The world recently learned that Frank Fritz will not return to American Pickers. Several things led to that decision. However, it all really comes down to Frank’s back injury. Climbing around barns and storage sheds as well as lifting heavy objects out of cluttered areas injured his back over time. Finally, he was in so much pain that he couldn’t put off back surgery any longer. Another nail hit the American Pickers coffin during his recovery from that surgery. He didn’t hear from his longtime friend and partner in picking, Mike Wolfe, the entire time. In fact, the treasure-hunting duo hasn’t spoken in over two years now.
So, many wonder what Frank Fritz is doing with his time these days. Could he be traveling the back roads looking for places to pick? Is he frantically calling his agent looking for a new show? Well, it’s nothing that glamourous, really. But Frank did let The Sun know what he has been up to lately. He also shared an interesting piece of information about himself and his connection to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally during the interview.
Frank Fritz: Lifelong Motorcycle Enthusiast
Frank Fritz told The Sun that he hasn’t been out picking at all since he left the show. He’s been enjoying some downtime doing what he loves: turning wrenches on his motorcycles.
“I’ve been working on a couple motorcycles and stuff, but that’s about it,” he told the publication. He added, “I was in Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota in August last year.” However, that wasn’t his first time at the rally by a long shot.
“I’ve been going to Sturgis for 40 years now,” he said. But, he doesn’t just attend the rally. “I just got inducted two years ago to the Sturgis Hall of Fame.”
More On His Connection To Sturgis
Frank Fritz got his first motorcycle in his sophomore year in high school. He worked summer jobs and saved money until he had enough to buy a 1959 Harley Sportster, according to the Sturgis Museum website. He still has that bike today.
American Pickers made Frank Fritz a television star. However, when he’s at Sturgis he’s just a regular guy. He rides to South Dakota every year on his bike. Then, he camps in the same spot that he has camped in for decades.
About being inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame, Frank Fritz said, “To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is the biggest praise that I have ever received. It means everything to me. It is a dream come true.” He added that he has been friends with some other inductees for many years. So, he feels honored to be inducted alongside them.
However, the Sturgis Hall of Fame isn’t Frank Fritz’s greatest achievement. He said that his greatest achievement as a person is always working hard for everything he wanted and holding on to lifelong friendships.
We knew Fritz was cool but it turns out that he’s Outsider material.