Our Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Bikers Attic
Our story began in 2005 as a home-based online business catering specifically to the cruiser motorcycle community. But we quickly realized we wanted more than just online orders—we wanted to connect with our customers face-to-face, without the constraints of a traditional storefront.
So, we hit the road.
From Townsville (QLD) in the north to Mildura (VIC) in the south and Lightning Ridge (NSW) out west, we attended rallies and swap meets, hauling gear and setting up wherever bikers gathered.
In May 2006, we were invited to our first rally. Back then, everything fit into the back of a Ford Falcon sedan. We set up under a single 3x3m gazebo—barely enough space, but it was a fantastic learning experience.
As demand grew, so did our setup. We upgraded to a 7x5 trailer, then added another gazebo to expand to a 3x6m stall. Within 18 months, we moved up to a 13-foot caravan and a 6x6m area—eventually overflowing even that.
By 2008, just ahead of the Ulysses AGM in Townsville, we stepped up again—this time to a Pantech truck and a 9x9m area. The added space allowed us to broaden our product range. But what really fuelled our growth wasn’t just business—it was passion. We were (and still are) bikers ourselves, and we understood the community in a way only fellow riders can.
Late in 2007, we started producing our own branded vests, which were an instant hit.
The First Storefront
While we loved the freedom of life on the rally circuit, we also recognized the need for a permanent base—especially during the quieter winter months. On January 10, 2009, we opened our first shop: CC-LEATHER-RIDER, at 235 Pacific Hwy, Doyalson North (at the Caltex, now U-Go, service station).
We launched with a Show & Shine event, free sausage sizzle, and exclusive offers. The turnout was fantastic and helped set the tone for our annual Anniversary Show & Shine each January—complete with food, drinks, live music, and support from local clubs.
In 2012, my own club—the Vietnam Veterans MC Sydney Chapter—catered the event, and we proudly donated $2,088 to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Randwick, for their Cystic Fibrosis unit.
As the store grew, we eventually stepped back from rally trading to focus on the shop full-time.
The Birth of Bikers Attic
In early 2023, I received an email from Linda at Bikers Attic in the U.S.—a longtime supplier and friend. Due to the impact of COVID and rising costs, she was retiring and winding down her wholesale business.
I’d always loved the name Bikers Attic, so I gave her a call—our first voice conversation after 15 years of working together—and she generously offered me the name. By August 1, 2023, we officially acquired the business name, domain, and rights.
We didn’t use it straight away. We wanted to finish strong with one last CC-LEATHER-RIDER Show & Shine in April 2024. Rumors about a possible closure started, but we stayed quiet. After the final awards were handed out, we made our announcement: CC-LEATHER-RIDER was becoming BIKERS ATTIC.
What We Do Now
Although we no longer run large-scale Show & Shines (never say never!), we now host three informal events each year. These are relaxed gatherings behind the shop, featuring great food, music, and plenty of discounted gear.
Local clubs love the vibe—there are no entry fees, raffles, or fundraising obligations—just a laid-back meeting point for rides & for riders to connect.
Moving Forward
Post-pandemic, international shipping costs became unsustainable. In response, we shifted to producing our own gear—everything from Brando and bomber jackets to denim and leather vests.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Riders know quality when they see it.
Today
Bikers Attic is the proud evolution of our 20-year journey—from a few items in the back of a Falcon to a trusted name in the Australian biker community. We're still powered by the same passion that started it all in 2005:
A business built by bikers, for bikers.
About Christos Andrews AKA Frankie
I have been self employed since the age of 19, working in various businesses from transport to catering businesses, but mainly retail catering, which I was successful at, but disliked the retail side of business. With a small family and a mortgage, I had to do what was right and what I was familiar with to make a living.
I didn't own a bike for 15 years with a young family, business commitments, a mortgage etc taking priority over me riding & partying. In 2005 with the kids being of an age that freed up a bit of my time, I finally bought a motor bike and I was really looking forward to getting back into the scene again.
In May of 2005 I became very ill and had to sell my business and was really not knowing what I was going to do with myself. While convalescing at home and playing around on my computer I struck some wholesalers and that’s how CC-LEATHER-RIDER was born, which shows us that we really don’t have full control of our destiny and circumstance and chance rules us.
My previous experiences in retail was the reason I didn’t want another store front and kept on pushing the thought to the back of my mind. However, it dawned on me at one rally that what I was doing was retailing again, but I was retailing products that were within my lifestyle and that “retail” wasn’t the thing I hated about previous businesses, but “what” I was retailing was what I hated (eventually the penny dropped).
So here I am behind the counter again dealing with my customers and loving what I do.
