Angier Bike Fest Turns 20

by: len “3 Wheel” montgomery

f you have not heard of the angier bike

Fest, I have one question for you: “Where the hell have you been for the last twenty years?” If you have heard of the Angier Bike Fest but have yet to attend, I have one question for you: “Where the hell have you been for the last twenty years?”

Each year during the first weekend of June the city of Angier closes off a couple of blocks downtown for the event that many in the community look forward to. And this year was no exception. Not only does it bring vendors, entertainment and money to their community, it supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Ride for Kids. If you are a faithful reader of the Carolinas’ Full Throttle Magazine, you may recall some of the success stories that have been written in years past.

The festivities begin on Friday afternoon and continue throughout the day on Saturday. I arrived around 9:30am on Saturday. There is a little something for everyone who attends. The first thing most encounter is the tent set up along the street by the main entrance by The No Judgement Zone, who were handing out literature and bottles of water for free (Lord knows it was hot). And they were eager to pray a blessing over you and your bike if you stopped. You can learn more about these folks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/njzbiblestudy.

The next thing that caught my eye was the bike wash. She was drawing quite a crowd early at the entrance to the bike show. Birdie’s Blades and Beads was set up and already swamped with both buyers of everything from patches to knives to jewelry to bells. And it did not take long for her sewing box to reach a two hour wait.

I do not know just how many bikes registered for the bike show, but they filled a good size parking lot. My favorite was what I feel certain was a 1903 Harley Davidson. One of the very first built. I do not believe it was a replica, but I could be wrong. And I was told it was ridden to the show! The three winners all received trophies created locally by David Carroll from materials donated by D&Q Motorsports.

Many local clubs were set up to show support for the event and offering support shirts, hats and other items. The Combat Vets Motorcycle Association 15-6 Chapter were offering tickets for raffles (winners to be announced 9/11 at the Fainting Goat in Benson, NC). Evilution MC of Raleigh sponsored bike games later in the day. Food and beverages were offered by a couple of food trucks. And the local brewery Vicious Fishes was on hand to quench that special thirst (you know what I mean).

And there was jewelry, pottery, bike parts, flags, t-shirts and poker chips. Let us not forget the live music both Friday night and on Saturday. Everyone enjoyed all three bands, Tom Cifers, Deep 6, and 2Digh4. Crosses for America of Lillington was there giving away yard crosses to anyone who wanted them for any donation. They use the proceeds to spread the Gospel in Africa. They can be contacted through Facebook. Even the Tom McGrath Law group was set up with a few freebies and the opportunity to win a motorcycle (no entry fee). I could not enter again as I have run into these ladies at the booth several times. This time a few of the local officers were registering when I stopped by, so I asked for a photo. Then I instigated the arrest of one of the young ladies working the booth. What can I say, I’m TROUBLE!! AND of course, the officer had misplaced the cuff key once she had made bail, LOL. It was all in fun and they were all good sports about it.

For twenty years now the Angier Bike Fest has been well received by the community. The Facebook page “Get to Know Angier” posted this week that, “Town of Angier, NC is so lucky to have Angier Bike Fest in our community. We ran into so many people with fond memories from the past and excitement for this year’s 20th Anniversary Festival.” It is a tradition that I can see continuing for years to come! If you would like to be a part of next year’s event, go to the event’s website for details that will be posted soon. AngierBikeFest.com

Watch the Carolinas’ Full Throttle Magazine Cruisin’ Calendar for the 2022 date.