BORN-FREE TEXAS: TAYLOR’S COOLEST LONG-HAUL & SHOW BIKES

Words by Taylor Longoria, photos by Rick Spada.

At the start of 2023, I set a personal goal to attend as many shows as possible. So far, I’ve attended events from the beaches of Mexico to the honky tonks of Nashville, but my heart will always belong to the Lone Star State—where I was born and raised.

Nestled among the pine trees of East Texas is a special place called Yellow Rose Canyon, where the second annual Born-Free Texas was held this past October, drawing people and motorcycles from all over the country. Yellow Rose Canyon has always been a sanctuary of fun for our kind, and each year, this event just keeps getting better. This year, Becky Goebel of Axel Co. invited me to be a part of Axel’s Hideout, teaming up with Harley-Davidson to share my favorite long-haul and show bikes. Tap in and swipe to see my top picks!

Woman in cowboy hat posing with a Harley, landscape

This is a photo of me and my 97 Sportster, which I’ve owned for over 3 years now. It's my first bike, which I got from a friend who introduced me to motorcycles. Listening to his stories about road trips and bike shows is what piqued my interest. If you told me 6 years ago that I’d be featured at Born-Free or writing an article for Harley-Davidson, I’d say you’re joking! Riding this bike for the first time years ago is what got me hooked, and now I can't imagine life without it.

Eric Vaughn’s 1957 Panhead
Eric is a good friend of mine who builds bikes out of Houston, Texas. I picked this bike because Eric has been an inspiration to me. His builds are tough with a touch of class. Building bikes for over 12 years, Eric is a force to be reckoned with - hence the name Destroyer Garage on social media. When he’s not building motorcycles, you can find him on the road rippin’ his 1949 Panhead.
Zach Gosteli’s 1969 Shovelhead
I met Zach while catching some shade at The Hideout during Born-Free. Naturally, we made fast friends chatting about bikes and road trips. I picked his bike because I absolutely fell in love with the traditional flame paint job and Frisco-style build. Looking at the bike it tells a story of the road. He’s ridden this chopper all over the country with multiple desert runs under his belt. From riding on the back of his dad’s bike to taking apart and building his own, Zach has a good eye for style and life behind bars.

Blake Hutson’s 1960 Panhead

The simplicity of his chopper has always caught my eye. Blake has been a dear friend who has worked hard building this bike and making it his own, and boy was he successful. Blake has been exposed to motorcycles his whole life. Inspired by polaroids of his dad’s Panhead, it’s been a dream to have one of his own. I’d say his chopper definitely turns heads on the road.

Graham Ambrose’s 1974 Shovelhead

Knowing Graham for a few years, I’ve had the pleasure of riding by his side on his Lone Star steed, a traditional vintage-style chopper with some personal touches inspired by a deep love of Texan beer. Hanging out with family friends and building bikes in garages growing up has inspired his ever-flowing passion for choppers. With a big heart and love for community, Graham Is a friend to anyone on the road. A no-brainer for him to be chosen in this lineup of road dawgs.

Nick Huff’s 1995 FXSTC Softail Custom “Jolene”

Barreling in at 30,000 miles a year, Nick is a king of the road! Inspiring friends to sleep in the dirt and rip the hairpin turns, Nick is a well-known name in the scene. With generations of motorcycles in his family, Nick was raised on two wheels. His adventures are unparalleled and every year he looks forward to more miles and smiles! Nick was one of my first picks for this feature because he has been a huge influence on me since I got into motorcycles.

I look forward to next year and cannot wait to see old friends and make new ones. See you on the road!