Behind the Broken Spoke brand name that bikers know all over the world, there is a man called Jay Allen. He is the creator and Chief Entertaining Officer of 6 huge bars across the USA (Daytona, Laconia, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Sturgis downtown & campground) and of the Sturgis County Line Campground where, tirelessly, he provides some of the best entertainment that rally goers may want. He is also an accomplished racer, and holds several Bonneville land speed records. From his retreat in Bisbee, AZ and while on his way to Biketoberfest, Jay answered my questions.
Cyril. In High School, what your teachers said about you? Jay. He didn’t fit in scholastically or socially.
Cyril. Who were your childhood heroes? Jay. My Grandfather and Muhammad Al i
Cyril. What was your 1st vehicle? Jay. 1966 VW buggy with sunroof, 8-track player and coco mats.
Cyril. If you were not working in the motorcycle industry, what would you do? Jay. Grow Medical Marijuana, or drive a truck or Barista, or Dive Master.
Cyril. What is your favorite way to relax? Jay. Riding my bike and keeping Billy Lane abreast of the industry news through my letters.
Cyril. What are you afraid of? Jay. This amazing journey coming to an end.
Cyril. Which film made you cry? Jay. Old Yeller.
Cyril. Name five things you hate. Jay. Liars, users, bald tires because you are as strong as your weakest link, rules and crooked law enforcement.
Cyril. What was the last book you read? Jay. Testosterone for life. At my age I don’t want man boobs and love handles.
Cyril. Do you have any guilty pleasures? Jay. My life is a guilty pleasure.
Cyril. What is the person you would love to meet? Jay. Muhammad Ali.
Cyril. What is the most recent song you downloaded in your iPod. Jay. Ghost Riders In The Sky by Johnny Cash.
Cyril. Do you collect anything? Jay. Everything! I need help…
Cyril. What were your worst buys? Jay. A 1992 RSS Buell and a Harley beer.
Cyril. How do you take your coffee? Jay. Black, sometimes with real whipped cream.
Cyril. What was the most embarrassing thing you have ever made? Jay. I invented the Buffalo Horned Helmet with horse hair down the back. I got the horn caught in my brake handle and almost died.
Cyril. What is the best thing you can cook? Jay. Bread pudding.
Cyril. When was the last time you were really angry? Jay. When crooked commissioners tried to steal my $400,000 liquor license so they could resale it and keep the money.
Cyril. What is your perfect weekend when you are at home? Jay. Working in the garage, keeping the pad clean, and bike riding in Cochise county.
Cyril. What is your preferred rally? Jay. Sturgis!
Cyril. What is the worst question a journalist asked you? Jay “Do you do this for the money?”
I have had the priveledge of hangin’ out with Jay. Both at County Line and at Bonneville this year during BUB. A great guy who loves life and sharing his experiences. The students and I enjoyed our time and some laughs with him. Thanks Jay. Look forward to 2011.
jays a great guy..i remeber once in cinci..my first time at that airport i asked him where the hell you pick up bags..he sent me a 1/2 mile the wrong way on purpose…i saw him later and we had a good laugh over it..hes a fun guy, great business man and an assett to our community
i have meet jay once at an easyriders show in Knoxville tenn and he seemed like a great guy .
Jay is a true visionary and has the best kept secret in sturgis out his place no of town
Jay thanks for the 6B’s of sturgis country line ………… cold beers, hot babes, big breasts, smooth patron booze, bands and bong pipe, we had some great afternoon out there after riding…..see yah 2011
helleva man and a great competitor on the flats every year.
if you don’t know Jay your missing a great opportunity .
see ya next year at Bonneville, if not sooner.
ray
Great guy, real deal, hope to be like Jay when I grow up.
Hey Jay enyoyed the coffee at Bisbee, and the vist at Bonne 09.
Keep on being yourself
Rock on Jay,
Been knowning him for many many years…..great guy.
Great guy and ALWAYS has GREAT venues to go to!
the motorcycling community is better because of Jay. he is a great guy and a good friend
He should look at the motorcycles in his downtown Sturgis location that are on display. At least one of them is labeled terribly wrong.
Of course when I pointed it out in a nice manner…….I was told to get lost by one his henchmen.
The works of this guy are really great. And now he also seems to be a good guy himself.
Great interview with Jay.
The best interview so far….the guy is truly entertainer….
Hardest working man in the Booze business!