Motorcycle shows populate the nation promising shiny custom bikes, sexy women and an event that just can't be missed. Are they all they promise? Sometimes you can get more than expected as reported by Clutch and Chrome contributor, Nick DeCondio.
 

Two events on the same day and a new motorcycle to ride. Obviously I was all geared up the whole week before, but thanks to some typical New England weather, it was the car that took me to the motorcycle events instead. At a chilly 60 degrees with pouring rain, there wasn't much of a choice, although the weather did die down to a drizzle as I approached the outer skirts of the Hartford area.

That was as good as the weather got as the drizzle pretty much settled in and hung around for the rest of the day.

First biker event was held at Gengras Harley Davidson, who was not only having an open house but also the regional round for the Miss Hawaiian International Contest.

Beautiful women and amazing motorcycles, what a great mix.

For entertainment a band called Draw The Line, an Aerosmith Tribute Band played before the beauty contest and were sounding pretty damn good.

When the bathing suit beauties came onstage they easily took all the attendee's minds off the dreary weather outside.

A total of twelve competed and all of them surely spent a fair amount of time in the gym.

As with most contest, there can only be one winner and today saw number three moving onto the next stage of the Miss Hawaiian International competition.

Also this was the first year that they had a motorcycle build off between Strong Island Choppers vs. RPM Choppers. And of course the spectators were the judges.

Some of the vendors? Terri’s Treasure sold jewelry, her motto was “ I bust stones for a Living”.

The show hosted some eye-catching motorcycles as well. One bike had lights imbedded in the wheels, wonderful if you want people to stare as they light up your way. This had to be one of the most ingenious ideas I have ever seen.

Another motorcycle was a bike built by a father and son team, Martin and Ian. Ian’s girlfriend, Diedra was also there manning the RPMC motorcycle club booth where the bike was.

Some displays had a more serious tone with thought provoking subjects. Two in particular need to be written about. One was the Veteran’s Bike display and the person behind it and the other was about a Poker Run to raise money for a child.

One of the best displays I saw at this show was the 173rd. Airborne Vietnam Tribute Bike and display. Before even talking to the person who built this display I know he put his heart and soul into it. I ended up talking and watching a video that was set up about his unit for about an hour. The person’s name was Robert Harris.

Robert served in Vietnam in 65-66. So besides watching the video he talked to me about some of his experiences there. I was so interested in his display that he was nice enough to give me a write up of his unit and the story behind the bike. And talk about a bike, this was one of the most meaningful bikes out there.

Just by looking at it told a story. A 1985 Harley Davidson FXST 1340cc, it was the last kick-start and last chain drive made. There were many people that contributed to this bike to make it the awesome bike that it is. This bike was truly one of a kind. I also want to say to Robert and all those that served in this war and those that have died all 58,479 of them “Thank You” for serving your country and for keeping our country safe.

The other notable display was for the Kobe Tendone Benefit Ride, which is being held July 8th 2007. On March 28, 2003 Kobe, just 3 years old at the time lost his mother to a terrible tragedy. It was that summer that they held the 1st annual motorcycle ride. In it's fifth year, the ride will start at TSI Harley Davidson in Ellington, CT. and will end at Sun Valley Resorts in Stafford Springs, CT. the after ride event comes complete with food, raffles and entertainment provided by Arizona Maid Band.

Click here to see more of Nick's Photos from the two shows

Thanks to Nick for being the eyes and ears of Clutch and Chrome at the two shows, although it was probably more eyes than ears at the Hawaiian Tropics Contest.

Nick will be receiving an exclusive 'you can't buy it' Clutch and Chrome T-shirt given to contributors of this website.

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