SCAN FOR MORE INFO

IWapr12pgs_SS_IW0204Pgs_CS 1/31/12 9:26 AM Page 1

Story by Laura KlockPhotos by Dave Sietsema

While rebuilding a motorcycle isnot a new concept, an organi-zation in South Dakota, Help-

ing With Horsepower™, has given thetask a different twist and a new life. Theidea began as a plan to repair and cus-tomize a damaged stock Harley-DavidsonHeritage Softail alongside the girls of theAbbott House, a private residential treat-ment center for girls, ages 7 to 17, whoare at risk of not reaching adulthood andhave suffered trauma and abuse. Thework on the motorcycle would be complet-ed while providing the girls with education,empowerment and encouragement thatdelivers an important message: Just like amotorcycle, you can repair and rebuildanything in your life with the right toolsand inspiration.

The Helping With Horsepower™ BikeRe-build program was set up as a 20-week classroom project at the AbbottHouse where participating girls were givenplenty of hands-on experience. There wasa contest for the name of the bike and the

IronWorks April 2012

A project bike that seasoned young lives with hope

Salt

Laura Klock takes SALT out for a spin.

IWapr12pgs_cs_IW0204Pgs_CS 1/30/12 4:27 PM Page 48

paint scheme, and the girls were givenvarious choices for different componentssuch as fenders, handlebars, exhaust sys-tems and seats. The bike that you see onthese pages was their creation. Duringthe classroom sessions, the girls were in-troduced to marketing concepts and eventaught about sponsorships.

At the end of the 20 weeks, they couldlook at their motorcycle with pride. Over40 girls contributed to the build, theyoungest just 9 years old.

“This project gave the Abbott Housegirls the opportunity to learn more aboutteamwork, self confidence, and problemsolving, while transforming a damagedmotorcycle into a beautiful machine, justlike they are working to transform them-selves into amazing young women,” saidLaura Klock, co-founder of the HelpingWith Horsepower™ Bike Re-Build pro-gram. “Every week, class was truly a jour-ney of discovery for the girls, and for me.It was an opportunity for us to work to-gether to create something better.”

According to Eric Klooz, director of theAbbott House, the project couldn’t havecome at a better time. “We are fortunate

49IronWorks April 2012

At left, here’s the winning letter in theproject-naming contest.

Below, Carl Brouhard produced thisrendering from the winning paintscheme drawn by one of the girls.

IWapr12pgs_cs_IW0204Pgs_CS 1/30/12 4:27 PM Page 49

to have this project as part of our pro-gramming and our fundraising efforts,”Klooz said. “It helps us help girls while si-multaneously raising awareness andmoney to replace a $150,000 decreasein funding this year.”

Industry-leading companies who arededicated to the project’s mission steppedup by providing donations and support,among them: Klock Werks Kustom Cycles, Gear Wrench, Vance & Hines, theVance Family Foundation, Carl BrouhardDesigns, Mustang Motorcycle Seats, Lindby Custom, Inc., Wizards, SaggyBags, IronWorks Magazine, and localsponsors. In addition to giving the girlspractical experience and life skills, the Abbott House benefitted from HelpingWith Horsepower™ when the finished motorcycle was raffled to raise neededfunds for the organization.

The bike, dubbed SALT, was unveiled inJune and she went on tour. She attendedparades, car shows, the Sturgis Rally andBuffalo Chip Biker Belles ride, and evengraced the retail space of local gas stationsand businesses, all to promote recognitionand ticket sales. It was decided that she

IronWorks April 2012

Crucial support from the Vance Family Founda-tion provided the funds to purchase the bike.

Carl Brouhard’s paintwork incorporates names andpersonal messages in iridescent paint layers.

Mustang provided this seat plus a backrest, and the same for a passenger.

The ecstatic winner ofSALT, Chad Mowry.

IWapr12pgs_cs_IW0204Pgs_CS 1/30/12 4:27 PM Page 50

51IronWorks April 2012

would never sit in the garage because eachtime the story of her life was shared, it wasan opportunity to also share the story ofthe girls who re-built her.

The drawing was held on December 1stat the Abbott House’s Annual Festival ofLights Celebration. Approximately 3,200tickets were sold at $20 each, not onlyraising nearly $65,000 for Abbott House,but raising awareness of their work aswell. Though ticket sales went well beyondthe borders of South Dakota, when thewinning ticket was drawn, it belonged toChad Mowry of Alexandria, South Dakota.Chad arrived by 8:30 am the next day,taking the day off work in order to claimhis prize. He admitted that he’d only sleptabout 45 minutes the night before, toss-ing and turning and trying to convince him-self that it wasn’t a dream, he really didjust win that motorcycle!

The team showed Chad all the specialdetails on SALT, took him to the class-room at the Abbott House where she wastransformed, and shared stories aboutthe project and the girls that customizedSALT. During the heart warming processit became obvious what a humble, gra-

cious young man he is. He said he would-n’t change a thing on SALT. Chad request-ed photos of the build process and theprogram because he wants to carry ascrapbook in SALT’s saddlebag and tellher story wherever he rides. There wasn’tanything that was going to wipe the smileoff Chad’s face that day, not even the 20-degree riding weather!

As Chad rode away on SALT it was an-other symbol of what she represents.SALT is going to a new home where shewill be loved and cherished, just the wayshe is. “This is what we pray will happenfor all of the amazing girls at AbbottHouse,” said Laura.

“It’s inspiring to have this rare combina-tion of people come together on this scaleto provide something truly special for thegirls in our care,” said Eric Klooz. “We areextremely excited to be working withLaura, Klock Werks, and the rest of ourdedicated partners on a project that in-spires personal growth while simultane-ously raising funds needed to continueproviding refuge, education and support togirls and young women throughout thestate of South Dakota.” IW

*RESOURCES

Klock Werks Kustom Cycles • Mitchell, SD 605-996-3700 • www.kustomcycles.com

Helping With Horsepower™www.helpingwithhorsepower.com

SpecificationsThe Motorcycle: 2002 FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic

Rigid mount, 1450cc Twin Cam 88BTM balanced engine, 1950s-style leather saddlebags w/quick detach buckles (restored by the girls), chrome passing lamps, chrome-plated directional light bar,chrome hub cover

Customized with:

Klock Werks Perfecta Handlebars

Klock Werks Tire Hugger Series Front Fender

Klock Werks Benchmark Rear Fender for Softailsw/plate pocket

Klock Werks Lighted License Plate Frame

Klock Werks Logo Points Cover

Klock Werks Spade Taillight

Klock Werks Round Marker Lights installed in saddle-bags

Klock Werks Logo Horn Cover

Klock Werks Billboard Flare™ Windshield for Softails

Lindby Highway Bar

Mustang Wide Touring Seat w/passenger seat, passen-ger and rider backrest

Saggy Bags Saddlebag Restoration Kit

Vance & Hines Softail Duals with Fishtail Tips

Vance & Hines Dark Chrome Air Intake Kit

Beesake Riders Leather Shield Leather Protectant

Wizards Detailing Kit

Metzeler Wide Whitewalls Front and Rear

Custom Paint by Carl Brouhard Designs

The Klock Werks Billboard Flare™windshield is detachable.

IWapr12pgs_cs_IW0204Pgs_CS 1/30/12 4:28 PM Page 51