“Motorcycle Guys” Host Internet Radio Show

Ralph DeLuco, left, and Garrison Leykam

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

Unlike most radio studios, the makeshift one inside Gengras Harley-Davidson in East Hartford doesn’t have a large window so visitors can peek inside to see the announcers at work. There’s no light above the door that shines brightly when there’s a “hot” microphone and the talent’s talking. There’s no large control board buttressed by video displays, either, and no racks filled with audio equipment.

There is, however, a large table, some storage cabinets, a copy machine and a kitchenette. When not being used for the weekly live webcast of “Those Diner and Motorcycle Guys,” the cramped second floor room tucked at the rear of the apparel department is used primarily as a conference room as well as by dealership’s employees when they’re on break.

Every Saturday, shortly before 8 a.m., Garrison Leykam lugs a laptop computer into the room and sets it on the table. He plugs in one mike and then connects to the Internet to stream the program with the self-explanatory if cumbersome title. Leykam co-hosts “Those Diner and Motorcycles Guys” with Gengras’ service manager, Ralph DeLuco, hence the location. Not only do they talk motorcycles and food, but whatever else comes to mind. Recorded interviews get dropped in-between live comments.

In a loose sense, the show is a spinoff of a TV pilot that Leykam did for CPTV several years ago called “Diners.” That show never became a series. “‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ came out at the same time. Guess who wins?” he said, referring to Guy Fieri’s popular Food Network program.

The genesis of webcast “came from the fact I’d always had a passion for both things – classic diners as well as motorcycles,” said Leykam, who rides a 2003 Yamaha V Star 1100 Custom. However, unlike most radio and TV programs that have a set length, such as 30 minutes or an hour, “Those Diner and Motorcycle Guys” runs as long or as short was warranted. There’s no pressure to wrap up and sign off by the top or the bottom of the hour.

“I tell you why,” said Leykam. “If you’re sitting in someone’s living room with somebody and you’re having a really good conversation, you’re not going to say ‘Conversation’s up.’ I focus more on the content than trying to fill the time. I’d rather produce and host quality content that just ‘How am I going to fill the time?’”

When RIDE-CT visited on a recent Saturday, the show lasted well past 9 a.m. Guests included Americade founder Bill Dutcher, who was interviewed live, and tattoo artist Heather Sinn from the Spike television show “Ink Master.”

While guests are normally drawn from motorcycle culture, there are also authors, supermodels and rock stars sharing opinions. “There are so many folks out there that simply are fascinating people. We go off on tangents to explore topics you hadn’t prepared for, but are nonetheless enjoyable. You get to meet them as real people. The whole interview is not just on biking,” said Leykam.

Part of the charm of “Those Diner and Motorcycle Guys” is its lack of polish. It comes off like the character of Tim Taylor on the TV sitcom “Home Improvement” talking over the fence to his neighbor Wilson. While Leykam’s background is in showbiz as a record producer and talent scout, DeLuco has spent his life involved with motorcycles. He formerly owned Canton Cycles. “Those Diner and Motorcycle Guys” is his first foray into broadcasting.

“It’s different. It makes you nervous. Thanks to Garrison, if I get hung up, he takes over,” said DeLuco, who rides a 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600. “I’m surprised at how many people actually listen to the show over the course of a week.”

Leykam and DeLuco didn’t know each other prior to the show’s launch last September. Leykam tapped DeLuco, who brings his technical expertise after more than 30 years in the motorcycle business, at the suggestion of Gengras honcho Chip Gengras. “Personality-wise and focus-wise, we are very complementary,” Leykam said.

With the first anniversary of “Those Diner and Motorcycle Guys” only two months away, Leykam is looking forward to getting the show out of the studio more and doing live remotes in year two. For now, though, “we’re focused on building the base of listeners,” he said.

The show can be found at www.thosedinerandmotorcycleguys.com. After the live webcast, repeats of the program are streamed throughout the week. The show may also be downloaded as a podcast. Slowly, it’s being noticed and bringing recognition to the hosts. “A lot of my friends listen to it. Right now, we’re just having fun; not making any money at it,” DeLuco said.