10 minute read
BIKE SHOW FEATURE
ALL ARE WELCOME! We’ve always believed that the best thing about our bike show series is the people that both exhibit and attend. This isn’t just about the bikes – but about the people building and riding them as well. After doing these shows for more than 10 years, its great seeing how many connections and friendships that have developed over the years between folks coming to the shows. There’s a common bond that exists between riders – and there’s even more of a connection between the folks that take the time to restore, customize, or even create their own bikes. People start talking about what they’ve built, what they have at home, and what they rode up to the show. It's important to recognize that these are INFORMAL, RIDE-IN SHOWS! While we do use Judges at most shows, the majority of the votes come from the crowd. These are fun shows with the emphasis on camaraderie more than competition. If you’ve ever stormed out of a show after not winning the big trophy – these shows aren’t for you. If you’ve got a bike you’re proud of – we’d like to invite you to join in and put her in the show. Even if you’ve never shown her before – that’s ok. We’re all family here. Make sure that you check out our events listing on Facebook and follow the ones that are of interest to you. We will be posting updates and more details about the shows and new programs as things are finalized. www.Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsOhio
WILD TURKEY FESTIVAL
Thunder Roads Ohio kicked off the 2022 ReasonsToRide.com Bike Show Series with the Wild Turkey Festival Bike Show in McArthur, Ohio. It was the 37th year for this festival in the rolling hills of southern Ohio, but it was the first year for the Bike Show. Festival organizers and the whole community really welcomed the show, but many weren’t really sure what to expect. Working together with local businesses, an area – henceforth known as THUNDER ALLEY – was carved out for the Bike Show and accompanying encampment. When the day of the show finally arrived, the clouds parted and everyone enjoyed a clear day – despite the challenging forecast. Bikes came from throughout Ohio and even surrounding states, and for many it was their first time showing. One avid rider from Chicago was in the area for a Rally, but brought his custom 450 Rebel by to exhibit when he heard of the show. It wasn’t a huge show for the first year, but the area filled with an amazing array of unique bikes. There was a row of immaculately restored bikes from the 50’s including a pristine Harley, a Velocette from England, and a French bike that nobody was really sure how to pronounce (Monet Goyon). Best in Show went to an incredible chopper that looked like a piece of art and the People’s Choice Award went to a service tribute bike that moved everyone that came by it. (Visit our Facebook page or the photo galleries at ThunderRoadsOhio.com for more photos of the bikes and the event itself.) Everyone seemed to have a great time as exhibitors spent the day sharing the stories behind the bikes with each other and then seemingly the entire community as everyone came by to admire them. After the show, the TRO Crew and Bike Show
BEST OF SHOW: Mike Morman 2021 Harley-Davidson Shovel Custom Build PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Steve Heider 2013 Harley-Davidson Road King (Tribute Bike) BEST IN CLASS Stock Domestic: David Eggert, 2002 H-D FXDWG BEST IN CLASS Custom Domestic: Josh Harkin, 2004 H-D Custom BEST IN CLASS Vintage Domestic: David Eggert, 1950 Harley-Davidson FL BEST IN CLASS Vintage Import: Steve Duffy, 1955 Velocette LE BEST IN CLASS Custom Import: David Irwin, 1986 Honda Rebel 450 BEST IN CLASS Touring: Wayne Graves, 2010 Harley-Davidson Ultra Electra Glide BEST IN CLASS Custom Touring: Shayne Schwendeman 2015 Victory Cross Country BEST IN CLASS Military Tribute: Brendan Elam, 1976 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead JUDGES CHOICE AWARD: Steve Duffy, 1955 Monet Goyon JUDGES CHOICE AWARD: Charlie Park, 2012 Harley-Davidson Custom Chopper JUDGES CHOICE AWARD: Steve Elam, 1956 Harley-Davidson Hummer JUDGES CHOICE AWARD: Justin Detty, 1986 Honda Rebel 450
This year we are teaming up with a number of Ohio county fairs to help incorporate motorcycles into more of their programming. This will include several new BIKE SHOWS as part of county fairs across the state. We are excited at the opportunities this will allow as we showcase unique and classic motorcycles in front of thousands attending county fairs – that in some cases have been going on for more than 150 years! For several of the counties, we will be hosting VINTAGE & VETERANS motorcycle exhibits. In most cases these will be held in either indoor or covered areas and run the duration of the fair. We are inviting anyone with a motorcycle 25 years or older, a military model, or any make or model with a military / patriotic theme to participate. Selected bikes will be sponsored by Thunder Roads Ohio, showcased as part of the exhibit, and then featured as part of the feature bike show on the designated day. Selected exhibitors will receive a wristband / pass for the duration of the fair and a special VINTAGE & VETERAN’S EXHIBITOR bike show shirt at no cost to them. There will be a limited number of spots available for these displays, so we encourage anyone interested in participating to please submit a photo of their bike and information on it to BikeShowInfo@gmail. com. If you are interested in participating in a particular show – or open to dates throughout the series, please indicate that. There is NO COST to exhibitors for participating in these displays.
Thunder Zone Vendor Areas
For the larger weekend shows, we will be adding THUNDER ZONE Vendor areas to our layout. These vendor areas will offer a tremendous opportunity to reach not only thousands of riders – but far more, as many of the events embrace the entire community, drawing attendees from throughout their regions. For more information on vending at these events and to be put on a list for updates, email BikeShowInfo@gmail.com
Looking forward, we’ve made a commitment to further developing the Bike Show Series – with the addition of more larger, regional shows. We will still have smaller community shows, but we are adding more shows connected with FAIRS, FESTIVALS, and of course MAJOR MOTORCYCLE RALLIES and EVENTS.
ZEPPE’S THUNDER ROADS BIKE SHOW
Wednesday, June 22nd 6:30-9pm Newbury, OH
The BIGGEST of our BIKE NIGHT SHOWS – is held at Zeppe’s, a Tavern built on Rock n’ Roll and great pizza! They designed their patio and outdoor bar around a stage – specifically to host bike nights! Come on out and check out Cleveland’s East Side Bike Night! This show always has a GREAT MIX of bikes – and great riding all around. Zeppe’s is a great meeting point for riders
heading to Geneva or east to ride through Amish country!
LUCAS COUNTY BIKE SHOW –
presented as part of the Lucas County Fair
July 11-17, 2022 Vintage and Veterans Motorcycle Exhibit Wednesday, July 17, 2022 – Ride-In Bike Show
Thunder Roads Ohio is teaming up with the Lucas County Fair to present a motorcycle exhibit featuring vintage and military / patriotic themed bikes as part of their annual celebration. Then on Wednesday, July 17th – there will be a ride-in Bike Show with special classes for military and patriotic themed motorcycles.
SOUTH EAST HARLEY-DAVIDSON FERRARI NIGHT BIKE SHOW
Friday, June 17th 5-9pm Bedford Heights, OH
Thunder Roads Ohio is proud to partner with South East HarleyDavidson to help host the 33rd Edition of their famous Ferrari Night – Car & Bike Show. With LIVE MUSIC, Food Trucks, trophies, raffles, and always a great crowd. This is certainly a FAMILY FRIENDLY event that welcomes all!
DUSTY ARMADILLO BIKE SHOW
to Benefit AKRON BIKERS 4 BOOBS
Sunday, June 26th 11am – 4pm Dusty Armadillo, Rootstown OH
For 2022, the DUSTY ARMADILLO will be hosting the Akron Bikers for Boobs Bike Show presented by Thunder Roads Ohio! Live Music and other features from the Dusty – including their WORLD FAMOUS Sunday Funday Bloody Marys! Bike Show registration is $20 day of the show, however, you can register in advance for only $15 and receive a FREE Bike Show Shirt! PRE-REGISTERED BIKES ALSO RECEIVE A SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE Bikers For Boobs BIKE SHOW PLACARD! FOR THIS SHOW: SPECIAL WOMEN'S CLASS!!!! Class is limited to bikes ridden in by women on the day of the event. www.ReasonsToRide.com/events/BfBBikeShow
*Tentative dates. Date and details to be finalized and will be announced in future editions of TRO or at ThunderRoadsOhio.com
– presented as part of the Union County Fair Bike Show / Bike Night Tuesday, July 26th Marysville, OH New for 2022 – The Union County Fair will be presenting a BIKE SHOW as part of the Fair Festivities. It till be an informal, ride-in bike show in the midst of the fair – with motocross happening across from the show, so there will be a lot of 2 wheeled entertainment. Special VINTAGE categories – so bring out your bike and spend the day at the fair!
LEXINGTON BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
August 18 – 21, 2022
Lexington welcomes Thunder Roads Ohio to their long running festival that features a entertainment, rides, games, festival food and more for the entire family. FINK’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON BIKE SHOW
Saturday, August 27, 2022
Thunder Roads Ohio returns to Fink’s Harley-Davidson in Zanesville to host their 4th Annual Bike Show. This is a great show that always features a number of unique bikes – of all makes and models. Local riding organizations are always well represented and Fink’s rolls it all out. There is always good music, cold beverages, something to eat – and lots of great folks!
Sept. 10, 2022
It’s official – we will be returning to The Marketplace Landing in Geneva-on-the-Lake, adjacent to the Old Firehouse Winery and Sunset bar, and right on America’s North Coast overlooking the water! It’s the most beautiful spot in GOTL and the perfect setting for a BIKE SHOW! Planning is already underway to make this the biggest Thunder Zone EVER – and that includes kicking the bike show up EVEN MORE! With more classes, more awards, more CASH – and yes, the loudest pipes contest is returning! We will also be greatly expanding our THUNDER ZONE Vendor Area – but as space will surely go fast! If you’d like to come out and join us for the weekend – with a booth for your shop, business or organization – get in touch ASAP! We are already accepting registrations at this time, and once it’s filled – that’s it! Email us at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com to get your application or for more information.
These are just a few that we’ve already locked down, but we have A LOT more in the works! Make sure that you’re following us on Facebook ( www.Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsOhio) for updates as they are announced. Register ONLINE at ThunderRoadsOhio.com for these Bike SHOWS and more! For more information, email us at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com and follow us online at www.Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsOhio
INTERESTED IN HOSTING A TRO BIKE SHOW AT YOUR LOCATION IN 2022?
We are currently reviewing locations and locking down dates for our 2022 Bike Show Series. We have a LIMITED NUMBER of dates available still. Email us TODAY for more information at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com
