Colorado Powersports
Colorado Rider News is proud to host the Expo guide for the 2022 Colorado Motorcycle Expo.
Want to know who is VENDING?
Plan out your strategy for seeing everything?
Here is a preview of all that is going on at the Colorado Motorcycle Expo – click here
The annual Colorado Motorcycle Expo was scheduled for January 29th and 30th and has now been moved to February 19th and 20th, 2022. This change was prompted by the State of Colorado’s vaccine mandate for indoor crowds larger than 500 people, as well as the surge of COVID cases in the state of Colorado and the staffing shortages this surge has presented.
The mandate will expire on February 3, 2022; thus, it will not impact the February dates. Additionally, Scott Schulz has proactively applied for a variance to the ordinance, which they anticipate will be granted should the mandate be extended through February. They have carefully thought through all the potential conflicts this will pose to our many dedicated vendors, who have committed or were planning on attending later this month. They have reached out to all the vendors, sponsors and this decision was an absolute last resort.
They feel very confident that despite disruptions to travel arrangements and the logistical challenges this may bring, these new dates will allow for a much better experience for attendees and vendors alike. In addition to the COVID restrictions being lessened in February, they strongly believe they will have a much better turnout from the public as this gives us even more time to promote the event and to ensure everything is in place to make this show bigger and better than ever!!
Unlike in previous years, having the Expo during a holiday weekend will allow them more flexibility with our schedule, particularly on Sunday, February 20th when they can have more flexibility to extend hours or even have some sort of event that evening. With Monday being a holiday, they definitely have more options and fewer conflicts!.
The Expo is fully committed to making this transition as seamless as possible for all of you, and we will be announcing more details and exciting plans for the new dates in the coming days.
They asked me to apologize on behalf of the Expo for any inconvenience this may cause and again assure you this was a forced decision. Also, if you are trying to call us them with questions, please be patient and understand that they are being inundated with phone calls and there are only a staff of 2 of them trying to respond. And as you can imagine, with such limited notice, they are working through many logistical challenges themselves. We know that email can be annoying, but you may possibly receive a quicker response that way.
On behalf of Colorado Rider News, I commend Scott and Christy Schulz for having to make this painful decision and think about the safety of attendees and put on the best Expo that they can. This is the 3rd year they have attempted to host this event, and last year, it had to be canceled, so it is so very important that WE as a biker community understand and stand by them.
SEE IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW ABOUT RECENT LOCAL MASK/VACCINE MANDATES!
Contributed by Rider Justice
You heard that right! The Colorado Motorcycle Expo will be held February 19 and 20, 2022!
If you like motorcycles, you do not want to miss this. Especially since we had to skip 2021 due to the pandemic – talk about pent-up demand! This is going to be a rager!
By Scott Schulz
The show is on!! The buzz is loud!! Everyone is excited for the upcoming Colorado Motorcycle Expo set to take place February 19 & 20!!
We know there may be some concern regarding recent mask/vaccine mandates for indoor events in the City and County of Denver. Rest assured, these mandates are set to expire by January 3rd, far in advance of our event. In addition, the National Western Stock Show will take place the two weeks leading up to our event, and it is almost guaranteed there will be no new restrictions, at least through the end of January, as any changes would be detrimental to the stock show’s success. Therefore, we do NOT anticipate any impact on our event as the National Western Complex has assured us they will not require masks or vaccines. In the event there is a federal mandate, we will have a plan B to either apply your registration towards or issue a refund if necessary.
For those of you who have already registered for the 2022 Expo, we thank you for your support. For those of you who are thinking about attending, here are several reasons why you don’t want to miss this exciting event:
We’re expecting an epic turnout, and spots are filling up quickly, so don’t delay. Secure your spot today by visiting us at www.coloradomotorcycleexpo.com/vendors We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in January, mask free!!
It wouldn’t be a Christmas holiday without Dirty Dogs Roadhouse’s annual Christmas Shop & Swap which this year is set for Saturday, December 18th.
This is a time-honored tradition at Dirty Dogs wherein vendors, crafty friends have a place to sell their things to customers who are looking for that last-minute Christmas gift items. Vendor fees are WAIVED on that day and everyone is asked to come to just have a good time and share some Christmas cheer! Mark & Rob will have some food specials and drink specials to make the day complete.
Vendors are asked to call the bar at (303) 384-3644 to get signed up and spaces are filling up fast. This event goes on Rain or Shine!
If you want to see first-hand the difference between a law firm that says they represent injured motorcycle riders and a motorcycle law firm, then call RiderJustice.com. For over 20 years, Scott O’Sullivan and his team at RiderJustice.com have been fighting for motorcycle riders. They offer
The Salute American Veterans Rally Committee is proud to announce that the 2021 Veterans Rally and the POW / MIA Recognition Ride are returning to Teller County this August.
“The cancellation of last year’s rally was tough on us, both financially and emotionally,” said Ray McPeek, Rally Committee chairman. “We are excited about getting the Rally cranked up again, and we have nothing but praise for the City Council in Woodland Park for welcoming us into their community.
This year’s Rally will be a somewhat shorter, somewhat smaller version of what folks are used to seeing from Colorado’s largest annual motorcycle rally. “Due to logistical and economic issues on the heels of the worst year in recent memory, we have opted to run the Rally Friday afternoon and Saturday only,” said rally organizer and founder Jim Wear. “We have also eliminated a couple of features, including the Vietnam Memorial Wall, which we hope to have back next year.”
Wear and the Rally Committee are doing what they can to keep the Rally alive and hope to return to a full-scale three-day event in 2022. “Make no mistake, this year’s event will be an incredible tribute to our heroes, and folks will enjoy all the patriotism and camaraderie that they have come to expect from this event. “Wear said. “All of the usual fundraising activities in support of our local veterans will remain in place, including Red Friday, the silent auction, the POW/MIA Recognition Ride, and the collection during the mid-day remembrance ceremony. “Over the past 20 years, rally organizers have donated over $100,000 to local veterans in need and organizations which benefit veterans. “We prefer the homegrown efforts to the large corporate type charities. “Said McPeek, “Veterans 4 Veterans is one of our chosen beneficiaries as they help homeless veterans locally and are strictly a volunteer organization. “
Several important guests will join the Rally Saturday for the Remembrance Ceremony, including Ed Beck, World War II Prisoner of War held by the Germans, who cut the wire and made his escape to freedom during an allied attack. And Bill Roche, a B-17 waist gunner who survived TWO B-17 crash landings and was held captive by the Russians for nearly 2 months.
Live music, vendors, the traditional beer garden, and aircraft flyovers also highlight this unique event, which has become the largest gathering of veterans annually west of the Mississippi.
“The venue, ‘Memorial Park,’ is really beautiful and is suited perfectly for the ceremony, which is the centerpiece of the whole Rally,” said Wear. “The view of Pikes Peak and the surrounding landscape from the park is spectacular, and for those veterans and patriots who come each year in support of our heroes and each other, we are confident that everyone will enjoy the new digs.”
The Combat Hero Bike Build group returns to the Veterans Rally for the fifth year, with another presentation of a custom-built machine given over to a combat-wounded veteran free of charge. “The Combat Hero Bike Build crew are a dedicated bunch and do some great work, said McPeek.” We are honored that they continue to tout the Salute to American Veterans as their favorite event and a favorite venue for doing their great work.”
For the 34th year running, the annual POW-MIA Recognition Ride will thunder through the Rockies on Colorado’s POW/MIA Memorial Highway to Cripple Creek. While there will be no rally activities in Cripple Creek, the tradition of riding Colorado’s only POW Memorial Highway will continue. Many riders are expected to return to Woodland Park for the Remembrance Ceremony at 12:30.
For those Rally-goers who arrive Friday, support the Troops and get your FREE “Red Friday” T-shirt in Memorial Park beginning at 1 pm. The “Red Friday” shirt giveaway has become a Rally tradition over the past 15 years.
For more information on the 29th annual Salute to American Veterans Rally and the 34th annual POW-MIA Recognition Ride, visit www.theveteransrally.org.
Story and Photos by Rumble Alberta Influencers Rheannon Green and Tannis Baker
When you look at Northern Alberta, one thing is for sure – it is massive. A far cry from the metropolitan areas surrounding Calgary and Edmonton, where the next town is only a few minutes outside the city limits, Northern Alberta neighboring communities can sometimes take upwards of one hour to reach. As we prepared to head out from Calgary to our starting point in Edson, we knew two things to be true: the days would be long, and we always had better have a full tank of gas (just in case).
As we made our way into Edson, it was clear that the town is heavily focused on drive-through traffic and overnight visitors. Like many of Alberta’s small towns along major highways, there seemed to be an abundance of chain restaurants, gas stations, and hotels aimed at getting you on your way again quickly.
After a long day of driving, we headed straight to our first stop, the Lakeview Inn & Suites – Edson Airport West. We had been driving through the rain most of the day, and there were no signs of it letting up, so hitting the hotel to get cleaned up and get situated was the top priority. The hotel is quaint and is a favorite of industrial and oil patch workers, given the lineup of large trucks outside. Inside, the lobby is lovely, and the staff is very friendly and keen to share information about the town. After checking in and dropping our bags in the room, we set out to find some dinner at a recommended stop unique to Edson, the Lil’ Igloo.
Lil’ Igloo is a tiny drive-through restaurant that serves up staples like hearty burgers and poutine, but what they’re known around town for is their ice cream. We went with their dipped soft serve and
are still dreaming about the toasted coconut and the jolly rancher weeks later. There is only a tiny patio, though, so be prepared to eat your treats in the great outdoors or take them back to your hotel with you as we did.
The following day, we prepared to explore more of the route that would pass through many towns throughout the northwest. Typically, the hotel provides a continental breakfast. Still, with covid restrictions in place, they opted to suspend this service, so we grabbed a quick coffee and headed off to our first stop of the day, Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery.
Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery is a small, family-run craft distillery located about 10 minutes north of Edson in Yellowhead County. Beautiful, branded gates frame the entrance, so it is impossible to miss the entrance. The driveway up to the taproom and distillery is mostly dirt, so if it is a rainy day like we had, it could be challenging for those riding in on two wheels. Their lineup of spirits and liqueurs uses locally sourced ingredients, including grains from a nearby farm and herbs grown right on their own patio. As new as they are, they have already acquired several awards for their lineup, including Best in Class at the 2020 Alberta Beverage Awards for their Alpine Cream and their Cornshine. Their flagship Big Horn Vodka took home bronze at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Book ahead for a tour of the distillery, and then kick back in the gorgeous taproom with a cocktail or do a tasting to find your new favorite!
The drive to Hinton took just under an hour, and by then, we needed to re-caffeinate. We headed to The Old Grind, a local favorite with not only great coffee (roasted in Jasper by Rocky Mountain Roasters) but a fantastic selection of sandwiches, soups, sweets, and more. You can tell it is a great spot to eat, as it had a revolving door of customers coming in for almost everything on the menu. The favorite of our visit was a French tortière, which uses owner Carl Widenmaier’s family recipe. A quick browse of the local art selection (including pieces by some of the staff), and we were on our way again.
Hitting the road towards Grande Cache, we saw almost nothing but green, green, green. Almost the entire drive has you surrounded by deep forests and sprawling hills in every shade of green, from emerald to olive and everything in between. It was a beautiful drive until we managed to find snow. That’s right – snow! In June.
Our drive into Grande Cache revealed an important note: Mondays are not a great day to visit small-town spots. Unlike in cities like Calgary, where we are used to everything being open seven days a week, small towns tend to have many restaurants and shops closed on Sundays and Mondays. While we could not try it ourselves, Yum Yum’s Café is a local ice cream shop worth mentioning. Their ice cream treats are every child’s (or inner child’s) wildest dreams, from ice cream nachos to mini donut milkshakes to ice cream flights. They even have an adorable patio space so you can enjoy some fresh mountain air while you eat.
After leaving Grande Cache, we headed towards our final destination for the day, Grande Prairie. Again, the two-hour drive was stunning landscapes full of trees, waterways, and even a small mountain climb. There is not much in the way of cell service or stops, so be sure to have a full tank before you leave. We arrived in Grande Prairie in time to grab some delicious barbecue takeout from Red Rock Urban BBQ before heading over to our hotel. The portions were huge, the meat was cooked to perfection, and we could not have asked for a better way to end the day. If you are not sure what to get, go for the “Oink, Cackle & Moo,” it includes their pulled pork, quarter dixie chicken, and sliced brisket plus two sides and cornbread. It is definitely enough to feed at least two people, if not more.
While in Grande Prairie, we could not pass up visiting Fourteen 14 Food Co., a fantastic lunch and brunch spot that serves up simple, fast, and delicious sandwiches and more. They are huge proponents of local, working with nearby farms and producers whenever possible. The “Uncle Joey” is one of their most popular sandwiches, like a Cubano and made to perfection. Paired with the “Loaded Fries,” it was more than enough to share between two people, though it was so good you would not want to. Wash it down with a Grain Bin craft brew, or a Grizzly Paw soda, or with a coffee from local roasters at Mink Hollow Coffee. Be sure to check out their washrooms before you leave – they have some fantastic artwork all over the walls!
Leaving Grande Prairie, we were once again back to rural Alberta. Small towns, open roads, and lots of farmland. The view shifted from greens to golden yellows as we made our way past farms and fields to arrive in High Prairie. Shady Orchard & Winery is outside this tiny town, a small family-owned and operated fruit winery. Their retail store is magnificent, with vintage décor and a stunning display for their wines. It leads into their “Taproom,” a private space that can be booked for tastings and events, complete with a small menu of delicious bites go alongside their selection of fruit wines. The wines are range from the more common varietals like the Strawberry Rhubarb and the Cherry to the more unique like the Chokecherry and the Lemon (which has a touch of pea flower to give it a stunning purple color). You won’t want to miss the Pear, which may be one of the best fruit wines we have had to date. William and Kristie are exceptional hosts and will have you feeling right at home (beware of Dobson, however, he tends to get shaky when visitors are near!). Only 20 minutes from the east end of Lesser Slave Lake, Shady Orchard & Winery also makes a great rainy day excursion!
As we neared the town of Slave Lake and the end of the route, there was just one last spot to hit – the Slave Lake Grill (or SL Grill). When locals say they order from there up to five times per week, you know it must be good. The Slave Lake Grill is owned and operated by a lovely couple, Aeja and Woojin Park. They know almost all their customers by name (and by voice, for those who phone in orders). The menu is simple, with about a dozen numbered items, and everything is cooked fresh to order. It makes the perfect quick lunch or dinner and should be enjoyed by a view of the lake.
Food Tourism Strategies Inc. is a Calgary-based consulting and event company that produces Alberta on the Plate, a platform that highlights and celebrates Alberta food and drink, as well as hosts a province wide dine around festival every August during Alberta Local Food Week. The 2021 Dine Around takes place August 6-15, 2021 and features over 60 restaurants in over 20 cities and towns throughout the province.
Learn More: AlbertaOnThePlate.com | FoodTourismStrategies.com
Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @abontheplate | @foodtourismstrategies
Rider Justice is proud to announce our partnership with Four Corners Motorcycle Rally, an event with a storied past and an exciting future!
Founded by Ben Nighthorse Campbell – “The Harley-Riding Senator” – The Four Corners Motorcycle Rally draws riders from around the country. And, because 2020 was so hard, we expect this year to be bonkers fun, like a family reunion!
The annual event is held every Labor Day weekend in Durango, CO. 2021, Labor Day Weekend and the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally action will be on Friday, September 3 through Sunday, September 5 and the festivities will include:
Watch the official website for hotel packages, camping and the full event schedule.
Originally called the “Iron Horse Motorcycle Rally,” this event was launched in the early 90s as the brainchild of Senator Campbell, who was a lifelong rider and understood not only the vibrant motorcycle community, but also the economic impact of great rallies and rides. Sadly, after several decades of success, managerial infighting brought the event to its knees by 2017.
That’s when John M. Oakes, owner of Freeze Management, and friend of owner of Durango Harley-Davidson, Trevor Bird, purchased the rights to run the event. And they are people with big plans and big hearts.
The Four Corners Motorcycle Rally has a long history of fundraising for various causes. One of this year’s benefiting nonprofits is the Warrior Built Foundation, which honors the service and sacrifice of combat veterans and wounded service members by providing vocational and recreational opportunities. Learn more by watching this video. As well, Building Homes for Heroes as a national organization has gifted over 300 mortgage free homes to Veterans. Four Corners Motorcycle Rally with other community businesses is committed to raising funds to building a mortgage free home in the Durango area through various annual fundraisers until they meet their goal.
Oakes said, “This event has a long history of supporting our nation’s heroes. It’s one of the many reasons I wanted to grow it back to its original, proud roots as a destination rally for motorcyclists from around the country. The location is spectacular, everyone needs to ride to Colorado and hit the Million Dollar Highway.”
Scott O’Sullivan, founder of Rider Justice, loves the story and the cause behind this historic rally.
“There is no community on the planet more generous and heartfelt than motorcycle riders,” said O’Sullivan. “I am so proud to partner with John Oakes and Durango Harley-Davidson to help make this event amazing and to raise as much money for great causes as we possibly can.”
While the main hub of the rally will be in Durango, specifically around Durango Harley-Davidson and the Million Dollar Highway Saloon, events will be held all over town and throughout the region, including:
Participants will enjoy Hooligan Racing, concerts, stunt shows, charity rides, bike shows, Wheelie Pig’s Hill Climb Challenge, a fishing derby, camping and more. Less than 70 miles away, Four Corners Monument enables you to stand in the only place in the country where four states meet: Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. You can also plan to visit the astonishing Mesa Verde National Park just an hour’s drive away.
Watch the official Four Corners Motorcycle Rally website for updates as our plans unfold! YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THE PARTY IN DURANGO!
The weather is HOT and riders are heading up the mountains to beat the heat. If you are riding thru the mountains and ride thru Black Hawk, be sure to make a pitstop at Ameristar in BlackHawk and check out the Avalanche Harley-Davidson motorcycle promotions they have going on until July 3rd.
This Friday, I headed up to see some friends at Ameristar and try my luck at a few slot machines. As i came thru security, i couldn’t help but see the magnificent collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles displayed.
The concept is simple, All mychoice® members get on free entry. For more entries, play June 1 – July 3. Every 10 tier points earned is an additional entry.
From Tuesday thru Friday you can boost your entry earnings by playing on entry multiplier days!
Tuesdays = 2X Entries
Wednesdays = 3X Entries
Thursdays = 4X Entries
Fridays = 5X Entries
Plus, on Saturdays, Advantage, Preferred, Elite and Owners Club members can claim bonus entries at any promotional kiosk!
Advantage = 250 bonus entries
Preferred = 500 bonus entries
Elite = 1,000 bonus entries
Owners Club = 1,500 bonus entries
See mychoice Center for complete details.
If you want to ever thank a veteran for their service in our biker community, you don’t have to look far. Today marks the 77th anniversary of D-Day and our history of fighting for freedom all over the world. For the month of June, Colorado Rider News will continue to feature stories of veterans, active military and their history as well as the organizations they ride with.
In the United States, D-Day is celebrated in remembrance of the brave soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. These American and Allied soldiers, some of which were killed in action, fought to liberate northwestern Europe from Nazi occupation, and bring an end to WWII in Europe.
Over 160,000 soldiers and paratroopers participated in the liberation of Normandy and this day is often seen as one of the main reasons why the Allies won the Western Front. More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by the end of the day, the troops gained a food-hold in Normandy. Thousands of soldiers lost their lives, but thousands more trekked across Europe to end the war. The invasion is one of history’s most significant military attacks.
175 Native soldiers landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day; to date, the Department of Defense has identified 55. 44,000 Native Americans served throughout the U.S. military between 1941 and 1945. Nearly 800 Native American women served as well, Native women served as members of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), WACS (Women Army Corps), and Army Nurse Corps.
The 44,000 Native American men who served represent more than ten percent of the American Indian population at that time. A third of Native men between the ages of 18 and 50 served. Some tribes had as high as 70 percent participation in the war effort.
After the successful use of the Choctaw language (to befuddle the Germans) in World War I in sending messages to field phones, the U.S. Marine Corps began recruiting Navajo Indians for the same purpose. They would become known as the Navajo Code Talkers. Their code allowed for faster transmitting and deciphering, and it was a code the Japanese were never able to break.
A U.S. Army medic from Indian Island, Maine, Private Shay was attached to one of the first regiments to land on Omaha Beach, the most heavily defended sector of the coast. Shay began treating the wounded as soon as he got his footing, dragging wounded soldiers out of the surf under constant fire. After the war, the U.S. Army awarded Shay a Silver Star for his actions, and the French government appointed him a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur, the highest honor given to noncitizens of France.
The people of Normandy dedicated the Charles Shay Memorial. The first French monument to honor American Indian soldiers who fought on D-Day, it is part of a growing movement to acknowledge Native Americans’ contributions during World War II. To Shay, the simple stone turtle that stands as the park’s monument represents all the “Indian soldiers who left Turtle Island to help liberate our allies.”
In the United States, D-Day is an observance day – which means that it is not a federal holiday and federal holidays are not given this day off. It is also not a holiday that is given as a day off to workers in the private sector. However, many people do observe this holiday by visiting museums with D-Day displays. Also, there are often rides, memorials and ceremonies given all over the country on June 6.
If your bike trips and travel ever take you close to Washington, DC Bedford, Virginia is about 3 ½ hours south of DC. Be sure to stop at the National D-Day Memorial. This monument, which was dedicated in 2001, stands on an 88-acre memorial that features a 44-foot-tall granite arch, a reflecting pool, and English gardens. Encircling the monument are the names of over 4400 Allied soldiers who died during the invasion. It is one of the most complete lists of its kind that can be found anywhere in the world.
You can also virtually visit the memorial by going to www.dday.org
