A motorcycle event in California is set to make its second
appearance as the California Bike Week revs up for its 2nd
annual three-day rally starting Friday, October 24 at the
Pomona Fairplex in Pomona.
California Bike Week is a
joint endeavor of the
Love Ride Foundation and
the
Southern California Harley-Davidson
Dealers Association; who all hope their shared
vision for the motorcycle & lifestyle event is to become a
signature, landmark West Coast rally in the tradition of
long-running, world-renowned bike weeks such as the ones in
Sturgis, SD and Daytona, FL. for a lucky few there will be a
limited number of free tickets for opening day, Friday, Oct.
24, available at participating Southern California
Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout Southern California;
dealerships will also have $30 Saturday tickets available
for
sale.
"We're extremely excited about how 2008's California Bike
Week is shaping up," said Rich Quaid, President of the
Southern California Harley-Davidson Dealers Association.
"It's going to be even bigger and better than last year's
inaugural event and I believe we're well on our way to
establishing California Bike Week as the premiere West Coast
biker rally. There will truly be something for every
motorcycle enthusiast."
CBW expects over 25,000 such fans to go hog wild over an
action-packed line-up of activities all taking place at the
Fairplex except for Love Ride, which convoys from Glendale
to Pomona on Sunday morning. Running for the duration of the
three-day rally are: "The World's Best Biker Vendor
Village," a marketplace with wares from over 250 sellers
(including exclusive CBW memorabilia); a Harley Village
offering exhibits, vintage rarities and demo rides of new
'09 models (including the awesomely redesigned touring
bike); manufacturers' trade show displays; exhibits, stunt
shows; the "wall of death;" on-site professional tattoo
artists; and food, beverages and spirits.
Each individual day also has its own special attractions,
culminating in Silver Anniversary Love Ride 25 on Sun., Oct.
26. The largest one-day motorcycle fundraiser, Love Ride has
raised over $20 million for charity since 1984. Participants
will start their engines at 9AM at Love Ride founder Oliver
Shokouh's Harley-Davidson/Buell of Glendale, with Jay Leno
presiding as Grand Marshall, as he's done since Love Ride's
inception. At the Fairplex, riders will be treated to a
concert, starting at 12 noon, co-headlined by Foo Fighters
and ZZ Top, plus a Texas-sized BBQ meal. The minimum entry
fee to ride is $75, which includes CBW admission, concert
and BBQ. Non-riding CBW attendees can buy a Sunday ticket --
including the concert but not the BBQ -- for $50; Fairplex
gates open at 10AM.
On CBW's opening day, Friday Oct. 24, there will be a
one-day only hot-rod exhibition and a 7PM concert featuring
L.A.-based roots-rock favorites The Blasters and rockabilly
icon and former Stray Cat Lee Rocker. Friday tickets are
$15, and a limited number of 2,500 free tickets will be
available -- courtesy of the Southern California
Harley-Davidson Dealers Association -- at participating
dealerships, while supplies last. These free Friday tickets
must be picked up in person at the dealerships, and are
limited to one per person, no purchase necessary. Fairplex
gates open at 3PM on Friday.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, CBW attendees will be treated to the
thrill of world class pro flat track racing with legendary
racer Gene Romero's West Coast Flat Track Series' Pacific
Coast Nationals. Among the teams and competitors are the
infamous Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew and several past
champions; in all, over 115 riders will compete in multiple
heats in three classes: Open/Unlimited (750cc), Saddleman
Vintage (pre-'76 bikes, riders 35+) and Top Gun/Novice
(450cc, riders 16+). Flat track spectator gates open at 3PM,
time trials begin at 4:20PM, and the first race roars into
action at 6:30PM. Saturday tickets for CBW, which include
the flat track spectacle, are $30; gates open at 10AM.
Additional information regarding scheduling and highlights
at CBW, including guest stunt performers, will be announced
in the coming weeks. Parking for CBW at the Pomona Fairplex
is free for motorcycles; auto parking is $10 general, $15
preferred. Tickets -- including a special 3-day pass for $80
-- are available now through
Ticketmaster.