the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce entitles Von Dutch Kustom Cycles to join the exclusive company of the few organizations who are permitted a license to use the Sturgis name and composite. The Chamber and Von Dutch Kustom Cycles are currently working on a variety of licensing deals related to a unique blend of the two sought-after brands, including a line of die-cast miniature toy motorcycles by Jada Toys.

Von Dutch Kustom Cycles was founded in 2003 by longtime custom bike and power-craft designer Alex Mardikian. The company makes both production models and original, highly-stylized custom cruisers, choppers and bobbers popular for their unorthodox, retro "Kustom Kulture" designs, and sells through an exclusive network of dealerships worldwide. Along with its motorcycles, Von Dutch Kustom Cycles is the official licensee of Von Dutch Originals, an internationally-renowned fashion powerhouse that offers a selection of "greaser chic" and "garage couture," hot rod-inspired clothing and one-of-a-kind accessories. Von Dutch Kustom Cycles is headquartered in the Los Angeles area and employs an array from top level executives, chop shop specialists also known as sheet metal fabricators, master mechanics, engineers and not to forget, artists. All VDKC creations carry certificates of authenticity placed out of sight to the fuel tank, the frame, the oil tank, and the rear fender. Visit Von Dutch Kustom Cycles online at www.vondutchkustomcycles.com.

About Sturgis Motorcycle Rally / Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation / Sturgis Rally Charities

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will celebrate its 66th anniversary in the summer of 2006. The event draws in excess of half a million tourists each August to the small town of Sturgis and the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.

The City of Sturgis, The Sturgis Chamber of Commerce and Sturgis Rally Charities work hand-in-hand to offer the community a significant annual return from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. More than a million dollars has been given away to dozens of great causes as a result of sponsorship, licensing and the annual raffle of the Official Custom Motorcycle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

For further information:Alex Mardikian, mardikian@artisticdemocracy.com