Rudy's "God & Luck" Tricycle.

Frank Hunt builds low-budget lowrider bicycles out of his garage as a hobby. Often working with parts obtained at no cost or for trade, Frank's creations celebrate a rough-edged style that diverges from the mirror-polished look customary to lowrider magazines and car and bicycle shows.

Frank's latest project was submitted for an online bicycle build-off at www.ratrodbikes.com. Behind this particular project stood a nobler cause than a bragging-rights competition. Frank tells the story: "My good friend has a brother, Rudolph, that was in a car accident that took their father years ago and Rudy was left with a bum right side. Long story short, it's about time Rudy got out and rode with us. I came up on this trike for him just in time for the build off, stars aligned and all." This is the starting point: 

 

There was a lot of work to be done to make the tricycle a safe ride.
     

Others were enlisted to help with various aspects of the build. Scalloping and pin-striping were added to augment the rough and rusted look of the frame. 

A storage trunk was custom build and added to the frame. 

Finally the bike was completed and ready for a test ride.

While the bike did not win on the online competition, the more significant unveiling was to take place later as Rudolph was to be presented his new custom tricycle. The project was named 'God & Luck.'



Rudolph with his brother Karl.

On his new tricycle, "Rudolph was ear to ear smile the whole night," Frank said.

After the bicycle was presented to Rudolph, Frank said, "It was a really great feeling watching his mother cry telling me she hadn't seen him on a bike of any sort since the sccident, as he rides off into the night. If you haven't done something for someone lately just because, I suggest you do."