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International Motorcycle Shows Announces 2022 schedule

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FEBRUARY 14, 2022 BY MOTORCYCLE RIDER NEWS 

Santa Monica California – Progressive IMS Outdoors, the nation’s leading motorcycle tour connecting enthusiasts with a wide array of Powersports brands, today announced the dates and locations of its 2022 tour. Produced with Progressive Insurance as the title sponsor for the 13th consecutive year, the eight-city series will revisit three markets that hosted the indoor version of the International Motorcycle Shows (Colorado, Arizona, and New York) and return to five markets that IMS Outdoors visited last tour (Chicago, Pennsylvania, Atlanta, and Northern and Southern California).Tickets will go on sale on March 24 at www.motorcycleshows.com.  

Heading into the sophomore year, the experience-focused event will bring back the popular two-wheel and four-wheel demo programs, eBikes, shopping, custom and vintage bikes, and music, while also offering more chances for enthusiasts to engage with brands and their riding community, from ride-ins and races to speakers and charitable efforts.

“The launch of IMS Outdoors was an exciting challenge that armed us with learnings we look forward to applying on the 2022 tour, including an expansion of the highly successful demo program, growing our electric footprint, and adding more experience-focused offerings,” said Tracy Harris, SVP of Progressive IMS Outdoors. “The Powersports industry is amid a transformative period in time as new brands emerge, such as bespoke and electric companies, and we welcome an all-new generation of riders. We are so proud to cater our event to the changing needs of the industry and reunite everyone from new riders and kids to life-long enthusiasts.”

2021 Tour Results: 

  • More than 35,000 motorcycle demo rides were taken across the eight-city tour
  • Nearly half, 44%, of attendees were new to riding or prospective riders; IMS is a catalyst for industry-wide growth and is driving new customers for exhibitors and event sponsors
  • The introduction of SxS and eBike demos were well-received and indicated the community’s growing interest in adjacent products
  • Influenced by IMS’ award-winning Discover The Ride program, three different programs put more than 1,600 adults and teens on a motorcycle for the first time
  • Nearly 1,700 kids rode two-wheeled balance and battery-operated bikes with Strider, Harley-Davidson, and Husquvarna

Harris continued: “We could not be more excited to announce this year’s tour schedule, which was built in partnership with the industry’s leading OEMs. Our team is working diligently to produce an even more robust event that brings the love of riding to life and look forward to sharing more details regarding activations and participating brands with our community soon.”

IMS 2022 Schedule: 

  • COLORADO
    The Ranch Events Complex
    June 17-19, 2022
  • CHICAGO
    Goebbert’s Farm
    June 24-26, 2022
  • PENNSYLVANIA
    Carlisle Fairgrounds
    September 16-18, 2022
  • NEW YORK
    The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
    September 23-25, 2022
  • ATLANTA
    Venue TBA
    September 30 – October 2, 2022
  • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Santa Mateo County Event Center
    October 21-23, 2022
  • ARIZONA
    Westworld of Scottsdale
    October 28-30, 2022
  • SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA  
    OC Fair & Event Center
    November 4-6, 2022

Tickets go on sale on March 24 – save the date on your calendar and visit www.motorcycleshows.com for more information on the 2022 tour.   

Preview – 2022 Colorado Motorcycle Expo

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https://online.flippingbook.com/view/588258155/

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

Colorado Motorcycle Expo Moved to February 19th and 20th Due to COVID Mandates

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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.

The Colorado Motorcycle Expo is Back!

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SEE IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW ABOUT RECENT LOCAL MASK/VACCINE MANDATES!

UPDATE: The Colorado Motorcycle Expo dates have been moved to February 19 & 20, 2022.

Contributed by Rider Justice

You heard that right! The Colorado Motorcycle Expo will be held February 19 and 20, 2022!

  • It’s a swap meet. The largest indoor motorcycle swap meet in the country. Bikers and shops come from all over the world!
  • It’s a motorcycle show. The largest custom and antique motorcycle show in the Rocky Mountain Region!
  • It’s a vendor bonanza. Leather, parts, apparel, clubs, patches, tattoos, jewelry, custom paint… you name it, it’s here!
  • It’s a party! Live bands, VIP lounge, tattoo competitions, wet T-shirt contest, used bike corral, and more!
  • It’s a place to gather with old friends and make new ones.

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!

Read more about the fascinating history of CME that started in 1978 on the Rider Justice website.

Exciting News for the 2022 Colorado Motorcycle Expo!

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!!

Christy & Scott Schulz

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:

  1. Our sponsorships for the 2022 Expo have already exceeded all previous years’ sponsorships.
  2. Our online and VIP ticket sales have far exceeded years past, and ticket sales continue growing daily.
  3. The majority of our returning vendors have already secured their spots.
  4. We’ve added many new vendors and new bikes to the bike show.

Click here to buy your tickets now!

Additionally, in an effort to increase traffic flow throughout the vendor areas:

  • We are hosting our first indoor poker run with giveaways. If you’ve never participated in a poker run, attendees will be instructed to stop by designated vendor/sponsorship booths to pick up a playing card. Players with the best hand at the end of the run win prizes. It’s a fun and unique way to encourage traffic flow throughout the expo.
  • We have also broadened our entertainment lineup, adding smaller stages and live music throughout the vendor areas.

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!!

The 36th Annual Children’s Hospital Toy Run is BACK – Run Scheduled for December 12th

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In December, the Toy Run at Children’s Hospital is one of the biggest gatherings of motorcycle riders in Colorado.  For 36 years, bikers have been like the postal service; they would ride their bikes and deliver the toys in rain, snow, sleet, or hail. 

If you haven’t attended this event, there is nothing like the kids at Children’s Hospital steaming up the windows and waving to the bikes as they pull thru the main hospital entrance.  They know when they hear those Harley engines roar, toys are on the way.

I am happy to report that after a year of COVID modifications and mandates, THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL TOY RUN IS BACK and set for December 12th, 2021.

Riders will still see some changes, but the time-honored traditions you have come to expect are back.  The big one is that we will all be gathering at Aurora Sports Park again. The first bike in at 8:00 a.m.  

Breakfast, hot coffee, and chocolate will be at the Park all morning, donated by RiderJustice.com and BikerDown Foundation. There will be multiple ride-through toy drop-off lanes, along with lots of greeters in the East parking lot. Procession to the hospital as in the past will begin around 10:00 a.m.

Due to current health restrictions only, patient family members are allowed inside the hospital at this time. Riders will then be directed out of the hospital and are invited to attend the after-party celebration at Mile High Harley-Davidson in Aurora. All riders, all brands, and all clubs are welcome and encouraged to participate in all activities. 

This year, pre-registration will be digital (online) with wristband pickup and pin pickup (pins can be purchased online or in-person) at several dealerships around town and at the Sports Park day-of.

For more detail, contact Robby Farrow at Mile High. It will be an excellent event for the kids and the riders, as always (the 36th year), benefiting Children’s Hospital Colorado!

FOCUS ON GIVING: Dirty Dogs Roadhouse to host 2nd Annual Freezin For A Reason Chili-Cookoff on December 4th

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Do you have the BEST Chili? Is it the Hottest? You will have a chance to enter your red/green chili at the 2nd Annual Freezin for a Reason Chili Cookoff hosted by Dirty Dogs Roadhouse.

To enter your chili, please register by clicking here, all contestants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or donate $10.00. All tasters as well will be asked to bring a donation to taste the amazing chili that day. Proceeds from the event will go to Adopt A Family for the Holidays Colorado, and the Children’s Hospital Toy Run.

Awards will be given to the best red and green chili, as well as the people’s choice for the absolute BEST.

So come out to the #1 Biker Bar in Colorado and get in the holiday spirit.

FOCUS ON GIVING: Adopt-A-Family for the Holidays – Donations for Families OPEN until December 11th

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By Laurie Montoya, President Founder of BikerDown  Foundation

BikerDown Foundation is in our 9th year of Adopting Families for the Holidays program in Colorado.  The program started with the desire to help 2 motorcycle families that had suffered a tragic loss due to a motorcycle fatality.  While we knew we couldn’t replace the loss they were feeling, we could ensure that the family wasn’t alone and that the children had Christmas under the tree.

The Adopt-a-Family program has helped almost 500 families over the years, and the need for families in the Denver and surrounding areas continues to grow as rent and the cost of living increases.   2020 and now in 2021, families have not recovered fully because of the pandemic, and Christmas presents are just not in the budget for their children.

As we enter the holiday season, many begin to feel joy and excitement as we get closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas.  However, many families in our community start to WORRY about how they will make their children’s Christmas wishes come true.

This year, the Adopt-a-Family program goes back to our grassroots and has limited each state to 25 (in Colorado 35) families to ensure that we meet our fundraising goal.  We see this as a challenging year for all.

BikerDown, with the help of Dirty Dogs Roadhouse in Golden, will host a Freezin for a Reason, Chili Cook, off and Toy Drive on December 4th, and we ask all attendees to bring an unwrapped toy or donate $10.00 to taste the chili.  All teams are encouraged to pre-register for this event, and we will have great prizes for the winners.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the help of Walmart, Rider Justice, BikerDown sponsors, riders, and our biker-owned business supporters, and each family receives a $250.00 Walmart gift card.  Adopt-a-Family has a direct line to Santa Claus, and he always comes to visit the children and bring some gifts for them.

WILL YOU DONATE TODAY?  Adopt-A-Family is taking donations on our website  www.adoptafamilytoday.org. If you would like the meet the families, and read their stories, you can view that on our Meet the Families page on the website link listed above. You can also scan this QR code that will enable you to donate quickly and easily.  

3rd Annual Colorado Rider News BEST of the BEST Contest is ON

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By Colorado Rider News

Colorado Rider News is bringing back our BEST of the BEST contest.  This year has been a year of recovery for our biker-owned business who survived the pandemic.  Biker-owned companies are just getting back on their feet, and we want to honor them for their hard work. 

CRN had such a great response from previous years, and we have added and eliminated some categories to keep it interesting.  This year, you can vote daily instead of one time per round to really up the competition.

Here is how the contest will work.  The survey/contest is on our Colorado Rider News Facebook page (click here)and our website www.coloradoridernews.com.  Vote daily and vote often.    On December 31st, we will tally all the entries and pick the top 3  semi-finalists and post them online and in the January 2022 online issue.  You will then have another 30 days to vote again for the 3 finalists in each category.    Awards will be presented in February 2022. 

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse – Celebrates 4-year anniversary October 16th

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By Laurie Montoya

When Mark and Rob ventured into the transformation of our beloved Susie’s bar, no one could have imagined the Dirty Dogs Roadhouse that it is today.  A biker bar that is more to us than a bar to catch a quick drink, grab a bite to eat, and hit the road again.  Dirty Dogs Roadhouse is our HOME. 

There hasn’t been a time in the past 4 years that I haven’t walked in and saw someone I knew who said hello.  It reminds me of the TV show Cheers back in the day when Norm would walk in, and everyone said, “Hey Norm.”    It is a place where everyone knows your name, and if you are riding alone or feeling lonely, you can ride up to Dirty Dogs and see someone you haven’t seen in years and melt the stress of live away.

In 2017, so much work went into the first wave of renovations of the original Susies’ building neglected and renovated by others for years.  It would require more than repainting.   Dirty Dogs had to have a certain biker flair but keep the same vision of the Susie’s we loved.  The biker community didn’t disappoint and supported and packed Dirty Dogs from the moment that it opened.

In late 2017-2018, came Mark and Rob’s vision to create an outdoor patio area that could accommodate the overwhelming number of riders coming in on the weekends.  For months, customers would go just to watch Mark, Bart & Rob doing the improvements themselves, and you could see the excitement each week as another intricate piece of wall or concrete was poured.

In 2019, the 3rd wave was the outdoor stage area that would enable Mark & Rob to bring bigger entertainment and host multiple riding events simultaneously.  The 4th wave was the upper parking lot to allow more riders and vehicles to park safely.

Dirty Dogs is also where most in our community will start or end their charity rides or hold our parties.  Dirty Dogs Roadhouse is also where we have mourned the loss of the bikers that we have lost over the years.  Munky Mark was taken from our biker community 2 years ago, and it was standing room only as we laughed, cried, and remembered a life that was taken from us too soon!  Mark and Rob ensured that Munky’s beloved bike will forever be displayed at Dirty Dogs for his years of service to the community and love and friendship to all of us. 

The history and biker memorabilia around the bars leave no open space, and there is always something that takes us back to a time when Freedom of the Ride was FREE.  Dirty Dogs brings the best entertainment and great food, including their new BBQ trailer.

Biker bars like this are rare, and for Dirty Dogs to have not only shown impressive growth over the years (with more to come in 2022) but to have also survived the pandemic with little to no income and rapidly changing restrictions from the health department, shows their management is solid. The biker community will support Dirty Dogs thru thick and thin.

Dirty Dogs will be hosting their 4th Anniversary Birthday party on October 16th so SAVE THE DATE and Thank you, Dirty Dogs, for giving the biker community in Denver a place to call HOME! Please enjoy this 3-page spread honoring the growth of Dirty Dogs Roadhouse