Key West Poker Run: Mark Rowden Built Custom Chopper is a Winner

Phil Peterson's 36^th annual Key West poker run was special for the Little Shop of Choppers in Marathon Florida. Mark Rowden and E. R. Burk entered custom Harley Davidson bikes they built and walked away with first place Sportster and first runner up softail in this years bike show. Not bad for a small chopper shop still recovering from flooding during hurricane Wilma. The winning Sportster named Badass, is a veteran show bike with a string of second place finishes. With the addition of a nitrous oxide boost Badass, became a winner. The second place Softtail Harley called Yellow Bird is E. R. Burk's first as a mechanic. I interviewed Mark this morning to get the scoop on Little Shop of Choppers. E. R. was unavailable due to a celebratory hangover.

How does it feel finally getting in the winners circle?

Mark: Good. I told the owner of Badass it needed something to kick it up, nitrous was just the ticket. Yellow Bird taking second was a shock. Softtail was the only category we could enter it in and there was tons of Softtails in the show. She is the first show bike E. R. has built. He was walking on air after she took second. Just entering two bikes and having both do well, blew me away.

Have you kicked the nitrous in on the Sportster?

Mark: No no, that bike is scary fast as it is. You would have to be a real bad ass to punch the button.

So how are things shaping up at Little Shop of Choppers?

Mark: It's getting there. We have the blue bike finished except for the seat. It's tough when you have to build a bike twice. The flood wiped that one out. We had to tear it all the way down and start over, but it looks like it will be a winner pretty soon. Getting E. R. in has been a big help. He is new to building custom Harleys, but the way Yellow Bird turned out, he is good. I still have to get my own bike finished then all the flooded bikes will be back on the road.

Who does what in the shop?

Mark: I do most of the design, the custom work, some of the building and shoot the paint. E.R. is taking over more of the building. Johnny Maddox takes care of the financial stuff and helps out when he can detailing the bikes.

What will those two new plaques do for business?

Mark: I hope they put us on the map. There is a lot of competition in custom choppers. We have been consistently at the top in every show so far, just couldn't get the top. Now this plaque with WINNER on it should let everybody know Little Shop of Choppers is for real.

What is the toughest part of the job?

Mark: Dealing with people that want everything yesterday. These are kick ass custom bikes that take time to get just right. Sometimes they go together quick. Sometimes they don't. When they get done though, they are ready for any show or any road.

Well congratulations on both bikes. When you get the blue bike done, give me a call. That one looks sweet. I would really like to do an in depth article on what all went into getting that one built. By the way, you really need a website. How can people get in touch with you?

Mark: Call Captain Pips at (305) 743-4403 or 1-800-707-1692. I don't have a phone in the shop and don't plan on getting one.