Gophers and Cheese

The only motorcycle event I attended in 2020 was the Progressive International Motorcycle Show .  It's fun to see new models in person, including a prototype for the Pan America.  There's usually some custom and vintage bikes at the show too.  For 2021, the show converted to an outdoor event and is skipping Minneapolis this year.  Hopefully it'll be back next year as it's usually a fun indoor winter event.

I owned a van briefly (GMC Savana conversion) but it wasn't "the right van". I customized a few things but it was a mess mechanically so I eventually gave up and sold it.  I would love to own a van again but the hard part is trying to decide what kind (not to mention finding a decent one for sale).  I absolutely love 70s and 80s-style customs but I also like the practicality of having one that could haul a bike.  I think my dream van would be a mix of both, somehow mixing wood paneling and shag carpet while somehow having space for a motorcycle.  Of course, side pipes and Cragers would be a big plus.  If anyone is holding and looking for a good home for their van, let me know.  Anyway, here are some photos from Chariots of the Gods back in 2016 along with a few shots inside the Moto Collective .  This year's show is scheduled for August 14, 2021.

Another show from deep in the archives... 2016 was the 7th and last Rad's Extra Sharp Bike Show.  The following year, it was was held under another name.  "Rad" of course refers to Tom Rad who would typically hold not one but two bike shows per year, Ma Rad's Rumble and Extra Sharp.  I would often attend both but I loved Extra Sharp because it was smaller, low key, held at a cheese shop in Wisconsin, and my wife and kids would typically attend.  I would ride but they would follow me in the car.  My '04 Sportster has taken a few awards at the show over the years and in 2016 it took first place in the Sportster class... probably only because Brett showed up too late with The Gypsy.

Back in 2019, the Konawerks Bike Show was held at Fulton Taproom instead of Grumpy's .  I took my kids so I drove to the show instead of rode... sacrilege, I know.  I managed to take a few photos when I wasn't busy trying to wrangle my kids.  While the beer and food were certainly good, the setup for a bike show wasn't as conducive to photo-taking as Grumpy's parking lot was.  I'm not sure what the plan is for this year but follow their Facebook page for details.

Well, I'm finally wrapping up coverage from the Donnie Smith Bike & Car Show from way back in 2016.  Unlike my prior posts you'll see a bit of the swap meet and car show here too.  If that's not your thing, don't worry, there are more motorcycles ahead too.  This year's show is scheduled for May 21-23, 2021.  It's a later in the year than normal so, if you're planning to go, mark your calendar.

 Continuing coverage (only 5 years after-the-fact) of the Donnie Smith Bike & Car Show 2016...

 Lots more photos from Donnie Smith Car & Bike Show in 2016...

I took way too many photos at the Donnie Smith Bike & Car Show back in 2016 to cram into a single blogpost so let's just get started...