SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY – It roared into life – a chrome and crimson beast with a story as powerful as its engine. The Captain Cow Chopper, a custom-built Harley Davidson, made its grand debut, stealing the thunder at the Hearts and Harleys poker run.
The motorcycle, a symbol of hope and resilience, is the brainchild of the organization dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and establishing a safe place for victims in Southern Ocean County.
Hundreds of bikers, their engines rumbling in unison, converged on the Watering Hole Café in Mays Landing for the final leg of the poker run. Participants had made stops at Pinelands Brewing Co., Crossroads Bar & Grill, and Vinyl Brewing, riding on everything from sport bikes to cruisers, trikes, Jeeps, SUVs, and convertibles.
But it was the unveiling of the Captain Cow Chopper that truly electrified the crowd. John Pabst, the driving force behind Hearts and Harleys, was visibly moved as the custom bike was revealed, its intricate details shimmering in the sunlight.
“The bike in every aspect is a home run,” Pabst said. “It is an amazing showpiece for Hearts and Harleys, and I am forever grateful.”
A Mission Born from Tragedy
Pabst founded Hearts and Harleys in memory of his seven-year-old son Gavin and Gavin’s mother, Michelle Heist, who were tragically murdered in an act of domestic violence in 2014. Driven by an unwavering commitment to raising awareness about domestic violence, Pabst has channeled his grief into a mission to help others.
The Captain Cow Chopper project, which began in 2020, serves as a rolling tribute to Gavin and Michelle’s memory and a symbol of the organization’s goals.
Before the grand unveiling of the custom-built motorcycle, a video was shown to the approximately 185 attendees, explaining how the bike came to symbolize Hearts and Harleys.
Pabst recounted discovering the Dream Chopper Contest, sponsored by Orange County Choppers while managing the Hearts and Harleys Facebook page. Seeing it as a significant opportunity to elevate the organization’s visibility, he decided to enter. The contest invited participants to submit their information, with a chance of being selected for a custom chopper build if their platform was deemed worthy.
Accepted into the contest, Pabst and his friend and Hearts and Harleys board member Tony LaFera were excited about the potential to boost the group’s mission. Out of 70,000 people, Hearts and Harleys finished in the top 16.
“Tony was the one that said this was going to be a great platform, and I agreed,” said Pabst. “This was the project that Tony and I worked on the hardest throughout that whole run – as soon as the project started until the day we found out we weren’t going to advance any further.”
Shortly after that, Tony LaFera passed away from complications of COVID-19. Among the other friends he left behind was Jon Miller of Tuckerton’s Jon Miller Car Care Center.
Miller, known for his exceptional skill in recreating vehicles like his famous DeLorean time machine, is also a motorcycle enthusiast with a compassionate nature. His talents and dedication make him a perfect fit for joining the Hearts and Harleys mission.
The rest is history. Miller ultimately purchased a motorcycle to transform into the Captain Cow Chopper. He also assembled a team to bring the project to fruition.
A Work Of Art
Jeffrey Martinez, the artist responsible for the intricate artwork on the bike, followed instructions to ensure every part of the Captain Cow Chopper was imbued with meaning.
“There are so many elements on this bike, and every element is there for a reason,” emphasized Miller. “Everything there is placed intentionally – there are no accidents and there is no artistic interpretation.”
The chopper’s personalized features include a beautiful portrait of Gavin and Michelle surrounded by Hearts and Harleys’ ribbon, with a detailed scenic background that holds special meaning.
During a difficult time, John Pabst sought solace at Lake Oswego in Chatsworth. While sitting by the shore at sunset, he captured the breathtaking view on his cell phone, feeling that the reds and purples in the sky were a sign from his loved ones that they were at peace. This image was incorporated into the chopper’s artwork to reflect that moment of comfort and connection.
The oil tank features birds, symbolizing Tony LaFera, who was affectionately known as “Nighthawk” due to his Honda Nighthawk motorcycle. The rear fender showcases Captain Cow, representing “Moo Moo,” holding a Captain America shield, which symbolizes Michelle embracing Gavin. The shift linkage on the left is CNC-machined with the word “Bubbas,” Gavin’s nickname.
Additional custom details include multiple metal parts engraved with Hearts and Harleys logos and themes. The air cleaner, a standout feature, started as a heart-shaped aluminum cake pan, which was cut, modified, and painted with the Hearts and Harleys logo. The purple paint on the tins includes subtle ghosted lace hearts, and the front fender proudly displays an airbrushed Jon Miller logo.
“The aesthetics are very attractive and will draw a lot of attention,” said Martinez. “From there, people will inquire as to what it represents. I do believe it will bring a lot of awareness to this cause.”
The Mission Continues
Looking ahead, Pabst envisions the Captain Cow Chopper as a central piece at every event, driving awareness about domestic violence. Plans are underway to expand the Poker Run to include both Atlantic County, where Gavin and Michelle’s lives were tragically cut short, and Ocean County, where Pabst now resides.
The 2024 Hearts & Harleys for Bubbas & Moo-Moo Poker Run successfully raised $1,377 for the organization’s charitable efforts, including $1,093 dedicated to establishing a safe house for victims. Additionally, a day before the bike’s unveiling, Hearts and Harleys donated $1,000 to Avanzar (formerly The Women’s Center) in honor and memory of Michelle Heist.
