A Centre Wellington farmer is hoping his dream of building a custom motorcycle with an icon will come true.
This goal is closer to reality for James Ferrier than he can even believe, thanks to his progress in an online contest.
The 35-year-old father of two young children said he’s always been into power sports and motors.
“It’s just something that’s always attracted me ever since I was a little kid, playing with cars and motorcycles and stuff in the sandbox,” Ferrier said.
His first bike was an 1980s Suzuki which he admits was small without a lot of power.
“When you start out on bikes you start small and you just sort of grow into finding what you like,” Ferrier said.
He is now working on his own custom bike. He said he currently has a frame and is slowly gathering parts.
“I’m not a mechanic, I’ve done a little bit of work on bikes, old cars and things like that but I go to YouTube a lot for help and friends and neighbours that might be more knowledgeable than me,” Ferrier said.
“In the end, my projects typically run in drive, even if they’re not the most pretty.”
He acknowledged this wouldn’t even come close to the likes you’d see on TV shows like Orange County Choppers.
Now, he may get a chance to build a custom bike with star Paul Teutel Sr. as he’s progressed far in the Dream Chopper contest.
Ferrier is currently first in his group and the contest is slowly narrowing down to the top from each group.
As an agricultural researcher and part-time farmer, Ferrier said If he were to design a custom bike he wants to highlight that passion to spur a conversation about where our food comes from.
“Canada has one of the safest and most plentiful and cheapest food supplies in the world and people don’t realize that,” Ferrier said. “I’m hoping to design this bike to be a bit of an agricultural theme or farm theme and work a few hints of agriculture into the design so when I ride it shows.”
Also if he wins, he plans to sell his current project and donate all the proceeds to local charities including the 4-H Club he was involved with as a child.
“They really build youth up into the leaders of tomorrow kind of thing, they’ve been a good positive influence in my life,” Ferrier said.
Ferrier was unsure why he’s been so successful in the contest so far but humbly suggested people note his honesty, work ethic and willingness to help.
He also praised the local community in their support through sharing on social media.
“Even people I don’t know sharing and commenting and saying ‘hey we should vote for this guy,’” Ferrier said.
“It’s definitely been sort of overwhelming the support people have thrown my way.”
Those interested can learn more about Ferrier and vote for him here.
