Pulsating Photos Of New Jersey Bikers In The 1980s and 1990s

“Born in Jersey City. Moved to New Brunswick when I was 8,” writes Paul Rearden, aka Pulsating Paula, whose photographs of New Jersey bikers in the 1980s and 1990s seep with authenticity and fun. “Got married to my first lay in 1973. 10 years later he bought me a camera, a Canon AE1. I still have it. Started taking photos of biker parties and tattoo events. Sent them into ‘Biker Lifestyle’ magazine who later Paisano publications took over. They came out with ‘Tattoo’ magazine first of it’s kind ever. Between the Biker and Tattoo magazines I had thousands of photos published. The 10 minute set up of my photography studio consisted of 2 flood lights that burnt the shit out of any poor person in front of them, and a 6×9 foot black cloth I got from Kmart that was tacked onto a wall. Never considered myself professional ever. I just loved doing it with every fiber in my body. I know the wonderful people I met and places I been in this journey will live on forever in my photographs. I’m so glad I was there with you.”

 

 

“On my tombstone they will carve, “IT NEVER GOT FAST ENOUGH FOR ME.” ― Hunter S. Thompson, Kingdom of Fear: Loathsome Secrets of a Star-Crossed Child in the Final Days of the American Century

 

 

“In a car you’re always in a compartment, and because you’re used to it you don’t realize that through that car window everything you see is just more TV. You’re a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame. On a cycle the frame is gone. You’re completely in contact with it all. You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming” ― Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

 

 

If you see me flashing by
Do not stop me, do not try
‘Cause I’m a motorcycle man
I get my kicks just when I can
– Motocyle Man, Saxon

 

 

There goes ezy
Ezy ryder
Ridin down the highway of desire
He says the free wind
Takes him higher
Tryin to find his heaven above
But he’s dyin to be loved
Ezy Ryder, Jimi Hendrix

 

 

The river flows
It flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes
That’s where I want to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
To some other town
– Ballad of Easy Rider, Roger McGuinn

 

 

I’m runnin’,
I’m runnin’, I’m runnin’
Down the proud highway
Yeah, I’m runnin’,
I’m runnin’, I’m runnin’
Down the proud highway
And as long as I keep movin’
I won’t need a place to stay.
– Motorcycle Mama, Neil Young

 

 

If you get lonely on your daddy’s farm,
Just remember I don’t live too far…
There’s a red bridge across the bay-yea.
You can be at my place in less than a day!
So get on your bad motor scooter and ride!
Come over to my place and stay all night.
First thing in the morning we’ll be feeling all right!
All right! All right! All right!
– Bad Motor Scooter, Montrose

 

 

Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Lookin’ for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah Darlin’ go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space
Born To Be Wild, Steppenwolf

 

 

All photos by Paula Reardon