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December 23, 1977 was the day I accidentally stumbled across my Christmas present tucked away and covered in the
corner of my parent's garage. It was a "ratted out" 1971 OSSA Pioneer which needed plenty of TLC. Little did I know
the full implications that this motorcycle would have on my life and career. At 13 years old I did not have much
mechanical skill, but my enthusiasm was endless. I immediately commenced to improving the appearance and mechanics
of my Christmas gift. And like most bike fans I absorbed all things motorcycle related. I worked all winter long on my
bike waiting for spring and my first ride.
The local OSSA dealer was named Lee Mathews. I still remember my first call to Lee asking if I needed to mix
oil with the gasoline before starting. I was met with a moment of silence, then a resounding "yes". Years later
Lee said the "silence" was due to pondering how much damage I inflicted to my engine. Fortunately, I had mixed
plenty of oil with my gasoline so everything was alright.
So how does all of this lead to OSSA WORLD? Well, my enthusiasm for motorcycles (from OSSA) has led to a
career in the dirt bike industry. After leaving college my wife and I started our own business making motorcycle
parts for the modern dirt bike market. After 13 years I wanted to start a "hobby business" that would help
the brand that gave me my start.
Fortunately, Lee Mathews was available and eager to join OSSA WORLD. Lee, who was an original OSSA
dealer in Des Moines from the 70's, possesses a wealth of knowledge about the brand and will be an important
part of OSSA WORLDS's growth.
Since December 1977 I have been a diehard fan of the OSSA brand. I always believed that OSSA's were a
hidden secret that only a lucky few had the opportunity to experience. OSSA never had the massive marketing
campaigns like the Japanese brands or the exposure from winning major motocross races. Distribution was small
compared to the major brands and the little OSSA factory never had the R&D budgets of the Japanese. However,
Eduardo Giro (OSSA's chief engineer) was a genius and produced some of the lightest, most powerful, and best
handling dirt bike designs of the 1970's. OSSA WORLD is our tribute and support of this fascinating Spanish motorcycle.
Best regards,
Curtis Leaverton, CEO of V.P. Engineering, Inc.
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