Santa Maria, California's Motorcycle Madness is one of the West Coast's best shows for a variety of reasons. There are a bunch of builders, vendors, and events-never a dull moment. Good food and cheap booze are readily available: Santa Maria-style tri-tip, Italian sausage, and regular show food are plentiful at the venue, at least three great steakhouses are located within a 5-mile radius, and the few bars in the area are biker-friendly and aren't afraid to pour a stiff drink.
Almost double the number of vendors showed up this year, hawking a variety of wares from jewelry and clothing to parts and accessories. Many builders attended the event, including Mitch Bergeron, Kirk Taylor of Custom Design Studios, El Pitts of Vegas City Choppers, Syco Choppers, Bitchin' Rich Seats, Kevin from XTC Customs, Lucky 7 Choppers, Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles, Blue Ribbon Choppers, Central Coast Cycles, and H-D Performance. BMC set up a deal with Horsepower Promotions to give away a BMC chopper at the end of the show season. All show attendees have to do is sign up at the front gate, and they've got a chance to win.
Speaking of giveaways, STREET CHOPPER gave out $15,000 for an invitation-only bike-show contest. While almost every bike entered in the contest could have won, there were only three awards. Cole Foster of Salinas Boyz took Third, along with a $2,000 check. Aaron Greene of Paramount Custom Cycles took Second and $3,000, while Mike Stafford of MGS Customs took First Place and the big check worth $10,000! A handful of builders was chosen to put together a tribute bike for Johnny Chop that will be raffled off at the end of the season. Count's Kustoms, Kirk Taylor of Custom Design Studios, Tom Foster, and Mitch Bergeron all got their hands dirty starting off the bike build and continuing their work throughout the event. Tickets were on sale at the show (and are still available on the Horsepower Promotions website, www.horsepowerpromo tions.com). They're $30 for a ticket and a T-shirt, or $15 for a raffle ticket alone. One hundred percent of the proceeds is going to the heart research foundation that helped Johnny get through the last 14 years of his life.
For more information about next year's All American Motorcycle Madness in Santa Maria, California (as well as other motorcycle events across the nation), heck out www.horsepower promotions.com.