Custom Two Wheelers - Individuals Bike Club
How one devoted mother from Florida made sure that a group of two-wheeling teenagers were taught teamwork.
By Nathan Trujillo
Photography: Armando Davila
Anne Sipel of Miami, Florida, understands that values, good grades and teamwork are just some of the extremely important qualities that she needs to instill into the young members of the Individuals Bike Club. Anne's interest in the Individuals was kindled while watching her then 10-year-old son Andrew begin to grow up and hang out with the older kids. This devoted mother of five felt it necessary to steer her sons in a positive direction where they would stay out of trouble. Acting on a tip from a neighbor, Anne attended her first lowrider show in Miami on the 20th Anniversary Tour in '96. "I was amazed at what could be done with these bikes," admits Anne.
So after seeing what crazy designs could be applied to these rolling creations, the New York native started the Miami chapter of the Individuals B.C. To further her sons' club participation in the black and gold-clad club, as well as that of their friends, Anne began having meetings on Fridays. Again, this was another ploy to keep the kids off of the streets at night. The members have to have at least a B average to stay in the club. "They also have to be on their best behavior," Anne tells us. "They are taught to respect each other and that we're all in this as a team."
Individuals B.C. even has a motto, "Never bring shame to the name." Anne is happy with the club's positive attitude and relates the fact that her club almost always receives the Most Members award at all of the shows that they've attended. She goes on to say, "It's the Most Members trophies that mean the most to us because they're a team effort. I couldn't ask for a better team." And the guys couldn't ask for a better mom.
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