Some old codgers might be quick to bemoan the idea that “there aren’t many young members” in our ranks.
At Classic Bike Experience (CBE), we are blessed to have quite a few young members of our staff and the Classic Bike Guild. Several have been interns from the local high school tech center. I think motorheads are born, and the ones who love motorcycles are a select breed.
Meet Griffin Smith, one such intern who was with us for the 2023-24 school year. An avid motocross racer and his high school team’s hockey goalie, Giffin instantly fit in with the CBE team. He also joined the Guild, where members work on their own bikes. Very much an old soul, he can relate to anyone and was great with our customers and his fellow Guild members of all stripes.
After graduation, Griffin was fortunate to score a terrific job at Cyclewise Vermont, working on Ducatis, Triumphs, Suzukis, and soon Indians. Of course he still hangs out with us on the Guild’s Wednesday Wrench Nights.
This summer, we were contacted by a gentleman in western Massachusetts in his 80s who had a ’72 Triumph TR6 partially restored, but mostly in boxes. He was afraid he would never finish it and asked if we wanted it. And, voila, instant graduation present for Grif! He and his dad drove to pick it up and he has stayed in touch with the former owner, who was beyond thrilled to have the bike find such a good home.