Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "motorcycles"

2012 Sacramento Autorama

2012-02-22T03:49:59Z

The 62nd Sacramento Autorama once again brought the premiere custom car show on the west coast to town. From Friday to Sunday thousands of vehicle enthusiasts visited the Cal Expo Fairgrounds to enjoy a fun-filled weekend of bicycle, motorcycle, motor boat and classic car exhibits.

The theme for this year’s Autorama was "Futuristic" and the Main Hall of Building A housed vehicles that fit the theme.

Some of the finest hot rods, boats, custom vehicles and motorcycles from across the U.S. and around the world made their way to the fairgrounds to compete for awards. Not only were motorized vehicles up for awards but also unicycles, bicycles, mini-bikes and even a stroller or two.

Near the main Cal Expo entrance, a large area was occupied by Ron Sutton's Winner’s Circle (RSWC) group. The group is a race team and professional Driver Development Program that races and trains young racing stars for professional careers in stock car racing.

Jason Houghtaling, modified team manager, indicated that they have a nine car team in operation under one roof. Their race crews are made up of regular employees, veteran and rookie volunteers, as well as interns.

According to their flyer, crew shop tours are currently scheduled for February 21 and 22 at their Sacramento site, 8581 Younger Creek Drive. Houghtaling said the shop tour takes about an hour and a half.

“Those who attend will get to see what we’re all about such as working on with a crew and other possibilities. We have nine full-time teams that run out of our shop. We have six Midget Race Teams and three NASCAR Modified Race Teams,” said Houghtaling.

Houghtaling also noted that once someone is accepted into their shop they’ll work on actual racing cars, not a prototype.

“As a team member you’re going to work on a car that will be racing and we take volunteer crew guys to the track and we actually get to be hands on and they get right in there working for a professional race team.”

Vehicles were exhibited at different buildings throughout Cal Expo. One of the buildings housed non-motorized bikes of different kinds. A Bike-O-Rama, Auto Radio Stereo Room and an ARC Audio Room housed various vehicles with massive sound systems, and bicycles that dated to the beginning of the century.

Gear Head Garage had several vehicles in the making on exhibit. Vintage Race Boats also had their own exhibit as well as other classic cars. Each of these buildings had something for almost every taste.

Paul Michael Glaser of “Starsky & Hutch” fame was on hand to sign autographs and answer questions. The Torino used on the popular television series was showcased behind Glaser.

A pin striping event and charity auction was held at Mezzanine B, where several of the best pin stripers in the nation worked to raise money for the University of California, Davis Children’s Hospital. They also held live pin striping demos. The auction ended up raising $9,240 for the hospital.

O’Reilly Auto Parts was once again the title sponsor of the event. Les Schwab Tires, Sacramento Vintage Ford, ARC Audio and many other companies also helped sponsor the event, which included the 6th Annual Sacramento Autorama Drive-In.

Several shows were also performed by a 1931 Chevy Coupe named Wild Thang. The vehicle is powered by a fully blown and injected 610 cubic inch aluminum Arias Motor. The machine, running on alcohol, roared and spit out fire, shooting up to 20-foot flames from its exhaust system.

(Click here to see YouTube video of Wild Thang)

Other entertainment included live music and DJ’s playing oldies music over the Cal Expo sound system.

Over 500 vehicles vied for awards in various categories and a trophy display area housed the numerous trophies that were awarded. Individual and group display awards were presented to the winners.

The awards ceremony was hosted by George Hague. Just before the awards ceremony took place on Sunday 14-year-old Sydney Claire Slaughter, who is currently Miss Sacramento County Outstanding Teen, sang “God Bless America.”

John Buck, producer of the 2012 Sacramento Autorama, addressed the audience at the awards ceremony and thanked his staff and participants.

“Thank you for making history with us in the Custom Capital of the World, Sacramento. On behalf of myself and the entire staff of Rod Shows we thank you for being here. Please give yourselves a big round of applause for being so involved,” said Buck.

The ceremony awarded recipients with plaques, prizes and trophies for their stunning vehicles and displays.

Hot rods, pickups, bicycles, motorcycles, muscle cars and street machines continue to impress the thousands of annual visitors to the event and its popularity does not seem to have dwindled.

Once again, Rod Shows put together a great weekend of events and entertainment for the entire family. Log on to the Rod Shows website to find out more about Sacramento Autorama and to view other events and information.

Watercolors Hiking in historic Locke and Delta Meadows State Park

2011-09-13T10:47:13Z

A Watercolors and Hiking event will be held in Locke, Calif. on Thursday, September 15, 2011 starting at 10:00 a.m. The hike will be led by Martha Esch. Bring the kids and the grandparents; everyone is welcome! Well-behaved dogs on leashes, okay. This is a mostly level 1.5 mile hike apart from one 20 foot long, somewhat steep, narrow path up a levee hill and some optional off-path routes along the way that are prickly and narrow.

Locke artist and art teacher, Martha Esch, will demonstrate easy techniques to painting a quick, lovely, loose watercolor postcard of scenic spots along the hike. Next, participants will begin using watercolor kits, blank postcards and brushes that will be passed out to all who'd like to paint their own scenes. (There will be a $5 art supply fee.)

Pack your own brown bag lunch, your own beverage and maybe some small snacks to share with others. The group will gather in front of Al the Wop's famous bar and steakhouse, located in the middle of Main Street in Locke, Calif.

If you arrive late, just follow the wooden walkway next to Al's to the back of Locke and the walking path past the community gardens, up the levee to the Meadows State Park to catch up. At the top of that levee, the first of two postcard watercolor paintings will take place overlooking the beautiful lagoon called Railroad Slough.

After 15 minutes, the group will stop painting and hike about 1/2 mile to a scenic overlook along Snodgrass Slough where they'll pause to paint their second15-minute postcards.

Lunch will take place at the Snodgrass Slough as well before the hike back to town where the 90 to 120 minute tour winds up back on Main Street.

Everyone in the hiking group will be welcome to sneak a peek at Esch’s paintings, some in progress, at "The Shack," her art and music studio located at the top end of Main Street at Levee Road.

The Delta Meadows State Park is a beautiful, secret gem and the town of Locke is a fun, historic place that you'll want to soon return to with your out-of-state guests. Visitors are free to visit antique and gift shops, museums and the town’s two restaurants, Al the Wops and the Locke Garden Chinese Restaurant.

Visitors should be sure to shop at Lisa Kirk's fun store called Strange Cargo, located next to Al the Wop's. If you have some muscle strain after your hike and want some acupuncture, Diane Thomas is the one to visit at Locke Chinese Medicine a few doors north of Lisa's shop.

Call Martha Esch at (916) 776-1000 with questions. Hope you can join!

To get to the meeting place in Locke from I-5, take the Twin Cities Road exit west toward the tall radio towers. When you hit the road along the Sacramento River, turn left (south) and go one mile to Locke and turn left into the tiny town. When you enter Locke, park in the free parking lot, straight ahead, next to the public restrooms. Entry codes are: Men 3535/ Women 3434.. Gather in front of famous Al the Wop's, located at 13943 Main Street, Locke CA 95690.

Disclosure: Aricle author, Martha Esch teaches private, small and large group art classes in watercolors, oils, and acrylic painting as well as clay classes to all skill levels and ages. For more, visit her blog at www.marthaesch.blogspot.com

Fallen Warriors Memorial Car and Bike Show Pictorial

2011-05-31T08:18:51Z

El Dorado Hills Town Center, as was the case last year, hosted the Fallen Warriors Memorial Car and Motorcycle Show on Saturday, May 28. Hundreds of vintage, power and one-of- a-kind cars were exhibited and competed for awards. Motorcycles were also part of the event participating in 3 poker runs.

A scholarship program, set up in honor and remembrance of area high school students who gave up their lives while serving in the armed forces, benefits from this event. This year almost $8,000 was raised for scholarships.

The Sixth Annual Fallen Warriors Memorial Car and Motorcycle Show brought veterans, car and motorcycle enthusiasts together to share stories about their experiences. Various activities were held from 9 to 3 while slight rain fell and may have kept people away from the event as it did not look as busy as last year.

Jim and Doris Blatchford spend a lot of time working for this worthy cause. They were very busy during the event as Jim worked as event MC and announced winners of awards after voting was tabulated. Doris worked at a station next to her husband.

Log on to the Fallen Warriors website to learn more about this worthwhile cause.

Photos from last year can still be viewed at 2010 Fallen Warriors Poker Run and Classic Car Show.

3rd Annual Clean and Sober Poker Run to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters

2010-09-17T20:10:16Z

The 3rd Annual Clean and Sober Poker Run benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Great Sacramento will be taking place this Sunday, September 19th. The fee for each rider is $20, which includes a meal, ride pin (for first 1,000 riders) and best high and low hands. Enjoy a live band, raffle, bounce house, food, beverages, fun and so much more! The starting point is at Folsom Harley Davidson, located at 115 Woodmere Rd., Folsom, Ca 95630. Registration is at 10am and the run starts at 11am.

Also, this afternoon is the Poker Run Pre-Party taking place from 4pm-7pm at the Folsom Harley Davidson. There will be music, food, beverages, raffles and more. Showgirls in bikinis will wash your motorcyle for for a $20 donation and/or take a picture on your bike for a 5$ donation. The first 200 to pre-register for the Poker Run at the pre-party receive a T-Shirt.

The 3rd Annual Clean and Sober Poker Run is presented by Nor Cal Clean and Sober Living. For more details visit norcalcleansober.com. For questions regarding the poker run contact Ryan at 916-459-0942 or cleansoberpokerrun@gmail.com.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters:

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. We have been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children, ages 7 through 15, in Sacramento, Yolo, South Placer, Yuba, Sutter and San Joaquin Counties.

Bikes at the Drive-in

2010-09-13T23:57:59Z

A festive, county fair sort of atmosphere prevailed as people milled around with frames yoked over their shoulders, talking bikes, and revving their engines Sunday at the Vintage Bicycle and Motorcycle Swap Meet.

A line of eager cycle enthusiasts stretching a quarter mile waited for the gates to open as early as 7 a.m. Sunday morning where Sacramento 6 Drive-in hosted the Vintage Bicycle and Motorcycle Swap Meet. Up to 1,000 people showed up to the event, which Marshall Topping of Topping Events, Inc. called “the world’s largest motorcycle garage sale.”

“There was a guy here today who ran into the man he bought his first bike from,” Topping said, pointing excitedly. “They haven’t seen each other since ’64.”

Some were getting reacquainted with friends around steaming Styrofoam containers of greasy food; others sat chatting in camp chairs and watched the air show from across the freeway.

My principle goal in attending was to learn more about the vintage pedal bicycles, but the vendors were meager in comparison to the hardcore classic motorcycle and Harley Davidson devotees. However, Marshall assured me that there would be more of what I am looking for at other bike events hosted by Topping Events.

The So-Cal swap meet on Sept. 26 will feature around 600 vendors, and according to the flier, no one even slightly curious about bikes will be lacking for gear to gander at. The Long Beach Veterans Stadium hosts the event – the largest monthly bike trade fair in the United States, according to Topping.

“People don’t just come for the good deals on parts. They come for the social aspect,” Topping said. “They come for the truly unique things they can’t see anywhere else. Someone took an old moped engine and made it into a go-cart. You’ll find stuff like that that you can’t find on eBay.“

For more information on future swap meets, visit toppingevents.com or call 1-800-762-9785.

Barnum's 200th birthday party comes to Arco

2010-09-02T00:46:54Z

Audiences will be puzzled and amazed by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s presentation of “Barnum’s FUNundrum!” coming to Arco Arena Sept. 9-12.

The event celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of legendary showman P.T. Barnum.

The 130 performers hail from 15 different countries. Acts include body benders, a two-level trapeze arrangement, stilt walkers, high-wire motorcycle balancing, trampoline acrobats and, of course, plenty of clowns.

A menagerie of exotic animals, including 100,000 pounds’ worth of elephants, will be incorporated into the various acts performed throughout the show. Ticket holders are allowed access to to an “Animal Open House” 90 minutes before show time, and can also step onto the arena floor to meet performers one hour before the show begins.

Exotic animal trainer Daniel Raffo is a crowd favorite when he and his 11 tigers share the spotlight.

“We have the opportunity to show people the beauty of these animals and the wonderful character that they have,” Raffo said.

Raffo is a fifth-generation circus performer who has also performed as an acrobat, juggler and high-wire artist in his own family’s circus. He and wife Andrea Ayala-Raffo, who is also a fifth-generation circus performer, are carrying on a performing legacy of their own. With their 5-year-old son on board, the Raffos’ lives seem anything but normal, yet for them this has always been the norm.

“It’s great to be married to someone that’s also in the same business,” Ayala-Raffo said. “When he performs, I watch his back, and when I perform, he does the same for me.”

“It’s great because it’s how my mom and dad grew up,” Ayala-Raffo said.

Ayala-Raffo, along with her two sisters, inherited their hair hanging act from their mother. In addition to being spun and rotated from her hair, Ayala-Raffo also juggles lit torches while being suspended more than 30 feet in the air.

The Raffo family commits 11 months out of the year to the Ringling Bros. circus. “FUNundrum!” will travel to 78 North American cities over the course of the next two years.

“I love what I do because I travel all the time. I learn different languages, different cultures,” Raffo said.

Raffo said the circus provides his son with experiences that most children will never have. “Many people live their whole life at home and just watch TV,” Raffo said.

Having both been raised in performing families, the Raffos said they cannot conceive of living any differently.

“When I’m home I get bored,” Ayala-Raffo said, “I want to travel.”

When all is said and done – the years of training and risking their lives for an act – the Raffo’s payoff comes when audiences awe over the end result: the performance.

“When I perform, it’s like my spirit comes out of my body,” Raffo said. Fear, excitement and disbelief spread across the audience faces. “It’s a joy for me to see people’s reaction to the show.”

Ayala-Raffo said the performers thoroughly enjoy what they do, and that’s what fuels them on.

“There’s always a risk, but that’s the joy of it,” she said, “that’s the ‘wow’ of it.”

Performance schedules for Sacramento can be viewed by clicking here.
Tickets start at $14 (Opening Night tickets available for 50 percent off) and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, the Arco Arena Box Office or by calling 800-745-3000.

Photos courtesy of Feld Media.

I'm really starting to like this Sacramento place.

2010-03-10T17:42:27Z

(Note from the author- I found a lot to like this weekend, instead of doing 5 different "stuff I like pieces", I did 1 "Discovering Sacramento" piece. Among the places/things discussed here in- The Torch Club, Final Final Band, Michaelangelo's, Walmart bikes, Los Gallos, and The Old Spaghetti Factory. I hope you enjoy)

So, how was your weekend? Good? Got out and enjoyed the spring weather? Oh, you didn't get to? You were stuck in the office, finishing those TPS reports? I'm really sorry to hear that. Man, that is rough. Hey, let me just stop you there. To be honest with you, I was really just hoping to segue into a conversation about my weekend.

I had a fantastic weekend. It all started Friday afternoon with my discovery of the Clarion Hotel happy hour, although the joy of this discovery was later tempered by the fact that management is closing the restaurant and bar this week due to a lack of bookings at the hotel.

Now, I'm no economist, but this seems counterproductive to me. I’m pretty sure that closing the restaurant and bar isn't going to encourage new visitors to come, nor current visitors to return.

Oh well, I hope they return next week, healthy and happy, and ready to reap the benefits of my glowing review, or at the very least, my regular patronage.

After I left the Clarion, I met up with my girlfriend Jess for a surprisingly good meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory. It was nothing fancy, but we split a large, hearty platter of spaghetti and meat balls along with broccoli, salad, soup and a scoop of ice cream, an iced tea and a large hefeweisen for 25 bucks.

We were home by 10, she was sated, and I was pleasantly buzzed. In the immortal words of Frank the Tank, we had a big Saturday planned.

Have I mentioned that Jess's mom spent the weekend with us? ’Cause she did, and actually played an integral role in the weekends awesomeness.

I know this must come as a shock to those of you dread your in-laws, but I get along famously with Kim (at times, better than with her daughter). Besides, if she hadn't brought home leftover rack of lamb from her Friday-night dinner, I wouldn't have been able to make turkey bacon, spinach and rack of lamb hash the next morning, and then what would I have served with my three-cheese scrambled eggs and fresh avocado slices? Breakfast was amazing.

The ladies went off for some retail therapy and left me to watch some college basketball (I won a 3 team teaser!) and put together our dining table. Kim had brought up our nearly four-foot-tall "bar table," which we'd had to disassemble to get out of our old apartment.

Unfortunately, and totally predictably, the screws and bolts needed to reassemble said table did not make the trip up from the Bay. This is what I explained to the good people at Ace Hardware, to which I walked carrying a 40-inch-long solid wood table leg over my shoulder.

A young couple that saw me walking towards them in all my mohawked and bearded glory wielding this behemoth table leg suddenly remembered they wanted to be on the other side of the street. But I was able to get the correct screws, and we now have a dining table. Winner.

Maybe the highlight of my big Saturday was a trip to Wal-Mart. (We wanted to go to Bed, Bath and Beyond, but we didn't have time). Now, I admit to kind of liking Wal-Mart. It may be due to my redneck roots in southern Ohio, or possibly a highly acute sense of irony, I don't know. But this wasn't just any old trip to Wal-Mart.

We were on a mission – a mission from God. No, not really, but don't you just love the Blues Brothers?

We were on a mission to get new bikes. I haven't bought a bike in 15 years, and I was pretty excited (I used to *ahem* "borrow" bikes in college, but the last bike I bought was in high school).

As soon as I arrived in Sac, I knew it was time to end my personal bike drought. Midtown specifically, and Sacramento in general, seem to be very bike-friendly and, lord knows, I can use the exercise.

We headed to the bike section where there is a broad selection of bikes in the $100 range. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm not going to invest the equivalent of 20 meals at the taco truck on a bike without first taking it for a spin.

So, this is how it came to pass that Jess, Kim and I were all biking around the aisles of Wal-Mart.

At one point we were chastised by an older lady who seemed to think this was dangerous behavior. And lets be honest – she was probably right. But until they put a test track in the bike section, I don't really see how this problem can be avoided.

There were several bikes I considered: I had to see how they handled in real-life biking conditions. I finally chose a sweet orange cruiser, and Jess took a blue one complete with basket. We brought them home and took a Saturday afternoon ride all the way to Taylor's in Land Park. I'm seriously considering buying a pack of baseball cards to put in the spokes, and you know I'm getting a bell.

Following the epic bike ride, we prepared for the evening’s festivities: dinner at Michelangelo’s and Final Final Band at The Torch Club. This was to be my second meal at the little bistro just a block from our apartment, and it was another rousing success.

It has one of the best Caesar salads I've ever had. Fresh and flavorful, heavy on the garlic and citrus with big sardine saltiness, it's fantastic. I also recommend the small plates. I like trying lots of different things, so this is perfect. Try the gnocci. It doesn't hurt that both times there, Sarah Jean waited on us.

Sarah Jean is a terrific server: friendly and attentive. She seems to enjoy her job, and it really shows. They're lucky to have her. We had been joined for dinner by Jess's aunt and uncle, Marika and Scott, and their friends Don and Wendy.

The seven of us finished dinner around 7:30 and walked the three blocks to the Torch Club. Final Final Band is an up-and-coming rock and roll band with all seven members living in Land Park."

They don't look like an up-and-coming band (imagine five high-school gym teachers joined by two lovely female singers), but they sound pretty darn good.

They play a broad range of covers (Ben Harper, complete with Ryan on beatbox, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Young M.C., with a guest rapper from the audience, Stevie Ray Vaughn, a great Otis Redding, an unfortunate Stone Temple Pilots, and more). They also had at least one original song.

They are a party band, and as such, an unmitigated success. The line was already starting to form when we arrived before 8 p.m., and by 10 p.m. the club was full to capacity with another 40 or so people waiting in line to get let in. I saw 4 girls get lifted in through an open window – this was a hot ticket!

And this was about as eclectic a crowd as I have ever seen at a show. The audience looked like a Benetton ad, if they had old people in their ads. The dance floor was packed and raucous, full of all different ages, races and sorts. I saw a few couples who looked to be in their 70s dancing right next a bunch of 20-somethings, intermingling with a bunch of middle-aged professional types, next to a couple of boozefighters and the motorcycle gang from "The Wild One." Can't we all just get along? If Final Final Band is playing, apparently so.

I left the club around 12:30, thoroughly enjoying my first Final Final Band experience, and the Torch Club as well. I gather that there is music almost nightly, the sound is good, the owner is friendly and the Pabst cans are $2.50. The booze is $7 for undersized tumblers and martini glasses, so if you're looking for value, stick to the beer.

Sunday was fairly uneventful, although I did bike all the way to Northgate in the hopes of getting some taco truck, only to find out that the trucks aren't out on Sundays. Most troubling, I was reminded once again how much I don't want to live in a world with no taco trucks. Thankfully, Los Gallos was open, and they will more than do in a pinch.

A very good pollo asado super burrito and a Jarritos mandarin later, I was feeling a lot better about things. I spent the evening in quiet reflection of the weekend that was, nursing what turned into a pretty solid hangover.

I suppose I could have done without those last couple cans of Pabst. If you are interested in joining the lovefest that is the audience at a Final Final Band show, the next one is at the Riverside Clubhouse April 24. Come one, come all – you'll fit in fine.

Bikers come thundering into Sacramento Convention Center

2010-01-19T07:00:27Z

Hundreds of motorcycles lined both sides of J Street in front of the Convention Center on Saturday while their owners attended the annual Sacramento stop of the Easyriders Bike Show Tour.

Although the rain Sunday reduced the number of bikes parked on the streets, attendance at the two-day event was as good as or better than last year, said event manager Kari Roben.

Inside the Convention Center, the main floor was full of exhibitors and vendors displaying custom motorcycles and related goods and services, including accessories, apparel and custom fabrication.

Sacramento was the second stop on a five-city tour that started in Pomona on Jan. 9. “This is our second biggest show,” Roben said. “Only the last show, the invitational in Columbus, is bigger.”

Roben said that the Sacramento show owes its success to a large number of subscribers to Easyriders magazine, local support from Harley Davidson of Sacramento and other vendors, and the fact that the city is centrally located.

“Sixty to 75 percent of our vendors return year after year,” she said.

In addition to vendors and row after row of custom motorcycles, there was live music and entertainment. And clowns roamed the exhibit floor, entertaining young and old alike.

Woodland resident Meagan Murphy, also known as "Denim Jean," created balloon animals for all who happened by the booth of Anne Nix, owner of Sacramento-based Anne’s Badass Boutique (or Anne’s Incredible Bodywear, depending on her clientele).

“This is my 12th or 13th year,” Nix said. “I’ve been doing biker shows all over the U.S. for 16 years.”

She said the economy has significantly affected her business and that she was not sure how much business the show would generate. Other vendors, though, were more optimistic.

James Dean, owner of Rebel Design, a local custom motorcycle paint and fabrication venture, said, “This is the best show I can do all year.”

Dean said he receives “eight to ten jobs out of the show.” But another local vendor, Mike Armtrout, owner of custom-parts manufacturer Bigger Pimps, from Grass Valley, said he was there “mostly for exposure.”

Many national vendors also were exhibiting.

Representing Iowa-based J&P Cycles, Patrick Garvin said the show was “at least as good as or a little better than last year.”

A large motorcycle parts and accessories vendor, J&P Cycles distributed free catalogs for Harley Davidson, vintage and metric motorcycles.

John and Christi Huddleson were exhibiting for the first time at the bike show, traveling to Sacramento and Pomona from their home in San Diego.

The Huddlesons' business, Patch World, generates its income entirely at motorcycle events, John Huddleson said.

“These shows have been better than expected,” he said. “If I had known, I would continue (with the entire tour).”

Some booths had a more philanthropic bent.

“Spurz,” who declined to give his real name, is the state founder of Bikers Against Child Abuse. He said that although one goal of his booth is to raise donations, “our primary purpose is to raise awareness.”

Calvin Jefferson, also known as "Redbone," has been riding motorcycles for 35 years.

“I’ve been coming for the last five years and this is better than last year,” he said, adding that it’s still not as well attended as years prior, “probably because of the economy.”

Robert and Maggie Sanchez were attending their first Easyriders event with their granddaughter Alexia, 2, who was enchanted by Denim Jean. Sanchez has attended the similar Street Vibrations show in Reno but enjoyed Sacramento's version better because it's more family-oriented.

Although the show focuses mostly on V-twin powered street motorcycles such as the venerable Harley Davidson, there was something for every enthusiast.

The show attracted attendees from outside the Sacramento area as well.

Dorain and Christine Sallee traveled from Santa Rosa to view the exhibits and visit the various vendors.

“Last year there seemed to be more Harley stuff,” Dorain Sallee said, adding that he rides a Honda Gold Wing.

A large variety of custom motorcycles were exhibited, some worth more than $100,000.

Lane Shipp, Matt Toro and Andy Clark were checking out their favorite motorcycles Sunday.

“I’d like to see more bikes and less booths,” Shipp said. “I like the simple ones. Less is more.”

In reference to the image of the "outlaw biker," many attendees said that it has faded.

“A lot of that stigma has gone away," said longtime motorcyclist Jim Warnken of Livermore. "It’s not like it used to be.”

Christine Sallee added, “Bikers get a bad rap. It’s not deserved.”

The next stop on the Easyriders Bike Show Tour is in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 23-24.

For more information, visit the Easyriders Events website

Photo captions for images 1-8

Rebel Designs owner james Dean talks to a potential customer in his booth at the Sacramento stop of the Easyriders Bike Show Tour

Mike Armtrout, owner of Grass Valley's Bagger Pimp exhibited at the show to increase his company's exposure

Two year Alexia proudly wears her balloon hat crafted by 'Denim Jean' the clown.

Dorain and Christine Sallee of Santa Rosa talk to one of the vendors exhibiting at the show

Christi and John Huddleson exhibiting for the first time at the Sacramento event. Their company, Patch World, exhibits at 30 different shows per year

Lance Shipp, Matt Toro and Andy Clark made their way from Placer County to look at the custom motorcycles

Ron Mitchell and Jim Warnken from Livermore eye a bright blue custom fabricated motorcycle

Clown 'Denim Jean,' also known as Meagan Murphy, from Woodland, entertains bike show attendees

Motorcycles roar into town

2010-01-04T05:13:40Z

The smell of rubber and motor oil fill the vast warehouse stuffed with cars, trucks and motorcycles. The battle between man and machine reaches its pinnacle under the I-5 freeway in downtown Sacramento. The California Automobile Museum, 2200 Front St., is featuring the Born to Ride exhibit through March 12.
The exhibit is chronological, following motorcycles from their humble beginnings at the turn of the 20th century to the current world speed record holder. This impressive machine, BUB 7, reached 367.382 mph in September at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Bikes of all brands, spanning several countries and countless models, are on display.
There's a 1912 Harley Davidson, once owned by Steve McQueen, and a 1942 Crocker. The Crocker is considered the rarest motorcycle on display. Fewer than 100 were produced in the months leading to the United States' involvement in WWII. They are valued for their quality and rarity.
Jeff Hughes and Albert Miranda love motorcycles. They rode their BMW bikes from Modesto in the fog for the opening day of the exhibit.
"I've been riding since I was a kid," said Hughes. "I actually got my motorcycle license before I got my car drivers license. I saw a lot of bikes inside that were amazing."
"My favorite bike was the Ariel Mark II," Miranda said. "The square four design (of the engine) was revolutionary."
Special events are planned throughout the exhibit in corroboration with Elk Grove Power Sports. On January 9, Flying Motorcycles' chief executive officer, Sam Bousefield, will be on hand for a meet and greet and demonstration. Also that day, Elk Grove Power Sports will offer demo rides (weather permitting).
Machine mayhem doesn't end with motorcycles, though. Admission to the Born to Ride exhibit includes entry to the museum. Row after row boasts Fords, Chevrolets, Studebakers, Hudsons and more. Original Model A and T cars are on display, too.
"Our collection is very impressive," Museum curator Amanda Moss.
"We offer visitors an experience into the world of automobiles," she said. "We have an extensive exhibit on the 'green' aspect of automobiles from the EV1 to the 2009 Tesla."

Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for student with valid ID
For more information, visit the museum website.

Photo#1: 1912 Indian Racer
Photo#2: Motorcycles on display
Photo#3: Motorcycles on display
Photo#4: BUB 7- Fastest motorcycle in history
Photo#5: 1977 Kawasaki KZ Drag Bike
Photo#6: Cars on display

Photos courtesy of Matthew Ceccato