The National Western Complex where the west comes to celebrate cowboys, cowgirls, rodeos, and all things western invited in the iron horse and all things biker. February 2nd and 3rd the Colorado Motorcycle Show and Swap took over the complex. Bikers from all over the United States brave the cold weather to attend this event. This year the weather was very agreeable with temperatures in the fifties, plus clear skies. It was a great weekend for a ride.
Approximately 15,000 attended the event. Taking up two floors of the Stock Show Complex, with 350 vendors filling up 800 vendor spaces, there were lots of things to see and plenty of places to spend your money. Motorcycle Clubs were on hand in full force with the Hells Angels, Sons of Silence, Bandidos, Fly-In Wheels, Warriors for Christ, Los Fuertez, Soldiers for Jesus, High Plains Drifters, and many more in attendance.
This was the 35th annual show and it did not disappoint anyone. Jack Portice, Jim Arnett, and Vicki Portice produced this show annually for over three decades, and you can tell by their enthusiasm, they love what they do. Talking to Jack he said “He would like to thank everyone for all their support for all these years. They are the greatest people in the world, and never a problem.” I think Jack and his crew will be doing this for many years to come.
Besides bringing the biker community together in the middle of the winter, they try and give back to the community. This year through two auctions they raised $4,309 for the Wounded Warrior and I Love U Guys Foundation charities. The Wounded Warrior organization vision is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history. The local chapter works to make outdoors Colorado accessible to our service members who need an extra hand. Currently they are hosting ice fishing in the Colorado high country.
The I Love U Guys foundation came from the 2006 tragedy at Platt Canyon High School where Emily Keyes and 6 other girls were held hostage ending in the death of Emily. The “I Love U Guys” Foundation was created to restore and protect the joy of youth through educational programs and positive actions in collaboration with families, schools, communities, organizations and government entities. It has a great following in the Colorado biker community, which holds a memorial ride every year.
The first auction of pinstripe panels were painted at the event and donated by the artist. The second was an auction of donated items from the community.
Other show events included a wet t-shirt contest, dunk tank, Iron Man Bare Chest contest, and live music.
The bike show was great, showing off the skills of local builders. The show closed with awards and everyone was pleased with the outcome—I hope.
Rocky Mountain Custom Bikes took first place in the Ladies Bike category for their Huyabusa 1300 entry.
All in all, it was a great show and brought to light the quality of the Colorado bike-building community and just how bad we want to get out and ride in the middle of the winter.
Until next time ….
–David Campbell
