2015 Key Biker Events

                 

Mark Your Calendar for 2015 Major Bike Rally Events 
click on headlines to view all news stories about each rally.

Daytona Bike Week News  March 6 - 15, 2015 70+ years, still one of the  biggest rallies in the world Daytona Beach, Florida   Arizona Bike Week News March 25 - 29, 2015 Cyclefest at WestWorld Scotsdale, Arizona   Leesburg Rally News April 24 - 26, 2015 250,000 est. last year 50 bands - bike shows bikes only parking downtown Leesburg, Florida Laconia Rally News June 13 – 21, 2015 Oldest rally in USA Laconia, New Hampshire    More Top Events: European Bike Rallies International Female Ride Day

Thunder in the Valley News June 25 - 28, 2015 Johnstown, Pennsylvania Sturgis Rally News August 3 – 9, 2015 - 75th annual top attendance 600,000 for 60th Sturgis, South Dakota     Trail Of Tears Ride News September 21, 2013 marked 20 years and was the last ride to raise awareness and sponsor historical signage to mark the "trail of tears" Native American resettlement. More than 200,000 riders annually followed the "trail of tears" route from Tennessee to Alabama for an annual Native American PowWow Festival, with hundreds of riders continuing to destinations in Oklahoma.    Bikes, Blues & BBQ News September 23 - 26, 2015 Largest non-profit rally in USA 400,000 and growing! Fayetteville, Arkansas   Biketoberfest News October 15 -18, 2015 22 years, est. 300,000 Daytona Beach, Florida Lone Star Rally News November 5 - 8, 2015 Galveston, Texas

Florida's #1 Ole-Skool Biker Party: Roscoe's Chili Challenge

When the Florida weather gets a little nippy, bikers make a road trip to Lakeland for Roscoe's Chili Challenge -- Florida's #1 Ole-Skool Biker Party. It's a weekend of camping, music, arm wrestling, wet T-shirt and mechanical bull riding contests, a free bike show, and of course, the world famous Roscoe's Chili Challenge competition.

Ride your bike into the camp grounds to camp beside your bike. Everyone else must camp where their vehicle is parked. The 29th annual event gets underway on Friday at 5320 Shady Oak Drive N, Lakeland -- a few miles west of Orlando. 

The event is Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Nov. 7 - 9, 2014. Admission is $50 for the three-day weekend or $40 Saturday only. 

All chili must be cooked at the event, and there will be free chili for everyone!~ This is an adults-only event: No dogs, guns or children. 

The purse for the best chili is $2,000 plus trophies. Contestant sign-up is at 10 am but cooking begins at 7 am on Saturday. There is also a free bike show, free bike games, plus arm wrestling, wet T-shirt and bull riding contests.

The party happens -- rain or shine, hail or high water at Roscoe's. It's OK to bring your personal cooler but NO GLASS CONTAINERS. Coolers and containers will be checked. Visit the official website for details: http://www.roscoeschilichallenge.com/index.htm

Famed Bike Builder Billy Lane, Home & Married

Orlando, Florida - Famed bike builder Billy Lane is a free man and a married man. Congratulations to Billy & Erin on your new life together as Husband & Wife...!!!.. Billy was released on Sept. 19, 2014 after satisfying a 6-year prison sentence on a drunk driving, vehicular homicide charge that resulted in the death of a fellow biker in 2009. The Choppers Inc. builder from Melbourne, Florida has been working here in Orlando at Global Motor Werks as part of an Avon Park work-release program. He will remain on probation for three years.

Billy Lane holds seven US patents on motorcycle parts and accessories and has authored two books, an autobiography,  Billy Lane's Chop Fiction: It's not a Motorcycle, Baby, It's a Chopper (2004) and Billy Lane's How to Build Old School Choppers, Bobbers and Customs (2005.) He also holds an Associate in Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Florida State University as well as a Bachelor in Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Florida International University.

Biker friend Jay Allen of Broken Spoke Saloon stood by Billy through some of his years in prison... helping to deliver an Air Force tribute bike built from prison in 2012 that was unveiled on Memorial Day Weekend at Rolling Thunder's 25th Anniversary rally in Washington DC. The story of the build was covered exclusively by The Horse Backstreet Choppers magazine, including photos and text by Billy himself featured in an 8-page spread (July-Aug. 2012.)

Billy Lane built this beautiful Air Force tribute bike that was unveiled May 25, 2012 in Washington DC. It joined 4 other tribute bikes, each representing a branch of the Armed Services. "I hope you can see through all the hard work put into this Air Force bike how much we appreciate all of your service and hard work," Billy said, addressing the men and women of the Air Force. "That's why I chose a 1930's Speedway racer. It represents incredible speed. It's lightweight and it's obviously the fastest of the five bikes out there."

You can reconnect with Billy Lane at the Facebook - Choppers Inc. page, which has been managed by his sister, Georgia since the Melbourne shop closed in 2009.

 

Biketoberfest 2014 Willies Old School Chopper Show, Thursday

The party is laid back and the lot will be filled with amazing Old School choppers -- noon to 4 pm, Thursday Oct. 16th at Willies Tropical Tattoo, 825 S. Yonge Street (US 1) in Ormond Beach - #Biketoberfest 2014.

Rat's Hole Ride-in Bike Show at No Name Saloon

Biketoberfest 2014 - The No Name Saloon in Edgewater is looking for girls to sign up for pudding wresting on Friday and Saturday, and they might not have too much trouble finding enough girls. They will be giving away $1,000 in cash prizes.

Register at No Name Saloon.



An all-day party, Rat's Hole Ride-in Bike Show and Tattoo Contest are on tap for Saturday, Oct. 18 at the No Name Saloon, 2001 S. Ridgewood in Edgewater. 

"This is your best chance for a sculptured Rat trophy," said Ted Smith, who decided to move the show to Edgewater, where there's plenty of room to party. The move also aims to "avoid the downtown cops and crazy traffic" associated with Biketoberfest.

Free admission to the public.

Bike show details at Ratshole.com

"Watch For Me" Charity & MC Safety Campaign

Please all you riders be safe during Biketoberfest 2014 and to all you behind a wheel PAY ATTENTION!!! Moments after winning 1st Place in a Rats Hole Bike Show, David Tesino was T-boned by a driver, who ran a red light. David lost his leg, but fortunately not his life. This is a MUST see for all bikers and drivers, read it and watch it. 

"My thanks goes out to American Cruisers MC and Charity Managers. Also thanks goes out to High 5 Productions for this great video and their Watch For Me campaign," said David.

Donate to Help David & his family.




Watch For Me - David from High 5 Productions on Vimeo.

Biketoberfest 2014 - Downtown Daytona Riverfront Park Rocks

Biketoberfest 2014 - Riverfront Park at the corner of Beach and Main Street, downtown is where you can pick up a pocket guide and enjoy free concerts on Friday and Saturday -- DJs on Thursday and Sunday.

Registration is 11 am Saturday to compete in an Ultimate Bagger Show hosted by ChoppedBaggers.com.

A new Indian Motorcycle dealership has moved into the former Harley-Davidson museum on Beach Street, which is where you will find the Indian demo truck.

Victory Motorcycles of Daytona at 290 N. Beach St. is also offering demo rides -- 9 am to 5 pm, Oct. 16-18.

Grand Opening of Indian Dealership on Beach Street, Daytona Beach

Biketoberfest 2014 - There will be a Grand Opening of Indian Motorcycle of Daytona Beach at 402 N. Beach Street on Oct. 16th, opening day of Bikeweek. The Indian dealership has moved into the 20-year old building that formerly housed a Harley-Davidson dealership store and museum. 

The Indian Motorcycle demo truck will be on location for Biketoberfest: Long pants, closed-toe shoes, DOT approved helmet & valid motorcycle endorsement required for demo rides. 

Contact the dealership for more details and to sign up for a demo ride: Indian Motorcycle - Daytona Beach 

Jackyl Headlines at Destination Daytona - Biketoberfest 2014

Biketoberfest 2014 - Baddest Bagger Show, Oct. 17th - Miss Destination Daytona and FREE Jackyl concert on Saturday, Oct. 18th.

Jackyl headlines at Destination Daytona Saturday, Oct. 18! 100s of vendors, live music daily, bike shows, new 2015 Harley-Davidson demo rides, Baddest Bagger Show, Miss Destination Daytona Swimsuit International Model Search, FREE concert by Jackyl on October 18th, 8PM.

Motus Factory Block Party To Celebrate Land Speed Records

Motus Sets Two Land Speed Records, Rides Home
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah- Motus Factory Racing set the two fastest land speed records of any American production motorcycle at the AMA-sanctioned 2014 Bonneville Speed Trials. Competing in P-PP and P-PG classes, the new records also establish the stock Motus MSTR as the fastest production pushrod motorcycle in the world. 

The Motus MSTR motorcycles were raced in stock, unmodified condition with just the mirrors, turn signals and license plates removed. With top speeds of 168.69 mph and records of 163.98 mph and 165.81 mph respectively, company founders Brian Case and Lee Conn set the records before re-attaching the mirrors and license plates and riding 1900 miles back to the Motus factory in Alabama...in 30 hours.

Congrats Motus Race Team!

Salt Flats, Utah - Now in its 100th year as a proving grounds for the world's fastest vehicles, the Bonneville Salt Flats' high friction surface and 4200 ft. altitude reduced potential top speeds by 20-30 mph from speeds on pavement at sea level. The records average two consecutive runs ("down" and "return") that must take place the same day.


Factory Block Party

Vintage motors at Barber in 2013/Jim Dohms.

After the Barber Vintage Festival on Saturday, 10/11, make your way down to Motus HQ from 6-10pm at 500 28th Street South, 35233. 

Motus Sportbikes 

Motus manufactures comfortable sportbikes designed to excel in performance, comfort and range. All Motus motorcycles – the MST and premium MSTR – are powered by mighty V4 Baby Block® engines, combining high performance with low maintenance and a unique character that expresses the evolving heritage of the American motoring experience. Founded in 2008, Motus Motorcycles is a trademark of Birmingham Motorcycle Company, LLC. 

Related articles: 
Motus Touring Sportsbikes

Memorial Day Run Through Washington 2014 Freedom Ride

Rolling Thunder Run XXVII: Memorial Day Weekend 2014

Sunday, May 25, 2014 - Riders will depart at noon from the Pentagon. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute at 1:30 pm at the Reflecting Pool across from the Lincoln Memorial.

Rolling Thunder began in 1987 as a demonstration to bring awareness to the plight of prisons of war (POW) and to those missing in action (MIA.) Rolling Thunder originated when four Vietnam Veterans, exercising their First Amendment "Right to Petition and Assemble," organized the first group of 2,500 motorcycles to ride through the streets of Washington, DC. The first Rolling Thunder run was made in an attempt to petition the government to take responsibility for the soldiers that were abandoned after the Vietnam War ended.

The ride now referred to as a "Run To The Wall" is a healing experience for many war veterans, who make a cross-country ride together from as far away as California to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and to honor all veterans -- seeking to improve veteran benefits and to resolve POW/MIA issues. PHOTOS - VIDEOS 

In February 2014 every single Republican voted to kill Senate VA Committee Chairman. Bernie Sanders' bill to adequately fund the VA. -- But now the GOP is "outraged" that VA hospitals are under-staffed with long waiting lines?  Here's the story: VA Funding Called "Too Expensive"

Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs & Outlaw Bikers

I just received a copy of The Ultimate Biker Anthology: An Introduction to Books About Motorcycle Clubs and Outlaw Bikers -- a guide to fiction and non-fiction stories about the 1%ers. - Available in paperback & Kindle.

Edited by Edward Winterhalder & Iain Parke, the book includes a couple of their biker stories, and a dozen more by Peter Edwards, Tony Thompson, Max Billington, Gene Lewis, Troy Mason, Vic Shurtz, Ralph "Teach" Elrod, David Charles Sprugeon, James Richard Larson, Marc Teatum and Wil De Clercq.  

Here's a little club history to get you started on the outlaw road from California and Texas, from New York and Chicago, across the midlands to the badland of Sturgis:

The Hells Angels club organized in 1948 in the San Bernardino, California, area. The biggest and best known outlaw with chapters in 29 countries, including Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Russia, Greece, Denmark, France, Turkey and the Dominican Republic.The Hells Angels insignia is the infamous "death's head," designed by Frank Sadilek, a former president of the San Francisco chapter. There has been violence in recent years between the Hells Angels, Mongols and Bandidos.

The Mongols club was founded in 1969 in Montebello, California, by Hispanic veterans of the Vietnam War. Reportedly denied membership in Hells Angels because of their race, the Mongols eventually branched out, currently boasting of chapters in 14 states and four foreign countries

The Bandidos club was founded by Marine Corps and Vietnam War veteran Don Chambers in San Leon, Texas, in 1966. The club's official motto is "We are the people our parents warned us about," with a big Mexican in sombrero brandishing a machete and pistol adorning the club's distinctive patch. The Bandidos currently boast of 104 chapters in the United States, along with international chapters in Germany, Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Costa Rica, Belgium and the Channel Islands. 

The Outlaws can trace their history back to 1935 Chicago, where the McCook Outlaw bikers used to meet at Matilda's Bar on old Route 66 in McCook, Illionois. They became known as the Chicago Outlaws and the American Outlaws Association (A.O.A.). The Outlaws opened a chapter in Daytona Beach, Florida in 1967. Ten years later, the Canadian biker gang Satan's Choice joined the Outlaws franchise. Today, the Outlaws are active in 14 states, with international chapters in the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Sweden, Thailand, Norway, Poland, and the Philippines.

The Pagans Motorcycle Club clashed with the Hells Angels in 2002 at the Hellraiser Ball in Long Island, New York, where 10 people were wounded and one Pagan was allegedly shot and killed by a Hells Angels member. Three years later, the Vice President of the Hells Angels Philadelphia chapter was killed by gunfire while driving his truck on the Schuylkill Expressway, with the Pagans allegedly carrying out the hit. 

Cossacks, Scimitars, Vagueros and other Clubs often declare their support to one of the more established clubs, and may draw a larger percentage of a younger generation -- often young military veterans. 


In 2011 there there was violence between feuding motorcycle gang members on main street during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, followed by a shootout during the Reno Street Vibrations rally. 

Insiders say the Vagos Motorcyle Club - also called 'The Green Nation' - is on a mission to replace the Hells Angels as the "Baddest" outlaw biker gang. 

On August 7, 2013 a member of the Vagos Motorcycle Club was found guilty of killing the president of the San Jose, California chapter of the Hells Angels in the 2011 casino shootout during the Street Vibrations rally in Reno. 

The shooter was the ex-president of the Nicaraguan chapter of Vagos Motorcycle Club, who had relocated to San Jose, California. Read More.

Outlaw club colors were banned from the Sept. 2013 Reno Rally and no violence was reported.