Event Descriptions and Reviews (click to jump to that event):
- AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show
- Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show
- Chopper Art Show
- Defrost Your Nuts Run / Frost Your Nuts Run
- DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco Party
- Donnie Smith Bike Show
- Dulono's Pizza Bike Night ("First Thursday")
- Flood Run (Spring Flood Run & Fall Flood Run)
- Freedom First Riders Bike Show
- Frost Your Nuts Run / Defrost Your Nuts Run
- Full Tilt Chopper Show
- Gringo & Micky's Moto Psyco Swap Meets
- Harley Davidson / H.O.G. Anniversary Celebrations
- Hogfeed Pre-Sturgis Party (The Joint)
- International Motorcycle Show
- Joint Bike Night
- Joint Run
- Mad Jack's Bike Night ("Jacked Up Bike Night")
- Minnesota State H.O.G. Rally
- O'Reilly World Of Wheels
- Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show
- Rally Up North
- Rochester Cycle Show and Swap
- Rockers Spring Social
- Rumble On The Deck Bike Show
- SCVR Chili Feed
- SCVR Round Barn Run
- Sturgis / Black Hills Rally
AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show
- Website: http://www.vikingmc.org/
- Location: St Paul, MN (State Fairgrounds)
- Years attended: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012
- Review: I enjoy checking out old bikes. I think a lot has to go with growing up around my dad's 1976 Triumph Bonneville. Regardless, the best place to see old bikes in the Twin Cities is during the Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) Vintage Motorcycle Show held annually at the State Fairgrounds. Not only are there tons of bikes on display but (if you're lucky) you can see some of them be ridden. There's also a swap meet for used and NOS parts. This event is held during the summer so lots of people ride to the show so the parking lot is almost just as interesting to walk around as the actual show.
- Blog Entries:
- 5/25/10: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2009
- 5/26/10: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2009 Continued
- 6/08/10: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2008
- 6/12/10: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2010 - Outside
- 6/14/10: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2010 - The Strange
- 6/15/10: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2010 - Triumph Tiger
- 6/21/10: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2010 - British Invasion
- 6/22/10: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2010 - Harleys
- 6/22/12: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 1
- 6/23/12: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 2
- 6/24/12: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 3
- 6/25/12: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 4
- 6/26/12: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 5
- 6/27/12: AMCA Vintage Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 6
Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show
- Website: http://www.beardedladymotorcycleshow.com/
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Years attended: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Review: The Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show (aka Bearded Lady Motorcycle Freakshow / Freak Show) is hosted at the 331 Club in Northeast Minneapolis. GO!!! This show is awesome. You'll see a lot more homemade, garage-born choppers and vintage bikes ridden hard here versus the $100K chromed out rides you'll see at other bike shows. Food, drinks, bikes, vendors, live music, people in costume, unusual prizes... what more could you ask for? GO!!!
- Blog Entries:
- 7/24/10: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 1
- 7/25/10: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 2
- 7/26/10: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 3
- 7/27/10: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 4
- 7/28/10: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 5
- 1/14/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 1 - Color
- 1/15/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 2 - Color
- 1/16/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 3 - Color
- 1/17/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 4 - Color
- 1/18/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 5 - Color
- 1/19/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 6
- 1/20/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2010 - Part 6 - Color
- 5/10/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2011 - Save The Date
- 6/07/11: Bearded Lady Flyer
- 7/22/11: Two Big Shows This Weekend - Go!
- 7/25/11: Bearded Lady and Full Tilt Pics Coming Soon
- 7/27/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2011 - Part 1
- 7/28/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2011 - Part 2
- 7/29/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2011 - Part 3
- 7/30/11: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2011 - Part 4
- 5/12/12: 2012 Bearded Lady Motorcycle Freak Show - July 21st
- 7/22/12: 2012 Bearded Lady Pics Coming Soon
- 2/11/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 1
- 2/12/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 2
- 2/13/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 3
- 2/14/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 4
- 2/15/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 5
- 2/18/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 6
- 2/19/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 7
- 2/20/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 8
- 2/21/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 9
- 2/22/13: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2012 - Part 10
- 3/09/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 1
- 3/10/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 2
- 3/11/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 3
- 3/12/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 4
- 3/13/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 5
- 3/14/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 6
- 3/15/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 7
- 3/16/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 8
- 3/17/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 9
- 3/18/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 10
- 3/19/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 11
- 3/20/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 12
- 3/21/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 13
- 3/22/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 14
- 3/23/14: Bearded Lady Motorcycle Show 2013 - Part 15
Chopper Art Show
- Website: None
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Years attended: 2012, 2013
- Review: The Chopper Art Show is part bike show and part art gallery. 2012 was the first year and it featured works by David Mann.
- Blog Entries:
- 3/28/12: Chopper Art Show - June 9th
- 6/09/12: Chopper Art Show - Part 1
- 6/10/12: Chopper Art Show - Part 2
- 3/24/13: Chopper Art Show 2 - May 18th
- 5/17/13: Where I'll Be On Saturday
- 5/18/13: A Wet Start To A Good Saturday
- 5/19/13: Chopper Art Show 2 - Part 1
- 5/20/13: Chopper Art Show 2 - Part 2
- 5/22/13: Chopper Art Show 2 - Part 3
- 5/23/13: Chopper Art Show 2 - Part 4
- 5/27/13: Some B&Ws From Last Saturday
Defrost Your Nuts Run / Frost Your Nuts Run
- Website: None
- Location: North Hudson, WI
- Years attended: 2009 (Defrost), 2011 (Defrost)
- Review: Around the Twin Cities, the Defrost Your Nuts Run is typically the first organized ride of the year and the Frost Your Nuts Run is typically the last. The run is also known by the less colorful names, "The Mallalieu Inn Spring Motorcycle Run" and "The Mallalieu Inn Fall Motorcycle Run". It usually draws a few thousand riders. A history of the run can be found here. The Defrost Your Nuts Run is the second Saturday in April and the Frost Your Nuts Run is the second Saturday in October. This just a ride for fun - it does not benefit a charity or anything. I have found it's very difficult to find info online about this run and even the location of the Mallalieu Inn (414 Wisconsin St. North Hudson, WI). When I attended the Defrost Your Nuts Run in 2009, the route was basically a 5-stop bar-hopper (roughly 60 miles or 90 minutes of riding). It went from North Hudson, WI (Mallalieu Inn) to New Richmond, WI (Gibby's Lanes) to Emerald, WI (Harley & Jude's Inn and Andy's Bar) to Woodville, WI (Hilltop Bar) to Hammond, WI (Doll House). No, the Doll House is not a strip club even though it has a strip-club-style name. The path was not a full circle and Hammond is about 30 minutes from North Hudson. Overall, this is a decent run to kick off or end the riding season but it's definitely more stopping than riding (which isn't necessarily a bad thing depending on the weather).
- Pics:
2009 Defrost Your Nuts Run:
- Blog Entries:
- 10/09/10: Frost Your Nuts Run 2010
- 4/10/11: 2011 Defrost Your Nuts Run - Part 1
- 4/11/11: 2011 Defrost Your Nuts Run - Part 2
- 4/12/11: 2011 Defrost Your Nuts Run - Part 3
- 4/13/11: 2011 Defrost Your Nuts Run - Part 4
- 4/08/13: Bike Show And Nuts Run This Saturday
- 4/12/13: Defrost Your Nuts Run Cancelled
DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco Party
- Websites:
- http://dicemagazine.blogspot.com/
- http://www.churchofchoppers.blogspot.com/
- http://www.kungfutapandtaco.blogspot.com/
- Location: Des Moines, IA
- Years attended: 2011
- Review: This event was a blast, well worth the 250+ mile ride down from the Twin Cities. The hospitality was incredible, particularly for those riding from 200+ miles away. If you rode more than 200 miles, you got a free t-shirt and all the tacos you could eat and beer you could drink all day. I could not get over the huge number of amazing bikes that showed up. The focus is really on garage-built / heavily-modified bikes. There were very few stock or close-to-stock bikes. There was even a handful of rat rods, which I love. The bikes are probably the biggest draw but there was also a taco eating contest and live music. Church of Choppers had an open house from 2-4pm but I missed it. I was delighted to see bikes and meet people from other blogs and forums. That night, I camped behind the bar but I will warn you that there is limited space and there are absolutely no facilities outside at all (except the woods).
- Blog Entries:
- 6/10/11: Destination Iowa
- 6/12/11: Many Dice Party Pics and Posts to Come
- 6/13/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 1
- 6/14/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 2
- 6/15/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 3
- 6/16/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 4
- 6/17/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 5
- 6/18/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 6
- 6/19/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 7
- 6/20/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 8
- 6/21/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 9
- 6/22/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 10
- 6/23/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 11
- 6/24/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 12
- 6/25/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 13
- 6/26/11: DicE / CoC / Kung Fu Tap and Taco 2011 - Part 14
Donnie Smith Bike Show
- Website: http://donniesmithbikeshow.com/
- Location: St Paul, MN (St. Paul RiverCentre)
- Years attended: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Review: Donnie Smith is a very well known custom bike builder that lives and works here in the Twin Cities. Here's a link to his shop Donnie Smith Custom Cycles in Blaine, MN. Around town, I have seen him at the show, at The Joint, at Mad Jack's, and at the Flood Run. The show usually happens a little after the International Motorcycle Show and the shows are very different. While the International Motorcycle Show focuses on the latest models from the big manufacturers, the Donnie Smith Bike Show is all about customs with a handful of vintage bikes too. There is a also a big indoor swap meet if you're in the market for some used or NOS parts.
- Blog Entries:
- 3/25/10: Donnie Smith Bike Show - A Look Back
- 3/29/10: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2010
- 3/27/11: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2011 - Part 1
- 3/28/11: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2011 - Part 2
- 3/29/11: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2011 - Part 3
- 3/30/11: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2011 - Part 4
- 3/31/11: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2011 - Part 5
- 4/01/11: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2011 - Part 6
- 4/02/11: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2011 - Part 7
- 4/03/11: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2011 - Part 8
- 3/25/12: 2012 Donnie Smith Bike Show Pics Coming Soon
- 3/28/12: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2012 - Part 1
- 3/29/12: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2012 - Part 2
- 3/30/12: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2012 - Part 3
- 3/31/12: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2012 - Part 4
- 4/01/12: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2012 - Part 5
- 4/02/12: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2012 - Part 6
- 4/03/12: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2012 - Black and Whites
- 1/20/13: 2013 Donnie Smith Bike Show Flyer
- 3/28/13: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2013 - Part 1
- 3/29/13: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2013 - Part 2
- 3/30/13: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2013 - Part 3
- 3/31/13: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2013 - Part 4
- 4/01/13: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2013 - Part 5
- 4/02/13: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2013 - Part 6
- 4/03/13: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2013 - Part 7
- 4/04/13: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2013 - Part 8
- 4/05/13: Donnie Smith Bike Show 2013 - Part 9
Dulono's Pizza Bike Night ("First Thursday")
- Website: None
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Years attended: 2010 (3 times), 2011 (7 times), 2012 (3 times), 2013 (4 times), 2014
- Review: Dulono's Pizza hosts a HUGE bike night the first Thursday of each month. Dulono's Pizza is located 607 West Lake St. (in Uptown near Lake & Lyndale). There is a wide variety of bikes to check out in the parking lot as well as up and down all the nearby side streets. It has to be the biggest bike night in the Twin Cities, if not the state. I highly recommend checking it out.
- Blog Entries:
- 7/01/10: My First First Thursday
- 8/05/10: First Thursday - August 2010 - Part 1
- 8/06/10: First Thursday - August 2010 - Part 2
- 10/09/10: First Thursday - October 2010 - Part 1
- 10/10/10: First Thursday - October 2010 - Part 2
- 10/11/10: First Thursday - October 2010 - Part 3
- 10/12/10: First Thursday - October 2010 - Part 4 Color
- 4/08/11: First Thursday - April 2011
- 5/06/11: First Thursday - May 2011 - Part 1
- 5/07/11: First Thursday - May 2011 - Part 2
- 6/04/11: First Thursday - June 2011 - Part 1
- 6/05/11: First Thursday - June 2011 - Part 2
- 6/06/11: First Thursday - June 2011 - Part 3
- 8/09/11: First Thursday - August 2011 - Part 1
- 8/10/11: First Thursday - August 2011 - Part 2
- 8/11/11: First Thursday - August 2011 - Part 3
- 9/16/11: First Thursday - September 2011
- 10/07/11: First Thursday - October 2011
- 11/5/11: First Thursday - November 2011
- 4/14/12: First Thursday - April 2012
- 6/09/12: First Thursday Pics Coming Soon
- 6/11/12: First Thursday - June 2012 - Part 1
- 6/12/12: First Thursday - June 2012 - Part 2
- 6/13/12: First Thursday - June 2012 - Part 3
- 8/04/12: First Thursday - August 2012
- 4/06/13: First Thursday - April 2013 - Part 1
- 4/07/13: First Thursday - April 2013 - Part 2
- 6/08/13: First Thursday - June 2013 - Part 1
- 6/09/13: First Thursday - June 2013 - Part 2
- 6/10/13: First Thursday - June 2013 - Part 3
- 6/11/13: First Thursday - June 2013 - Part 4
- 8/22/13: First Thursday - August 2013 - Part 1
- 8/23/13: First Thursday - August 2013 - Part 2
- 8/24/13: First Thursday - August 2013 - Part 3
- 8/25/13: First Thursday - August 2013 - Part 4
- 8/26/13: First Thursday - August 2013 - Part 5
- 8/27/13: First Thursday - August 2013 - Part 6
- 10/01/13: First Thursday - September 2013 - Part 1
- 10/02/13: First Thursday - September 2013 - Part 2
- 10/03/13: First Thursday - September 2013 - Part 3
- 10/04/13: First Thursday - September 2013 - Part 4
- 10/05/13: First Thursday - September 2013 - Part 5
Flood Run (Spring Flood Run & Fall Flood Run)
- Website: http://www.floodrun.org/
- Location: Lake St. Croix Beach, MN (Beach Club)
- Years attended: 2008 (Spring), 2009 (Spring & Fall), 2010 (Spring & Fall), 2011 (Spring & Fall), 2013 (Spring & Fall), 2014 (Spring)
- Review: The Flood Run has been around since 1965 and proceeds benefit Gillette Children's Hospital. This is a HUGE event that runs along the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin, which is my favorite local place to ride. The official start is at The Beach Club in Lake St. Croix Beach, MN but you can really start anywhere you like. I typically start The Beach Club and buy a wristband, t-shirt, and pin but leave just before the official start to try to beat the rush to Prescott, WI. This is not your typically point A to point B to point C bar-hopper type of run. There are things going on in nearly every town from Lake St. Croix Beach on the north end of the run to Winona, MN on the south end on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the river. If you want to ride the whole thing, it's 100 miles each way. My favorite towns to stop in are Prescott, WI, Diamond Bluff, WI, Red Wing, MN, Hager City, WI, Maiden Rock, WI, and Wabasha, MN but there are tons of other options. There is very little structure to the event, which I like, so you can go as far as you like, stop for as long as you'd like, head in any direction and no matter what you'll still be among thousands of other people having a great time. I highly recommend it.
- Blog Entries:
- 4/13/10: Flood Run - A Look Back
- 4/18/10: Flood Run - Lake St. Croix Beach
- 4/18/10: Flood Run - Prescott
- 4/18/10: Flood Run - Diamond Bluff
- 4/18/10: Flood Run - Maiden Rock
- 4/18/10: Flood Run - Rustic Road 51
- 4/19/10: Flood Run - Nelson and Wabasha
- 4/19/10: Flood Run - The Ride Home
- 9/17/10: Fall Flood Run Tomorrow
- 9/25/10: Flood Run - Fall 2010 - Part 1
- 9/26/10: Flood Run - Fall 2010 - Part 2
- 9/27/10: Flood Run - Fall 2010 - Part 3
- 9/25/10: Flood Run - Fall 2010 - Part 4
- 4/14/11: Spring Flood Run missing a key ingredient
- 4/17/11: Flood Run - Spring 2011 - Part 1
- 4/18/11: Flood Run - Spring 2011 - Part 2
- 4/19/11: Flood Run - Spring 2011 - Color
- 5/22/11: Vintage Fun With Modern Apps
- 9/14/11: Fall Flood Run This Saturday
- 9/18/11: Flood Run - Fall 2011 - Part 1
- 9/19/11: Flood Run - Fall 2011 - Part 2
- 4/16/12: Flood Run This Weekend
- 4/22/13: Flood Run - Spring 2013 - Part 1
- 4/23/13: Flood Run - Spring 2013 - Part 2
- 4/24/13: Flood Run - Spring 2013 - Part 3
- 4/25/13: Flood Run - Spring 2013 - Part 4
- 4/26/13: Flood Run - Spring 2013 - Part 5
- 9/27/13: Flood Run - Fall 2013 - Part 1
- 9/28/13: Flood Run - Fall 2013 - Part 2
- 9/29/13: Flood Run - Fall 2013 - Part 3
- 9/30/13: Flood Run - Fall 2013 - Part 4
- 4/23/14: Flood Run - Spring 2014
Freedom First Riders Bike Show
- Website: http://freedomfirstridersabatemn.org/
- Location: Alexandria, MN
- Years attended: 2013, 2014
- Review: The Freedom First Riders are a chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota. The show is held indoors at the Runestone Community Center at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. It is a relatively small show but there is a wide variety bikes on display and there are trophies in each category.
- Blog Entries:
- 4/08/13: Bike Show and Nuts Run This Saturday
- 4/14/13: Freedom First Riders Bike Show - Part 1
- 4/15/13: Freedom First Riders Bike Show - Part 2
- 4/16/13: Freedom First Riders Bike Show - Part 3
- 4/17/13: Freedom First Riders Bike Show - Part 4
- 4/18/13: Freedom First Riders Bike Show - Part 5
- 4/15/14: 2014 Freedom First Riders Bike Show - Part 1
- 4/16/14: 2014 Freedom First Riders Bike Show - Part 2
- 4/17/14: 2014 Freedom First Riders Bike Show - Part 3
Full Tilt Chopper Show
- Website: http://www.heavy-clothing.com/
- Location: St. Paul
- Years attended: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Review: Started in 2011, Full Tilt (aka Full Tilt Boogie) is a fantastic local show if you love homegrown garage-built choppers. I'm not 100% sure of everyone involved in organizing it and there doesn't seem to a dedicated website for the show, but info is typically on Heavy's blog first. I highly recommend checking it out.
- Blog Entries:
- 7/25/11: Bearded Lady and Full Tilt Pics Coming Soon
- 7/31/11: Full Tilt Chopper Show 2011 - Part 1
- 8/01/11: Full Tilt Chopper Show 2011 - Part 2
- 6/01/12: Full Tilt 2012 - July 14th
- 7/18/12: Full Tilt Chopper Show 2012 - Part 1
- 7/19/12: Full Tilt Chopper Show 2012 - Part 2
- 7/23/12: Full Tilt Chopper Show 2012 - Part 3
- 7/24/12: Full Tilt Chopper Show 2012 - Part 4
- 3/24/13: 2013 Full Tilt Boogie - July 13th
- 7/15/13: Full Tilt Boogie Souvenirs
- 7/24/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 1
- 7/25/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 2
- 7/26/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 3
- 7/27/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 4
- 7/28/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 5
- 7/29/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 6
- 7/30/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 7
- 7/31/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 8
- 8/01/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 9
- 8/02/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 10
- 8/03/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 11
- 8/04/13: Full Tilt Boogie 2013 - Part 12
Gringo & Micky's Moto Psyco Swap Meets
- Website: http://www.motopsycoswapmeets.com/
- Location: Varies
- Years attended: 2009 (Anoka, MN), 2010 (Anoka, MN), 2012 (Anoka, MN)
- Review: Need parts, a little inspiration, or just want to browse because snow is still on the ground, salt is covering the roads, and you can't ride but still want to do something motorcycle-related? Check out a local swap meet.
- Blog Entries:
Harley Davidson / H.O.G. Anniversary Celebrations
- Website: http://www.harley-davidson.com/
- Location: Milwaukee, WI
- Years attended: 2009 (Harley 105th, H.O.G. 25th)
- Review:Where do I start?... The Harley 105th / H.O.G. 25th was terrible. I have read other reviews that said it was fun and a good time but I personally disagree. I will admit that some of my impressions might be skewed because I had just come off a week of camping in Sturgis a few weeks before (which was awesome and tiring). I had been to Milwaukee once before (in a car, not during a big motorcycle event) and it was a lot more fun. My advice is to go to Milwaukee, see the H-D Museum, take the Miller brewery tour, and tour the H-D factory, but DO NOT do it during an anniversary celebration. It wasn't all bad, it was just mostly bad so here's a breakdown...
- What I liked: The campground was decent overall and had good food and live music including a big concert by Lynryd Skynyrd. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's concert at Summerfest was awesome and I guess most people didn't know who they were because they drew a very tiny crowd (better for me). The last day, I skipped all the "official" events and rode up to Green Bay so that was cool. The weather was good. I also liked leaving and going home.
- What I didn't like: The campground was a little far from downtown and the space they gave you was small and cramped. The brand new Harley Museum (which I would have loved to have seen) was only open to those who had a special ticket (I did not). Summerfest grounds was ridiculously packed (wall to wall people). Beer and water at all the official events was insanely overpriced. At the H.O.G. 25th event at Miller Park, it was very hot with almost no shade and they ended up running out of food and drinks (so I heard from others, I didn't stay long enough to find out). The H.O.G. Hospitality tent was a joke - you walk 15 minutes to this tent on the far edge of Summerfest grounds where you can (get this...) buy H.O.G. Merchandise or buy food. When I think "hospitality tent" I think "free stuff", not another overpriced store. I guess they were giving away free shade from the sun. The Springsteen concert was a huge disappointment (yes I know he played for hours and hours and for huge fans it was probably an amazing once-in-a-lifetime event). It was disappointing because the crowd was so huge I could barely see him on the screens let alone in person and for the first hour or so he played stuff I didn't recognize (essentially, nothing off Born in the USA) so I ended up saying screw it and left after about an hour. Maybe it's unrealistic to think this event should have felt like a big thank you from the MoCo and be a celebration of the bikes, riders, factory workers, and brand. To me it just felt like a big scam designed to empty the wallets of those who visited. There is no way in hell that I will be back for this kind of event again and I have happily let my H.O.G. membership expire.
Hogfeed Pre-Sturgis Party (The Joint)
- Website: http://www.thejointbar.com/
- Location:Minneapolis, MN (The Joint)
- Years attended: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
- Review: This event has nothing to do with H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), which is probably a good thing. It's just a big party outside The Joint before Sturgis. There's free food, bike games, vendors, and tons of bikes (including a bike show). Even if you're not headed to Sturgis, you can still enjoy the Hog Feed.
- Blog Entries:
- 8/02/10: The Joint's Hogfeed 2010 - Part 1
- 8/03/10: The Joint's Hogfeed 2010 - Part 2
- 8/04/10: The Joint's Hogfeed 2010 - Part 3
- 7/27/12: Joint Hog Feed This Sunday
- 1/24/13: 2012 Hog Feed at The Joint - Part 1
- 1/25/13: 2012 Hog Feed at The Joint - Part 2
- 8/07/13: 2013 Hog Feed at The Joint - Part 1
- 8/08/13: 2013 Hog Feed at The Joint - Part 2
- 8/09/13: 2013 Hog Feed at The Joint - Part 3
- 8/10/13: 2013 Hog Feed at The Joint - Part 4
International Motorcycle Show
- Website: http://www.motorcycleshows.com/
- Location: Minneapolis, MN (Convention Center)
- Years attended: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Review: I look forward to the International Motorcycle Show each year because it always happens towards the end of winter and it means spring is around the corner. While you will see a handful of vintage and custom motorcycles at this show, the primary focus is all about current models from big manufacturers (Harley, Victory, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ural, etc.). There are also a lot of dirt bikes and ATVs. As a Sportster fan, I was excited to see the Harley Davidson Nightster, Forty-Eight, and Seventy-Two models in person at this show before they went on sale. What's cool is everything's in one place and you can sit on any of the bikes you like. If you're in the market for a new bike or just like to look, this is the show to attend. There are also a lot of vendors showcasing and/or selling accessories. For example, this where I first saw Fulmer helmets in person.
- Blog Entries:
- 2/20/11: 2011 International Motorcycle Show - Part 1
- 2/21/11: 2011 International Motorcycle Show - Part 2
- 2/22/11: 2011 International Motorcycle Show - Part 3
- 2/23/11: 2011 International Motorcycle Show - Part 4
- 2/24/11: 2011 International Motorcycle Show - Part 5
- 2/25/11: 2011 International Motorcycle Show - Part 6
- 2/26/11: 2011 International Motorcycle Show - Color
- 2/06/12: 2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 1
- 2/07/12: 2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 2
- 2/08/12: 2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 3
- 2/09/12: 2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 4
- 2/10/12: 2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 5
- 1/07/13: 2013 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - This Weekend
- 1/14/13: 2013 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 1
- 1/15/13: 2013 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 2
- 1/16/13: 2013 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 3
- 1/17/13: 2013 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 4
- 1/18/13: 2013 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 5
- 1/19/13: 2013 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 6
- 1/11/14: Progressive International Motorcycle Show Next Weekend
- 1/18/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show
- 1/25/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 1
- 1/26/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 2
- 1/27/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 3
- 1/28/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 4
- 1/29/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 5
- 1/30/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 6
- 1/31/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 7
- 2/02/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 8
- 2/03/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 9
- 2/04/14: 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Part 10
Joint Bike Night
- Website: http://www.thejointbar.com/
- Location:Minneapolis, MN (The Joint)
- Years attended: 2010
- Review: Allegedly, The Joint has a bike night the second Wednesday of each month (it was on their website in 2010). I tried going twice in 2010 and the place was empty but there are potentially good excuses. I couldn't go to Sturgis in 2010 and The Joint's Bike Night in August fell during the week of Sturgis. I tried again in October but it was cold and relatively late in the season. Don't get me wrong - I really like The Joint. I just have no idea if 2nd Wednesday is a real bike night.
- Blog Entries:
Joint Run
- Website: http://www.thejointbar.com/
- Location:Minneapolis, MN (The Joint)
- Years attended: 2009
- Review: The Joint is my favorite biker bar in the Twin Cities. The Joint Run is simply a ride from The Joint in Minneapolis, MN to Bootleggers in Mayer, MN. The ride is about 40 miles or 1 hour. Once at Bootleggers, there is free chili and live music. Simple and fun.
Mad Jack's Bike Night ("Jacked Up Bike Night")
- Website: http://www.theaftermidnightgroup.com/locations-venues/mad-jacks
- Location: Brooklyn Park, MN
- Years attended: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
- Review: Mad Jack's is a sports bar in Brooklyn Park. Mad Jack's is (used to be?) owned by the same group that owns The Joint, Cabooze, Cowboy Slim's, and Cowboy Jack's. The food is good and I go there occasionally even when it's not bike night. Bike night (often referred to as "Jacked Up Bike Night") is the third Thursday of the month. They block of the parking lot in front of the outdoor patio for motorcycles only. On the patio they often have live music, a fire pit, and free hot dogs. You can eat inside too but the patio is usually the place to be.
- Blog Entries:
- 4/15/10: Jacked Up Bike Night
- 5/20/10: Jacked Up Bike Night - May 2010
- 7/16/10: Jacked Up Bike Night - July 2010
- 8/26/10: Jacked Up Bike Night - August 2010
- 10/21/10: Jacked Up Bike Night - October 2010
- 5/19/11: Jacked Up Bike Night - May 2011
- 6/29/11: Jacked Up Bike Night - June 2011
- 9/17/11: Jacked Up Bike Night - September 2011
- 5/18/12: Jacked Up Bike Night - May 2012
- 6/21/12: Jacked Up Bike Night - June 2012
- 6/26/13: Jacked Up Bike Night - June 2013
Minnesota State H.O.G. Rally
- Website: http://www.mnstatehogrally.com/
- Location: Varies
- Years attended: 2007
- Review: Yes, I used to belong to H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group). I attended the 2007 State Rally in Duluth, MN and it was actually a lot of fun. There were events planned all weekend and the riding around Duluth is just beautiful. The weather was a surprise so be prepared - it was hot in the Twin Cities when I headed north and didn't bring a jacket which was a huge mistake as it was a lot colder with the wind off Lake Superior. One of the more unusual things I participated in was the motorcycle parade where hundreds if not thousands of bikes snaked their way through town while people sitting on their front lawns waved. It was surreal. In 2009, I headed up to Duluth during the weekend of the State H.O.G. Rally but did not pay/register for the events. It was still cool to be around a lot of other bikes and it was nice to not have the schedule to adhere to.
O'Reilly World Of Wheels
- Website: http://www.oreillyauto.com/
- Location:St. Paul RiverCentre
- Years attended: 2009, 2010, 2011
- Review: This is primarily a car show (with a focus on muscle cars, hot rods, and rat rods) but you will find a few motorcycles on display as well. Since this usually takes place towards the end of winter, it's just one more way to kill time before the riding season begins.
- Blog Entries:
Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show
- Website: http://www.radpaint.com/
- Location: Bass Lake Cheese Factory, Somerset, WI
- Years attended: 2011, 2012, 2013
- Review: This show is put on by Tom Rad of Rad Paint who is also the man behind the Rumble on the Deck Bike Show. It's held a cheese shop in Wisconsin not far from Stillwater, MN and is one of the last organized events of the year. I really like the setting. In 2011 and 2012 I attended with my wife and daughter, looked at bikes, drank wine & beer, and ate cheese. I certainly don't mind the fact that my Sportster won 1st Place trophies both years I have attended. :)
- Blog Entries:
- 9/18/11: Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show Flyer
- 9/28/11: Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show- Part 1
- 9/29/11: Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show- Part 2
- 2/01/13: 2012 Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show - Part 1
- 2/02/13: 2012 Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show - Part 2
- 9/19/13: 2013 Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show - Part 1
- 9/20/13: 2013 Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show - Part 2
- 9/21/13: 2013 Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show - Part 3
- 9/22/13: 2013 Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show - Part 4
- 9/23/13: 2013 Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show - Part 5
- 9/24/13: 2013 Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show - Part 6
- 9/25/13: 2013 Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show - Part 7
Rally Up North
- Website: http://www.rallyupnorth.com/
- Location: Brainerd, MN
- Years attended: 2009
- Review: Rally Up North is a benefit ride for the Patriot Guard. When I was researching this event online, I found a lot of old and outdated information. I was under the impression there was camping on site and had packed a tent and bag in anticipation of camping. There was no camping and I ended up having to get a hotel last-minute in Brainerd. The Old Waterfall is a bar and grill where there have live music, food, drinks, a bonfire, bike games, a burnout pit, and it's where the ride starts and ends. The ride itself is multi-stop bar-hop. Traffic was blocked at intersections so that was a perk. It was a decent ride through a nice area of Minnesota. Back at the Old Waterfall, I enjoyed the food, drinks, and music. I tried the Slow Ride in the bike games (I did not win). They had a silent auction and I won a sweet Budweiser Sturgis banner. Overall it was a good event but is not something I think I'll hit up year after year.
- Pics:
2009 Rally Up North:
Rochester Cycle Show and Swap
- Website: None
- Location: Rochester, MN
- Years attended: 2012, 2013, 2014
- Review: When I atended the Rochester Cycle Show and Swap in 2012, the event was held in the Mayo Civic Center. It was a combination bike show and swap meet. While the show and swap meet were relatively small, they were both very good. The array of bikes was excellent and focused a bit more on garage-built and vintage, as opposed to over-the-top high-dollar custom. I loved the fact so many Sportster owners had their bikes on display. Since this event takes place in February, it's the perfect way to get a healthy shot of motorcycles before the riding season begins.
- Blog Entries:
- 3/01/12: Rochester Cycle Show and Swap 2012 - Part 1
- 3/02/12: Rochester Cycle Show and Swap 2012 - Part 2
- 3/03/12: Rochester Cycle Show and Swap 2012 - Part 3
- 3/04/12: Rochester Cycle Show and Swap 2012 - Part 4
- 3/05/12: Rochester Cycle Show and Swap 2012 - Part 5
- 1/12/13: 2013 Rochester Bike Show Flyer
- 2/24/13: 2013 Rochester Bike Show - Part 1
- 2/25/13: 2013 Rochester Bike Show - Part 2
- 2/26/13: 2013 Rochester Bike Show - Part 3
- 2/27/13: 2013 Rochester Bike Show - Part 4
- 2/28/13: 2013 Rochester Bike Show - Part 5
- 3/01/13: 2013 Rochester Bike Show - Part 6
- 3/02/13: 2013 Rochester Bike Show - Part 7
- 1/13/14: Rochester Bike Show and Swap Meet - Feb 1st
- 2/15/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 1
- 2/16/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 2
- 2/17/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 3
- 2/18/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 4
- 2/19/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 5
- 2/20/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 6
- 2/21/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 7
- 2/22/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 8
- 2/23/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 9
- 2/24/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 10
- 2/25/14: 2014 Rochester Bike Show - Part 11
Rockers Spring Social
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/TonUpMinneapolis
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Years attended: 2013, 2014
- Review: If you're into European and Japanese cafe racers, this was the show for you. In 2013 it was held at Club Jäger in downtown Minneapolis. Since it was held at a bar there was plenty to drink. There was also a taco truck on hand if you got hungry. There were bike show awards, some carnival-style games, and a raffle. I left before the music started up but there were bands there too.
- Blog Entries:
Rumble On The Deck Bike Show
- Website: http://www.rumbleonthedeck.com/
- Location: Stillwater, MN
- Years attended: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Review: Rumble on the Deck is hosted at the Freight House in Stillwater, MN and is sponsored by Rad Paint. In 2010, admission was $5 and got you admission, free food, and the chance to win door prizes. There is live music and there are bars so you can grab a drink too. This is a judged competition (based on votes) and all the bikes entered are assigned to particular categories. This is an outdoor show so good weather is important. It's a good time and worth going to but it's not nearly as large as other shows like Donnie Smith's.
- Blog Entries:
- 7/09/10: Rumble on the Deck - 2010
- 7/16/11: Rumble on the Deck 2011 - Part 1
- 7/17/11: Rumble on the Deck 2011 - Part 2
- 6/20/12: Rumble on the Deck - July 12th
- 7/15/12: Rumble on the Deck 2012 - Part 1
- 7/16/12: Rumble on the Deck 2012 - Part 2
- 7/16/13: Rumble on the Deck 2013 - Part 1
- 7/17/13: Rumble on the Deck 2013 - Part 2
- 7/18/13: Rumble on the Deck 2013 - Part 3
- 7/19/13: Rumble on the Deck 2013 - Part 4
- 7/20/13: Rumble on the Deck 2013 - Part 5
SCVR Chili Feed
- Website: http://www.scvr.org/
- Location:Ellsworth, WI
- Years attended: 2009, 2011
- Review: The St. Croix Valley Riders (SCVR) is a motorcycle rights organization and they throw one hell of a party every year called the Chili Feed. It always falls on the Friday and Saturday after Labor Day. Highlights include camping, free chili, free beer (yes, you read that correctly), live music, mechanical bull, bike wash, wet t-shirt contest, bonfire, bike show, and vendors. I went in 2009 & 2011 and had a great time. GO!!!
- Blog Entries:
SCVR Round Barn Run
- Website: http://www.scvr.org/
- Location:Ellsworth, WI
- Years attended: 2010
- Review: The St. Croix Valley Riders (SCVR) is a motorcycle rights organization and they host a number of events each year including the Round Barn Run. Admission to the run in 2010 got you 2 nights of camping (Fri & Sat) as well as dinner, live music, and all the beer you can drink on Saturday. The run itself is a series of guided tours through southwestern Wisconsin to "see" (read: "ride past really fast") historic round barns. Tours leave every 15-30 minutes from 9am to noon. Early rides are about 175 miles and later rides are about 100 miles. Arrive before 10am to get on the long rides. The rides include a number of stops including lunch, gas, and stops at local bars. The roads on the route are amazing - both beautiful and challenging. In my opinion, this ride is not for beginners - you are riding with a group of experienced people on roads they know much better than you. If you're up for the challenge, I highly recommend it.
- Blog Entries:
Sturgis / Black Hills Rally
- Website: http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/
- Location:Sturgis, SD
- Years attended: 2007, 2008, 2009
- Review: Awesome. Highly recommended. An extremely beautiful and fun place to ride regardless of whether or not there is a giant party going on. I went to Sturgis 3 years in a row and had a great time every year. I will post a full review and pics eventually.