WICHITA, Kansas (June 15, 2006) – Big Dog Motorcycles™, the leader in the high-style cruiser niche, the number two American V-Twin motorcycle manufacturer, and the largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles in the world, attracted over 30,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts to the streets of downtown Wichita for its second Tornado Rally, held June 10-11.
The first Tornado Rally, held in June 2005, brought 15,000 to the company’s factory. The dramatic increase in attendance was complemented with an equally substantial increase in exhibitors and vendors.
“We are extremely thrilled with the success of the rally,” stated Paul Hansen, Marketing Director, Big Dog Motorcycles. “Even more awesome is that numerous states and motorcycle types and brands were represented, making the Tornado Rally a true national event. Exposure to the Big Dog Motorcycles brand and our home, the city of Wichita, was phenomenal.”
While many riders and enthusiasts were from Kansas and the surrounding states, enthusiasts also came from states hundreds – and even thousand – of miles away: Oregon, Florida, Michigan, California, New Jersey, and more. According to the Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau, the estimated economic impact was over $1,000,000.
The two-day rally required a full nine months to plan, a staff of nearly 150 Big Dog Motorcycles employees, and took place on a 20 square block site in downtown Wichita.
“It is impossible to adequately thank the employees for their long hours, hard work, and unlimited energy,” stated Sheldon Coleman, company founder and CEO. “I’m elated they take so much pride in Big Dog Motorcycles, the city of Wichita, and the Tornado Rally.”
The rally atmosphere was amplified by 100 vendors and exhibitors displaying their motorcycles and selling their wares as well as plenty of live music – including six regional bands; company founder and CEO Sheldon Coleman’s band, Dewy & The Big Dogs; and rock legend Eddie Money.
In addition, hundreds met custom motorcycle builders Rick Fairless, and Kim Suter; watched the Dodge Raminator monster truck crush cars, tested their talents on changing a racecar tire with the Dodge Pit Crew Challenge; were awed by motorcycle trials demonstrations; participated in charity poker runs; cheered for their favorite calendar girl in a bikini contest; and entered a custom/special motorcycle show.
One winner of the motorcycle show was the Big Dog Motorcycle with the most miles on its odometer: a 1995 Vintage Classic with 189,100 miles.
“One of our goals is to promote the city of Wichita and to show the motorcycle community our home,” Hansen said. “With the continued excellent support of local government, the Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau, and surrounding businesses and neighborhoods, Tornado Rally will follow the trends of all motorcycle rallies and continue to grow.”
ESPN2 was on site to capture the event for a national television segment to air in late summer 2006. In addition, rally photos and more information about the Tornado Rally can be found at www.tornadorally.com.
The Tornado Rally was presented and hosted by Big Dog Motorcycles with the help of the following sponsors: Dodge, Budweiser, Jack Daniel’s, Coca-Cola, Castrol Motor Oil, and PPG.
