Join tattoo artist Simon Erl on a motorbike road trip like no other
- Text by HUCK HQ
Simon Erl knows a thing or two about tattoos. After doing his apprenticeship in New Zealand, he moved to the other side of the world and has been building a solid reputation in London for close to a decade.
When he’s not inking sinister skulls, dragons and demons, you can find him cruising the streets on his vintage motorbike. First drawn to bikes by a close friend and bikers’ heavy metal aesthetic, Simon become close friends with James Jordan, the renowned owner of Kingdom of Kicks, who keeps his current ride correct.
On August 22, Simon and James will be joined by Fids, the legendary skateboarder and BMXer, to set out on a road trip like no other. Starting in London, the crew will be tearing up the tarmac on their vintage machines with Sailor Jerry’s for The Ride 2015.
Over the next two weeks they’ll be travelling the length and breadth of the UK with some amazing pit stops on the way. You can expect smokin’ wood-fired BBQ’s, sunsets, live music with Sailor Jerry’s Presents and spiced rum in full effect. And for good measure, Kingdom of Kicks are throwing a custom-built Harley into the mix.
But the best part? They want you to get involved. Join the boys on the road, head to one of the special events Sailor Jerry’s are throwing across the country or win a bag of swag by snapping a picture of the Sailor Jerry’s crew and sharing with the hashtag #therideSJUK.
It all comes to an end at Grillstock Festival in Walthamstow on 6th September, so make sure to get involved before then. Head over to Sailor Jerry’s to check out the route, find out what’s happening in your area and keep up with the boys on the road.
Respect his legacy, drink Sailor Jerry’s responsibly. Terms and conditions here.
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