2005 International Motorcycle Show

The details you need to know

It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year again. I’m sure many of you are, like me, counting the days until December 10^th. That is when Seattle will once again play host to the International Motorcycle Show.  If you plan on going on Friday afternoon, you may want to check out www.motorcycleshows.com and buy your tickets in advance so you do not have to stand in an absurdly long line. Parking will set you back an additional eight bucks, unless you ride. If you do ride, parking is free and there will be a free gear check for you inside.

Also just like last year, the show will be chock full of the coolest two-wheel toys around. Honda, Suzuki, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Buell, Ducati, Kawasaki, Victory, Triumph and Yamaha will all be there as factories, and a number of local dealers will have their own booths. Tire companies, helmet companies, clothing companies, and a number of aftermarket parts manufacturers will all have displays as well.

In addition to people trying to sell you things, there will also be a few neat events worth checking out. The Ball of Steel stunts show is always entertaining; watching teenagers on MX bikes riding around inside an enclosed steel ball is almost worth the price of admission alone.

The Kid’s Cycle Center is where to take your child if you want to get them into motor sports. There will be bikes and ATVs of the mini variety, kid-sized protective gear, and information on local kids’ rides and some safety information.

Another place deserving of your time is called The Factory that will be devoted to the discussion of aftermarket products for your bike and riding gear. There will be staff on hand to answer questions and you will be able to chat with representatives from the manufacturer.

While you’re at the show, be sure to stop by upstairs at the Sound RIDER! exhibit and say "Hi." We will have a large display of sixty bikes from around Puget Sound area, all of which will be very unique in their own way. Every kind of bike imaginable will be there: sport bikes, cruisers, off road, races, and even a scooter or two.

All in all, this year’s show is bound to be another huge success, with a large number of attendees from all over the state. If you are in the market for a new bike or new gear, this would be a great opportunity to go and check it out. So come on down and sit on some bikes and yak with factory reps, pick up brochures and have a great time drooling over the best the world of motorcycling has to offer.

Garrett Boyle/Fall 04

NORTHWEST HARVEST FOOD DRIVE

Sound RIDER! will once again be holding a canned food drive to support Northwest Harvest. We will be providing a FREE bottle of Nikwax waterproofing to anyone who brings one or more cans of food to our booth during the show. Northwest Harvest provides food to those in need and winter is when their food bank is at its lowest. In years past we have been able to collect close to 500 pounds and we want to exceed that this year. Please pack a can of food when you leave home and bring it upstairs to the Sound RIDER! booth in the middle of the Northwest Motorcycle Display. And be sure to tell a friend!