Brad Ruel aka The Wrench

1/24/1966 - 7/14/2009

A little about Brad…

• Three Time Easyrider National Champion
• Metric Revolution Bike Build Off Television Series Most Popular Builder
• Rat’s Hole National Champion
• Over 60 magazine features
• Two Guy’s Garage TV Show Episode
• American Thunder TV Show Episode
• Pumpkin Films “Chopper World” Movie Builder
• Broken Spoke Films Builder
• Born To Ride TV Episode (several)
• Anatomy Of The Chopper Book Builder
• The History Of Choppers Book Builder

This year’s Rally is dedicated to Brad who was taken so suddenly earlier this year. Brad attended the Wharf Rat Rally last year as a celebrity bike builder and quickly became friends with everyone he met. Brad also gave every kid that visited his trailer the utmost respect and answered every question about his passion (bikes). He enjoyed sitting the kids on his bikes to have pictures taken or just to see them smile and gave them a sticker as a memento. He was one of the greatest bike builders/designers who garnered respect as an innovator and just an all around nice guy.  Brad could see potential wherever he looked; he even took a local young man down to Florida to teach him how to build choppers and learn the world of bikes.  They bonded over their love of motorcycles, artistic visions and big dreams.  Brad had such a kindness and a generosity about him that not one person could say anything negative about him.

With your passing Brad, you will be missed but not forgotten as everyone you met at The Wharf Rat Rally has a special memory of you.

Our hearts and prayers are with Brad’s wife, Karen and Brad’s family.