Sturgis news: be part of an historic photo shoot
Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky is attempting to capture the spirit of the Sturgis Rally by shooting a large-scale photo that shows bikes and riders lined up and down along the entire length of Main Street.
Burtynsky is known world-wide for his photos depicting natural landscapes changed by industry – quarries, urban mines, housing developments, and railroads have all been subjects in his photos.
The Sturgis photo will be used as the cover of a forthcoming book of his work that will focus on oil as a natural resource, an industry, and a social and cultural “force” that fuels our modern lifestyle. The image is intended to show the celebratory spirit of people with a common bond – in this case motorcycles – that is affected by the availability of oil and the industries that have grown up around its use. (The photo above is part of the same forthcoming book and depicts the Trucker’s Jamboree at Walcott, Iowa in 2003. Click the picture for a larger view.)
If you’re headed to Sturgis and want to be in the Main Street shot, staging begins on the street at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5.
East Village Bike Night is July 25
by Corn Dog on July 24, 2008
in Events, Uncategorized
Since I’m unable to go on the Dangerous Curves ride this year, weather-permitting I will be going a few blocks down the road to East Village Bike Night – this is always a blast, with live music and ethnic food all rolled up into a biker street party.
Here are the official details, from the Historic East Village organization that hosts the event:
Historic East Village, Inc. presents the 4th Annual East Village Bike Night Friday, July 25, 2008 from 5-11 p.m.
Begin the evening at Blues Before Sunset from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the State Historical Building , 600 E. Locust, with Erick Hovey Band. Stick around after the blues concert for more music, food vendors, beer gardens and some of the coolest motorcycles around in the heart of the East Village – the E. 5th Street and E. Locust Street vicinity. Bike night is an opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts from across central Iowa to show off their bikes and admire others! This is the only Bike Night held in downtown Des Moines and has become one of East Village’s most popular events.
Motorcyclists are asked to enter the event at E. 5th Street and Walnut, where they will be directed to designated street parking. No vehicles will be allowed into the event.
Food vendors will include:
Kabaab House (Greek)
Chef Joe’s
Los Primos (Mexican)
New Oriental Food Market (Chinese)
The Tavern (Pizza)
Historic East Village, Inc. will also be selling T-shirts with proceeds benefitting the nonprofit organization. The band TOASTER will play on the outdoor stage located on East 5th Street near Grand Avenue from 7-11 p.m.
The 4th Annual East Village Bike Night is sponsored by Historic East Village, Inc., Sayles Graphic Design, The Blazing Saddle and Big Barn Harley Davidson.
For more information, call (515) 281-4011.
So – am I gonna see you there??
It’s almost time for Dangerous Curves 2008!
Although I will miss the ride this year, I want to wish sunny, safe and FUN travels to the amazing women leaving this week for the 2008 Dangerous Curves “V-Twin Voyage” ride! Don’t forget, girls, I will expect SOMEONE to do the ride reports! (Coyote, are you listening? LOL)
Capitol City Customs Swap Meet & Bike Show
UPDATE Feb. 12: Wow, Stephanie at Iowa Harley Girl has a HUGE selection of photos from the Capitol City Customs Bike Show! Be sure to visit her blog to see all the neat customs from this past weekend!
If a crowded swap meet is a sign that Iowans are getting sick of winter, then this year we must all be on the edge of insanity. Not only was it nearly impossible to find a parking spot, it was difficult to even walk the rows of merchandise – I’d say this event has outgrown the 4H building at the Fairgrounds, where it’s been held for many years. As always, this event featured many used parts, leather dealers, and other bike-related booths, plus the custom bike show that I thought was a little larger this year. We missed one bargain – a quick-release windshield that might’ve fit Kristin’s bike for only $65 – and ended up not buying anything at all. But it was nice to get out and shop for bike-related stuff anyway. I took a few pictures of some of the custom bikes and put them on Webshots. Have a look, but don’t be fooled – the swap meet is wonderful but it’s no substitute for getting out there and RIDING!
Iowa Motorcycle Safety Forum is March 14
The Iowa Motorcycle Safety Forum takes place on Friday, March 14 from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Sheraton West Hotel in West Des Moines. Participants will have an opportunity to ride the Impairment Simulator, get a legislative update from the American Motorcycle Association, visit a variety of vendor booths and see the Orange County Choppers E-85 Farm Bureau Chopper. Pat Hahn, author of Ride Hard, Ride Smart
2008 Sturgis Rally Mayor’s Ride – sign up now!
If you are making plans for this summer’s Sturgis Rally, the Mayor’s Ride is now signing up participants. This year’s ride includes Vanocker Canyon, Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park. There are several commemorative goodies included and proceeds benefit the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department. Registration is limited to 250 participants. Here’s the Sturgis Mayor’s Ride website for complete info!
2008 Des Moines, Iowa, and national biker events – so far!
Yes, yes, I admit it, I’m ready for riding season to start. Well, who isn’t with this @#$ crazy weather?? So I’ve been online doing a little Googling, and came up with a few ride, rally and event dates to share. This info will be handy if you are the “go-to gal” (or guy!) for your li’l group of riding buddies. You know – the one they always turn to and say, “Hey, when is _____?” Well, now you’ll know!
Capital City Custom Cycle Show & Swap Meet – February 9-10 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Daytona Bike Week – February 29-March 9 in Daytona, Florida.
Blessing of the Bikes – April 19 at Big Barn Harley Davidson, 81 NW 49th Place, Des Moines.
Indianola Bike Night (“Bike Down to I Town“) – April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15 and September 19 on The Square in Indianola!
Honda Hoot – June 17-21 in Knoxville, Tennessee
Iowa State HOG (Harley Owners Group) Rally – June 20, 21 in Bettendorf, Iowa.
ABATE Iowa Freedom Rally – July 3-5 near Algona, Iowa.
Sturgis Bike Week – August 4-9 in and around Sturgis, South Dakota.
Hawgstock Rally – August 21-24 near Winterset, Iowa.
ABATE Toys for Tots Toy Run – October 12 at the State Capital in Des Moines.
Biketoberfest - October 16-19 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
If you have an event that’s either held in Iowa or is a major event of interest nationwide, let me know!
East Village Bike Night & a 3-day ride coming up
Getting fired up for East Village Bike Night this Friday night… Des Moines’ historic East Village really knows how to throw a party. The event will include a “show-n-shine,” street dance outside the Blazing Saddle, and international food vendors.
Then on Saturday morning, I’m leaving along with about 30 other Harley-riding women for the “Dangerous Curves” Estrogen Ride! I’m pretty excited about this one… it’s a 3-day trip to northeastern and eastern Iowa organized by some gals from the Big Barn Harley Davidson Ladies of Harley group.
Look for photos and ride reports!
Just in time for Sturgis 2007!
Just in the nick of time, I’ve got all my Sturgis materials from 2006 loaded into WordPress so you can enjoy them leading up to, during and after the Sturgis Rally 2007!
Photo galleries are linked in the right-hand column, and full ride reports are categorized under “Sturgis 2006.”
Enjoy and comment!
Biker Chick News EXCLUSIVE: Comments on National Female Ride Day by Organizer Vicki Gray!
I’m stoked!! Or pumped… or whatever it is the cool kids say these days when they mean, “I’m excited!” I invited Vicki Gray of Motoress to have a chat about her latest project, National Female Ride Day, coming up THIS FRIDAY, MAY 4, and she responded with some great insights not only into the inspiration for and purpose of the event, but also into the phenomenon of women in motorcycling.
