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

This Week: Harley-Davidson's 110th Anniversary

Saturday night Kid Rock - 7:30 pm, Marcus Amphitheater

Sixty bands, street parties, tours of the Harley-Davidson Museum and lots of cold beer are on tap for this week's big Harley-Davidson 110th anniversary in Milwaukee. The 110th anniversary party in Milwaukee is a homecoming celebration, after a year of events hosted by Harley-Davidson around the world, including a memorable blessing of the bikes by Pope Francis in Vatican City.

The 3-day party, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 includes a parade on Saturday from Miller Park to the Summerfest concert grounds on the lakefront, and a custom Harley-Davidson bike show on Sunday at the museum. The long weekend will include concerts by 60 bands, including Aerosmith, Kid Rock, The Doobie Brothers, Toby Keith, and ZZ Top.


Thursday, ABATE of Wisconsin, a bikers rights organization, hosts a kick-off biker party and old-school chopper bike show at the Road Guardians compound in Big Bend. Editors from four major motorcycle magazines, including Easyriders and Iron Works, will judge the show. A California filmmaker will also be at the party, filming "The Bike Movie." 

The Doobie Brothers - Sturgis 2013

Patrick Simmons, of the Doobie Brothers rock band, will be at the old-school bike show with his wife, Cristine Sommer-Simmons. They're riding to Milwaukee from Sturgis on century-old Harley-Davidsons — taking the back roads at about 45 miles per hour. "We love to ride old bikes. It's kind of what we do," Sommer-Simmons told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Three years ago, she rode her 1915 Harley-Davidson in a grueling 3,294-mile motorcycle race from Kitty Hawk, N.C., to Santa Monica, Calif. Of the 45 entrants in the race, she was one of only two women and captured 20th place overall. 

2014 Indian Chief Sturgis Launch - Factory Tour Ride

view the video - click here

Polaris launched the new Indian Chief Motorcycle at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and today, riders are heading to Spirit Lake, Iowa for the first-ever Indian Motorcycle factory tour.

 "The new Thunder Stroke engines are manufactured in Osceola, Wisconsin and then shipped down to our facility in Spirit Lake, where the bikes are put together," said Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris in an Aug. 5th interview with Bloomberg. "I think Polaris is the rightful owner of the Indian brand. We started with the snow mobiles in 1954, the first American manufacturer and now we are the first manufacturer of motorcycles." The iconic brand became America's first motoryclce company in 1901 and enjoyed a storied 40-year run before being sold in 1945. Nearly 60 years after the last authentic Indian rolled off the line in Springfield, Massachusetts, Polaris Industries was able to rescue the beloved brand.

The 2014 Indian Chieftain and the old motor that inspired the new one -- photos courtesy Walt Lumpkin.




Polaris launched Victory Motorcycles, a new brand 15 years ago and purchased the Indian brand in 2011. They launched the new Indian Chief with the new Thunder Stroke engine a few days ago at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The more economical, but extremely reliable and stylish bikes are certain to be top competitors for Harley-Davidson.

The Indian Chief is priced at $19,000 - The Indian Vintage at $21,000 and the Indian Touring bike at $23,000.



One of the biggest dealership in the midwest is Indian-Triump of the Twin Cities that is hosting the first-ever factory tour ride today from St. Paul, Minnesota to Indian Motorcycle facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa.








"We are hosting the first-ever Indian Factory Tour as part of a weekend of events," said Art Welch, co-owner of the dealership. "There is really a lot of interest in the new Indian Chief. We gave 143 demo rides on the new Indian from noon to 6 pm on August 14, the day the new Indians were launched."

"The Price Is Right," said Jamie Elvidge in a review for CycleWorld. " Someone looking at a Heritage Softail -- the same buyer the Chief Vintage is vying for -- might see a price tag swinging from the H-D that's $3,500 less, but to make the bike compatable, he'd have to pony up for the Twin Cam 110 ($5,000), ABS ($1,200) and chrome for the fork, hand and foot controls ($1,259.) Plus, the Harley's seat will be vinyl instead of leather, and internal handlebar wiring, cruise control and keyless ignition aren't event optional.

2013 Legends Ride Kicks Off Sturgis Rally

Thanks to Walt Lumpkin for this report and photos of the 6th Annual Legends Ride that kicked off this year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Monday, August 5th, 2013.

The ride was sold out and the raffle bike set a new record -- $55,000. Buffalo Chip owner, Rod "Woody" Woodruff hosts the annual charity ride that travels from Historic Deadwood, through the beautiful Black Hills to the Legendary Buffalo Chip.

Celebrities on this year's ride included the Ness family, Dee Snider, Robbie Kneivel, John Paul Dejoria, Kristy Swanson, and Jessi Combs.

"Rod Woodruff of the Buffalo Chip told us the bus purchased for the Special Olympians should be paid off next year," said Walt. The ride also raises money for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

Riders gathered at the Silverado-Franklin Hotel in Deadwood at 11 a.m. The scenic ride to the Chip was followed by a live auction at 7 p.m. topped off by Doobie Brothers and Kid Rock concerts. 

Robbie Knievel Joins 2012 Sturgis Rally

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally -  Robbie Knievel will help kick off  the 72nd Sturgis Bike Week on Monday, August 6th, 2012. You can join him for the Fifth Annual Legends Ride, starting at the Silverado Franklin Hotel in Historic Deadwood. Robbie Knievel is among the stars that will be making the scenic ride through the winding roads of the Black Hills to attend a special reception at the Buffalo Chip.

100% of the proceeds from rider admissions will be donated to the Black Hills Special Olympics and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Join the ride.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip 2012 events include machine gun shooting at the shooting range, the Tattoo Café and Piercing area located in the amphitheater from 1 p.m to midnight Aug. 3-12, the two Buffalo Chip zip lines located at CrossRoads and in the amphitheater, the homemade bikini contest at Bikini Beach, Rolling Sturgis roller derby at the CrossRoads, and the Miss Buffalo Chip Beauty Pageant taking place between each concert. Also don’t miss the Wall of Death at the CrossRoads as daredevils perform dangerous stunts, the burnout bridge, and the Biker Lube Games taking place at the Bikini Beach at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily and in the Kinison Playground area at 5:30 p.m. World famous motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter will have his Motorcycles as Art exhibit “Come Together – The Spirit of Born-Free” on display as well.

Follow links below for more Sturgis Rally stories and August Motorcycle Events.

Buffalo Chip: Lynyrd Skynyrd Band Announced for Sturgis 2012

LYNYRD SKYNYRD TO ROCK THE CHIP -- Southern Rock’s most influential band, Lynyrd Skynyrd rocked the "new" stage in 1999 at the Legendary Buffalo Chip and they are the first band announced for the Sturgis 2012 Rally. 

Sturgis biker music fans from around the world have for years been riding America’s highways to the sounds of “They Call Me The Breeze,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” and “Gimme Three Steps.” In helping to invent the Southern Rock genre, Lynyrd Skynyrd also helped invent a related genre - biker music.

From humble beginnings in the summer of 1964, three kids from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Lynyrd Skynyrd has become one of the most respected bands in rock, helping to create and sustain the southern rock genre. The band will play at the Legendary Buffalo Chip during the official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally week, Aug. 6 through Aug. 12.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was named for a high school physical education teacher, Leonard Skinner. The band changed the spelling to draw attention to the band members’ southern accents.

“Gimme Three Steps,” was their first hit in 1973, and Sturgis Rally bikers have been treated to a string of rock anthems that followed, including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Gimme Back My Bullets,” “They Call Me The Breeze,” “I Know A Little,” “Saturday Night Special,” “What’s Your Name,” “You Got That Right,” “Swamp Music,” “Smokestack Lightning,” “Truck Drivin’ Man,” and “Free Bird.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2006

Central Iowa BACA: Bikers Against Child Abuse

The Central Iowa Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse invites everyone to attend their 2nd Annual Biker Bash on Saturday, August 20th at The Ridgemont, 7460 Hickman Road in Windsor Heights, a subburb of Des Moines, Iowa  to raise awareness and funds to help battle the epidemic of child abuse.

Click the flyer to enlarge.

"Entry to this event is free, so come learn about who we are and what we are about all while enjoying all sorts of entertainment and specials inside," said Adam "Psycho" McNeely, merchandiser and events coordinator for Central Iowa BACA. "Come on out and party with B.A.C.A., check out our vendors, get some new ink, feed your belly, grab a cold one, and rock out to some great live music... and don't forget to bring a dirty bike." The event starts at Noon on Saturday, Aug. 20th and ends at closing time (2am) Sunday.

Beer Garden with drink specials
Food specials
Tattoos by Ink Addition,
Sound Quality provided by Gadgets of Executive Services
Live Music by: Double Barrel

Bikini Bike Wash, Vendors, Raffles and much, much, more

B.A.C.A. was founded in Utah in 1995 by John Paul "Chief" Lilly, a licensed clinical social worker, part-time faculty member of Brigham Young University and registered play therapist, who had spent nearly two decades advocating for abused children.

BACA Mission Statement

Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.

What started as a way to reach one frightened 8 year old boy, became a circle of bikers with chapters in Utah, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas, then across the country and in other parts of the world. To locate a B.A.C.A. chapter in your state or country, with links to BACA Nation Radio Forums and more, visit (bacaworld.org) BACA International, "Breaking the Chains of Abuse."

AMD World Championship Sturgis 2011 Show Results

Japanese bike builder Ken Tabata came to Sturgis as an unknown to win the 2011 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, on Wed., Aug. 10th. Tabata of Tavax Engineering, Yao City, Osaka, worked for more than 3 years on "TAVAX 2011V," a bike with dynamic movement and power, "designed to look like a Cheetah about to pounce."

Top 3 in the Freestyle class: Satya Kraus of Kraus Motor Co (left) (3rd place), newly-crowned World Champion Ken Tabata of Tavax Engineering (center) and Larry Houghton of Lamb Engineering (2nd place).    Click images to enlarge.

TAVAX2011V effortlessly combines sculpted aluminum bodywork with one-off hand-made pieces that form the suspension and replace the stock engine and transmission covers. At the rear of the bike the swingarm pivots from behind the rear cylinder, arcing over the transmission, and carrying a linkage system operated single shock, a design similar to that found on many modern sports bikes.

At the front of the machine the suspension begins at the axle as a leading link fork, which then changes via a pair of links to finish as a Springer fork.

To demonstrate the performance potential of his bike Ken has forgone tall and wide wheels, favoring instead a pair of Marchesini 17in sport bike rims carrying floating rotors and Lockheed brake calipers.

Taking a less complex styling route, Larry Houghton, of Lamb Engineering, secured second place with Son of a Gun. Based around a 1951 BSA single cylinder engine (found on eBay) and Talon motocross wheels. Larry built the rest of the bike himself, often collecting material from the scrap bins of friends in the engineering trade. His careful recycling of material meant that he was able to build a World Class custom motorcycle for less than $9,000, including the gold candy silver metalflake paint wrap.

Third place winner Satya Kraus believes in the bare essentials, aptly demonstrated by his entry, "Bolide." He achieved his aim by putting a 93ci S&S Shovelhead motor in a one-off frame carrying a mono-shocked swingarm, telescopic forks and 17in Alpina spoked wheels shod with Metzeler sport bike tires.

1st Place - Performance Custom Class was won by Jim Giuffra and the girls of AFT Customs, who rebuilt a 1970 Honda CB750 café racer styled custom, complete with RaceTech suspension, Beringer brakes and numerous one-off pieces.

1st Place, Production Class: The influence that café racers are having on the current custom scene can also be seen in the design of the top placed Production Manufacturer class bike. Best known for its line of Chops and Bobbers, Darwin Motorcycles has built what it describes as an American muscle bike. Powered by a 132ci S&S X-Wedge V-twin, the RLX carries a full range of top spec components including Öhlins suspension, Beringer brakes and BST carbon fiber wheels.

Italian Sidecar Bike wins AMD Modified Harley Class: A first in 2011 for the World Championship was the entry of a sidecar outfit and it was this outfit, Abnormal Cycles' Union, that took the honors in the Modified Harley class. The Model 'U' powered outfit features a stock frame fitted with a custom sidecar body and a leaf spring Indian style front end, which includes a pair of handlebars created to also look like a leaf spring.

The World Championship of Custom Bike Building exists to showcase and promote international custom motorcycle design and engineering quality, craftsmanship and innovation; and to promote the evolution of custom motorcycling in ways that will help secure the unique enjoyment of custom motorcycles for future generations of riders.

The World Championship is a free-public-admission four-day event that opens on the first Sunday of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, culminating in an awards ceremony at 3:00 pm MST on the Wednesday of the Rally. The whole event, including the awards ceremony, is broadcast on the internet and you will find photos of all of the top bikes at www.AMDChampionship.com.

Buffalo Chip Video Spotlight: Iron Cowgirl Missy

Last night was opening night of Sturigs 2011 and  "Iron Cowgirl Missy" Covill's first night on stage at the Sam Kinison Showcase Stage at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Playing guitar and singing original music on stage in front of a bunch of bikers is what she likes best. I met her last year up in Michigan and I can tell you, she's the real thing: A true biker who rides cross-country on her Harley softtail and will offer you a campsite and share a meal with you. The Sturis 2010 Rally was the fullfillment of a dream to play at the Buffalo Chip.

Iron Cowgirl Missy Covill will also be playing at the new "Biker Belles" charity event for women riders. "We couldn't be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” said Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles™ will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!” Read more.

Pay Tribute To Someone You Love: Add A Name To The New England Walkers For Knockers "Heroes of Hope" Calendar

Here's your chance to add the name of someone you love to a "Heroes of Hope" calendar being published by the New England Walkers for Knockers. Your donation of $10 or more will sponsor a special tribute printed on a day in the calendar.

UPDATE: The calendar went to press Aug. 17th!!

The Calendar will feature pictures and the stories of 13 Women and 1 Man, some who are currently fighting breast cancer, some who have beat breast cancer and one who survived it, but recently passed away from other health related illnesses.

"Each of them is sharing their story, some talking about what they went through and how it affected their life; their stories are a true inspiration to all," said Brenda Smith, founding organizer of the Walkers for Knockers group. "Please take a moment to check out our website for more information about the calendar such as why we decided to do this project, who was involved in creating it and where the proceeds raised will be donated."

The New England Walkers For Knockers website also lists some upcoming events, including the 2nd Annual Ride For The Cure motorcycle ride in October. The ride will again this year be lead by California celebrity rider, Brenda Fox.

In the past five years, the New England Walkers for Knockers has raised $115,000 for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This is a new path forward for the group, aimed at helping people on a more personal basis to face the emotional and financial burdens associated with struggling to overcome breast cancer.

Click this flyer to enlarge for details.

"For a donation of $10, you can sponsor yourself or a loved one to celebrate being cancer free. You can memorialize a loved one who has passed from cancer or make a gift donation. "Several people and companies have stepped forward to sponsor a whole month in the calendar, and we would love to have a couple more contributing corporate sponsors," said Brenda Smith. "The print deadline for sponsors to be printed in the calendar is August 14. However, we would gladly accept a donation at any time. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions." Brenda Smith: heroesofhopebcc@yahoo.com

Holiday Calendar Gift Idea: You can also order the calendars for $25 each plus $4 for S&H. They will be ready to ship in mid-September. Anyone who has been affected by breast cancer, which is most everyone we know, will appreciate this beautiful calendar. The Heroes of Hope calendar will make a wonderful Christmas present and it is easy to order on the website
at www.ne-w4k.org.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

"Freedom" Notes From The Road by Johnny & Jay

Johnny Lange and his partner, Jay Barbieri  of Strip Club Choppers are packing up for another Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. You will find them again this year at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. I get their monthly news updates that usually include promotion of their upcoming events and franchise opportunities. But like most true bikers, Johnny and Jay are also big-hearted and patriotic, and like to show their appreciation to combat veterans. Photo by Jim Dohms/Daytona Bike Week 2011... Read this by Johnny.

"A couple of weeks ago an old friend of mine contacted me and asked me if I had parts available in flat black and without hesitation my inner salesman kicked in and I proceeded to give him the available product inventory. We chatted for a while and I quickly learned that he was upgrading a Harley for his nephew who was currently serving his third tour in Afghanistan after two successful tours in Iraq. And when I say successful, I guess that means still alive and well.

"I told him I had to leave town and would get him some stuff at my cost before Sturgis and didnt give it much more thought because I was so self absorbed in preparing for all the activities I have scheduled in Sturgis.

"Things changed dramaticlly for these young men, when on July 12th Lance Cpl Robert S Greninger of Greenfield, Minnesota was killed conducting combat operations in Afghanistan. Cpl Greninger served alongside my friend's nephew SSgt Chris Shranko and saved the lives af many of his fellow soldiers with his actions that cost him his life.

"When I was informed of this I began to think about all the young men and women who pay the ultimate price for us to enjoy all the freedoms we take for granted in this country. The freedom to take a summer vacation, the freedom to fly on an airplane, the freedom to attend a motorcycle event. And I know its a cliche, but Frredom is not free. It cost this young man who was just begining his life, his future.

"You may not personally know anyone who is serving but everyone over there is someone's son or daughter mother or father so the next time you see someone in uniform remember the reason you were able to go to the movies last night is because they paid the ultimate price to keep us free. You may not agree with the politics or the administration that is in office but these young men and women don't have time to concern themselves with that. They are too busy sacrificing their lives so you can enjoy yours.

"Obviously I felt the need to do something more so I will be donating all the parts for the bike as well as sending a care package of SCC swag to Afghanastan for the entire unit, which seems so inconsequential when compared to the sacrifices these men and women are making who serve in every branch of the military.



"I am not going to do my usual shameless self promotion at the end of this month's article suffice to say it just doesn't seem appropriate." - from the road, Johnny Lange - SSC.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Twin City Indian's 3-Day Event & Charity Ride Follows Sturgis

Indian Motorcycles of the Twin Cities in Saint Paul, Minnesota stages an annual 3-day national event the weekend after the Sturgis, SD rally and this year, the 9th charity ride for children's school supplies will include $10,000 in cash and prizes and a free T-shirt for all who pay the $20 ride registration by August 7th.

You must be present to collect the prizes, but the T-shirt will support the fundraiser and can be sent to you for an additional $4.98 shipping fee.


Details and online registration at Indian Motorcycles of the Twin Cities  - 2967 Hudson Road, Saint Paul, MN - or by calling 651-765-4272. Click the flyer to enlarge for details. The event begins Friday, Aug. 19th and the 9th Annual Ride For Children's School Supplies is on Sunday, Aug. 21st.


The Sioux Indian Council is putting up $3,000 in cash to be awarded to some lucky riders. There are also movie and IMAX theater tickets, gift certificates to visit popular restaraunts and the Minnesota Zoo, custom riding helmets, heated motorcycle grips, and $400 in gift certificates from Indian Motorcycle Corp.

The American Motor Drome Company will be there with their Wall of Death for the 3-day event, and this is also your opportunity to take pictures with vintage pin-up models and some beautiful vintage Indian Motorcycles.


 http://www.indiantwincities.com/











Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Stevie Nicks Takes Stage with Jeff Bridges at Sturgis Buffalo Chip's American Thunder Music Festival

Stevie Nicks will join Jeff Bridges on the main stage of the Buffalo Chip Campground on Thursday, August 11. The duo will perform songs from their respective albums, as well as favorites from Fleetwood Mac.

Nicks is one of America's Rock Goddesses having had an incredible career with Fleetwood Mac and an extensive solo career producing over 40 Top 50 hits and selling over 140 million albums.

In May, Nicks released her first album in 10 years, her seventh independent album, "In Your Dreams." Nicks intends to delight audiences with her ethereal and seductive sound as her voice travels from the beginning of her career in 1974 to her latest 2011 album.
Rolling Stone once named Nicks "The Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll."   She has eight Grammy Award nominations as a solo artists and was nominated five other times with Fleetwood Mac.

 The Bob Woodruff Foundation has selected The Legendary Buffalo Chip to host the American Thunder Music Festival during the iconic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to celebrate the men and women of the United States Military, hosted by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, Rock and Roll Icon John Fogerty and featuring iconic music legend Stevie Nicks.

In 1977/1978 she won the "Album of the Year" Grammy with Fleetwood Mac for   Rumors. In 1998, she was inducted, to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac. The album Rumors is the ninth highest selling album of all time, selling over 40 million copies.

Buffalo Chip Campers might have the chance to hear such chart toppers as "Landslide," "Say You Will," "Don't Stop," and also have the pleasure of being introduced to songs from Nicks' newest record.
 

Nicks will join Jeff Bridges and John Fogerty on Thursday The Chip  has a  fierce line-up for Sturgis 2011 including: Toby Keith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, STYX, Poison, Def Leppard, John Fogerty, Alice Cooper, Jeff Bridges and Friends, Tesla, Pop Evil, Puddle of Mudd and many, many more. .

For thirty years the Legendary Buffalo Chip has proven itself as the heart of Sturgis Rally Week. Poised and ready to once again offer their visitors the complete biker experience, the Legendary Buffalo Chip has rounded up an enormous selection of biker-centric fun and festivities in addition to offering the summer's biggest and most authentic music experience of Rally Week. Reservations for multi-day passes or daily admissions available online at BuffaloChip.com or by calling  605-347-9000  605-347-9000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (MST) Monday through Friday.

This news post by Lisa M. Ballard, www.dbcustomleather.com and for all of your west coast (USA) marketing needs, www.shinysidemarketing.com.

The Horse Backstreet Choppers Announces it’s 5th Annual FREE Sturgis Bike Show

After the huge success of last year’s show,
The Horse Backstreet Choppers will bring its fifth annual The Horse Backstreet Choppers Bike Show to Michael Ballard’s Full Throttle Saloon, once again, during Sturgis Bike Week 2011. 

This FREE show will be held Monday, August 8th, 2011 and will feature guest judges, door prizes and giveaways, a burnout pit, live music and beautiful women. NO registration fee or entry fee, this is a completely FREE show.

The Horse’s mission is to recognize all hard-core, garage-built backstreet choppers, all owners are encouraged to enter.  Open, FREE registration will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, all bikes must be in by noon. The winners will be announced at 3 p.m. Prizes will be given out all day. EVERYONE who enters a bike is eligible to win prizes. Your bike does not have to win and award to win a prize.

This year’s panel of guest judges includes Roadside Marty of Flat Broke Customs, Paul Cox of Paul Cox Industries, Chuck Palumbo of CP Kustoms, Patrick Patterson of LED Sled, Jesse Dupre of Jackyl, Sugar Bear of Sugar Bear Choppers, Matt Olsen- Carl Olsen’s son, special guest judges, Michael Ballard of The Full Throttle Saloon and Angie Carlson of Full Throttle Flaunt, and many more.

“We are excited to be back at The Full Throttle,” said Steve Broyles, who heads up each year’s show. “Last year’s show was a great success so we expect even more great bikes to show up this year and to have an even better show than last year. We have made some changes this year, awards will be done earlier and we have even more prizes and swag to give away.”

Those who enter their bikes in the show will have a chance to win over $15,000 thousand dollars in door prizes from many different companies like Custom Chrome/Jammer, Factory Metal Works, Stevenson’s Cycle, Fabricator Kevin’s, Cycle X, Affliction, Papa Clutch Customs, Chop Docs Choppers, Low Brow Customs, Baker Drivetrain and many many more. Go to the website to check out the list of available prizes. You must have a bike entered to win the door prizes.

There will also be tons of crowd giveaways. But of course, no Sturgis event would be complete without great bikes, great entertainment and great babes, so be sure to enter your bike or stop by and check out all the action. FREE Registration will be open 9am to Noon. Competing bikes will be on display from Noon to 4pm at The Full Throttle Saloon.

The FREE 2011 Horse Backstreet Choppers Bike Show is sponsored by Evil Engineering, LLC, Stevenson’s Cycles, CCI/Jammer Cycle Products, Baker Drivetrain, Cycle X, Fabricator Kevin’s and many other great companies. For more information or to pre-register contact Kari at (313) 737 8888 or thehorseads@aol.com.

This news post by Lisa M. Ballard, www.dbcustomleather.com and for all of your west coast (USA) marketing needs, www.shinysidemarketing.com.

Miss Hoka Hey, Whittany Crum Joins the Challenge Ride

"I watched from the sidelines as the first Hoka Hey Challenge roared into history but this time I'm going to be on the line with a thousand other riders," said Whittaney Crum. She is being sponsored by Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson in North Carolina that will be one of only 15 check points in the 10,000-plus mile challenge ride.

She will be riding a 2011 pearl white Street Glide provided by Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson. The Harley dealership expressed pride in sponsoring "Miss Hoka Hey, Whittany Crum to be riding for 'Team Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson' in this year's challenge... Whittany Crum, in our view, is a great representative of young female riders in the Harley-Davidson industry and we welcome her as part of our rider family."

The 23-year old enjoys hiking, horseback riding, fishing, cooking and riding Harleys. In her own words, she said "Growing up in Florida you might think I would wind up being a beach baby but I have always preferred the thump of an engine to the roar of the surf. Don't get me wrong, I'll ride anything (including a surfboard) but there is something about the open road... the places you can go, the sights you can see and the people that you meet on a Harley. Nothing else compares.

"I started out riding dirt bikes when I was in middle school; hitting the trails as often as I could. Then, the magical moment when I rode on the back of a Harley-Davidson for the first time. I'll never forget it - I was 14 years old and the destination was a winding beach road. I was hooked. I started my rebellion against all things conventional right then and there - starting with my step-father's Gold Wing. He would invite me to go along with him from time to time but, ever since that ride on the H-D; I didn't want to be caught on the back of any thing else. So, I did what any teenager would do and I lied. I came up with every excuse why I couldn't go with him because nothing could compare to the look and sound of that Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

"Fast forwarding to when I was 21; I got a call from Big Jim telling me of this endurance ride he had dreamed up with called the Hoka Hey. I fell in love with the idea and after several conversations over the phone with Jim & Beth, I soon found myself flying to Las Vegas to do my first show as Miss Hoka Hey. Over the past two years now, I've travelled all over the US going to bike events and visiting Harley dealers to spread the word about Hoka Hey. I feel that I am truly blessed to have this job and to say I love my work would be an understatement.

"So, I'll see you all on August 5th in Mesa, AZ when the members of Team Rocky Mount H-D bring it to the starting line!!" - To read more stories, follow the Hoka Hey Blog.

Hoka Hey Contingency Prizes For HOG Riders

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge begins August 5, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona, and will travel through all 48 contiguous U.S. states and several Canadian provinces before it ends in Nova Scotia. The route covers more than 10,000 miles and includes some of the most picturesque and challenging roadways in North America.

To sweeten this year's challenge, Harley-Davidson will provide more than $50,000 in contingency prizes to the five highest finishing members of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) who complete the entire 2011 Hoka Hey Challenge, as determined by the organizers. The highest finishing eligible H.O.G. member who completes the event, will be awarded a 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycle of their choice. The 2nd through 5th highest finishing eligible H.O.G. members will each be awarded a portion of a total of $19,000 in cash prizes.
- click image to enlarge event flyer.

Riders were able to sign up for the Hoka Hey Challenge during Daytona Bike Week at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona Harley-Davidson. Last years winner, Will Barclay and Tramp Stamp rider, Terry Rogue were on hand to discuss their personal riding experiences. 

“The Hoka Hey Challenge is a perfect match for the superior touring experience and capabilities of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the long-distance adventuring aspirations of many of our H.O.G. members,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Customer Experience. “The theme of the Hoka Hey Challenge is ‘It’s a good day to ride!’ and that is always the case on a Harley.”

To be eligible for any contingency award, the H.O.G. member must be in good standing at the time the event starts and they must display a H.O.G. emblem on their riding gear and in a prominent location on the motorcycle (preferably on the windshield or Tour Pak) during the entire event. The H.O.G. member must be the rider, not the passenger, and meet all eligibility requirements for the event. Free H.O.G. emblems and decals will be provided to all participating members at the start of the challenge.

Harley-Davidson is not responsible for organizing or conducting the event, it is an event and contingency sponsor only. The Motor Company will defer all decisions regarding final finishing order to the event organizers.

For more details, eligibility requirements, and rules of the H.O.G. contingency program, visit http://www.members.hog.com/ . For entry information or to monitor the event’s progress, visit http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/ .

Source: Harley-Davidson