RTR CHAMPIONSHIP BIKE SHOW SERIES MARCH 2023 REPORT
This year we’ve more than DOUBLED the area covered by our show series, adding new shows throughout the Midwest – and we’ve just gotten started! . After doing these shows for more than 12 years, its great seeing how many connections and friendships that have developed over the years between folks coming to the shows. There’s a common bond that exists between riders – and there’s even more of a connection between the folks that take the time to restore, customize, or even create their own bikes. People start talking about what they’ve built, what they have at home, and what they rode up to the show. And this year – we are doing even more to help facilitate those discussions and really ensure that everyone has a great time at the show!
It’s important to recognize that these are INFORMAL, RIDE-IN SHOWS! While we do use Judges at most shows, the majority of the votes come from the crowd. These are fun shows with the emphasis on camaraderie more than competition. If you’ve ever stormed out of a show after not winning the big trophy – these shows aren’t for you. We’ve always believed that the best thing about our bike show series is the people that both exhibit and attend. This isn’t just about the bikes – but about the people building and riding them as well
All makes, models, and years are truly welcome at the RTR Bike Shows. We have over 15 distinct classes for bikes, and we are constantly adding more as the shows evolve. We group bikes by style and origin, and try to balance things out as much as possible. Categories include designations for Imported and Domestic, Touring, Trikes, Vintage, Racing, and even Radical. Specialty classes include Custom Paint, Patriotic and Military themed bikes, and even a Ladies Class.
Even if you’ve never participated in a Bike Show before, these shows are for you if you have a passion for your bike. Go ahead and bring her out – and PUT HER IN THE SHOW!
Make sure that you check out our events listing on Facebook and follow the ones that are of interest to you. We will be posting updates and more details about the new programs as things are finalized. www.Facebook.com/ReasonsToRide
Bike of the Nights!
As always, the RtR crew will be out and about hitting various Bike Nights, Rides, and other events throughout the upcoming riding season. At select events, our team will now be recognizing one or two bikes as “BIKE OF THE NIGHT” as part of the 2023 Championship Bike Show Series – presented by Michigan Biker Law.
The owners of these motorcycles will receive a special trophy and invitation to participate in an upcoming bike show – sponsored by the magazine. We will also be featuring some of these bikes in the magazine and / or online.
At some locations, such as Arsenal Harley-Davidson in Waterford Michigan – we will be regularly presenting a BIKE OF THE NIGHT Trophy as part of their Bike Nights! Follow them or us on Facebook for more details!
If you’d like our crew to stop by your Bike Night or other event, just email us with details and contact information. Email us at Events@ReasonsToRide.com
Thunder Zone Vendor Areas
For the larger weekend shows, we often host THUNDER ZONE Vendor areas as part of our layout. These vendor areas offer a tremendous opportunity to reach not only thousands of riders – but far more, as many of the events embrace the entire community, drawing attendees from throughout their regions. Many of our shows are part of rallies and events with more than 10,000 in attendance, several more than 50k, and even a few 100k plus! And for all of our Tour Stops – we work with vendors to ensure a seamless, successful experience. However, at most – space is limited! So, email us ASAP to get on the list and reserve your spots! For a complete schedule and more information on vending at these events, email BikeShowInfo@gmail.com
UPCOMING 2023 SHOWS
Looking forward, we’ve made a commitment to further developing the Bike Show Series – with the addition of more shows across Michigan and the Midwest. More than DOUBLING the area covered by our show series this year – we can’t wait to see the show grow with more unique vintage and custom motorcycles.
WILD TURKEY BIKE SHOW
Wild Turkey Festival, McArthur Ohio May 4-7, 2023
Reasons To Ride will once again be kicking off the BIKE SHOW SERIES in the rolling hills of Southern Ohio – with the 38th Annual Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival. This is some of the best riding in the Midwest – essentially an asphalt roller coaster – and in the midst of it all is McArthur, Ohio.
Last year’s show featured some amazing bikes; including 80 year old European bikes, custom choppers with intricate metalwork, and In our second year, we will be expanding to include more bikes, options for camping and official hotels, and a BIGGER THUNDER ALLEY with motorcycle vendors!
OHIO BIKE WEEK BIKE SHOW
Reasons To Ride is pleased to announce that we will once again be hosting the OFFICIAL OHIO BIKE WEEK BIKE SHOW in downtown Sandusky on Saturday, June 3rd – right on the WATER! This will be an informal, Ride-In, Bike Show following the RTR Championship Bike Show Series Rules and Procedures.
While always subject to change, our plan is to be right back at the same location we had last year in the midst of the WORLD FAMOUS BLOCK PARTY! If you joined us in 2022 – you know how amazing the location is. We’re literally surrounded by water on 3 sides – with the main stage in the background!
So go ahead and mark it on the calendar – OHIO BIKE WEEK, the LARGEST MOTORCYCLE EVENT IN THE MIDWEST, May 26 – June 4th. And the OHIO BIKE WEEK BIKE SHOW – June 3rd!
We are anticipating that feature bike space will be limited, so we are encouraging everyone to REGISTER as soon as possible for this show. We will be reserving space and assigned spots for bikes that have pre-registered online. As previously, registration will be discounted in advance AND you get a FREE RTR Exhibitor Bike Show Shirt! We will be accepting bikes the day of the show – but only as space allows and priority will be given to the pre-registered ones.
RAY C’S RODEO DAY NEW SHOW!
Ray C’s Harley-Davidson, Lapeer Michigan – Saturday, June 17th
For the 17th Edition of Ray C’s RODEO DAY, Reasons To Ride will be coming to town and adding the CHAMPIONSHIP BIKE SHOW SERIES to the day’s excitement. Joined by Michigan Biker Law, we will be showcasing the best bikes in the region including extra OFF-ROAD CLASSES! We will also have the DYNO’s running ALL DAY in order to recognize and the MOST HORSEPOWER!
Special SHOW SHIRTS for pre-registered exhibitors!
STARS, STRIPES AND BIKES! NEW SHOW!
Town & Country Sports Center, Cement City, Michigan – Saturday, June 24th
A NEW STOP on the Series Schedule – we are joining our friends from Foundation 14 for their annual MOTORCYCLE PRESENTATION and kicking things up with a BIKE SHOW at Town & Country. T&C already has a great collection of motorcycles to view everyday at their dealership museum, but we’re certain that the Ride-In Show will add some extra thunder to the day! Did we mention that there will be LIVE MUSIC and FREE Dyno Pulls as well?
ARSENAL BIKE SHOW
Arsenal Harley-Davidson, Waterford Michigan – Saturday, August 26th
This show, presented by Michigan Biker Law, welcomes all makes and models and features over 40 trophies – including the chance for a BEST IN SHOW Championship Series Belt!
BIKES ON THE BRICKS
Bikes on the Bricks Motorcycle Rally, Downtown Flint Michigan – Sunday, September 10th
Reasons To Ride is proud to join this unique rally that draws riders from across the Midwest and Canada to the brick streets of downtown Flint. While well known for the Police Motorcycle Skills Challenge – that draws riders internationally, the rally also features a diverse bike show on Sunday. Follow our event online or here for updates.
13th ANNUAL GENEVA THUNDER ZONE
Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio – Saturday, September 9th
Our LONGEST RUNNING show, produced by the Iron Cowboy Crew – is this annual celebration of Iron and Creativity overlooking Lake Erie. Each year we add something new and each year the show GROWS! Last year we awarded the THUNDER ZONE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT – and it returns again this year! But who will take it home? The competition is ALWAYS steep as well over 100 vintage and custom show bikes on display at one of the largest ride-in bike shows anywhere.
These are just a few that we’ve already locked down, but we have A LOT more in the works! Make sure that you’re following us on Facebook ( www.Facebook.com/ReasonsToRide) for updates as they are announced.
*Tentative dates. Date and details to be finalized and will be announced in future editions of RTR, on our Facebook pages, or at ReasonsToRide.com
Register ONLINE at ReasonToRide.com for these Bike SHOWS and more!
For more information, email us at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com and follow us online at www.Facebook.com/ReasonsToRide
www.Facebook.com/RTRMichigan, or www.Facebook.com/RTROhio
INTERESTED IN HOSTING A TRO BIKE SHOW AT YOUR LOCATION IN 2023?
We are currently reviewing locations and locking down dates for our 2023 Bike Show Series. We have a LIMITED NUMBER of dates available still. Email us TODAY for more information at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com
Bike show photos by Dave Kimery, Brendan Farren, Dan Hare, and Tyler Roberts – RTR Team Members and Contributors
