International Motorcycle Show Heads for Portland

It all happens October 31-November 1

Pacific Northwest riders we're taken aback a bit when it was announced this summer that the International Motorcycle Show would happen in Portland, Oregon rather than Seattle, Washington this fall. Reactions were mixed with Portland/Vancouver riders elated and Seattle/Tacoma riders mulling over the options.

If the weather holds, it sounds like a good excuse to ride.

Aside from the new location at the Portland Convention Center, let's look at a few other highlights of this year's show.

Demo Rides

We never had this in Seattle! Weather permitting a number of OEM's will have demo rides available. Be sure to bring your endorsement and insurance card, wear the proper gear and sign up early. Spots will no doubt go fast. More details using the link below.

New and legacy vendors

New location means there will be some new vendors. One we know of so far, will be Gordon's heated clothing, showing the latest technology in heated gear.

A number of vendors you've come to know over the years will be coming in as well, including Rich's Custom Seats who will be spot lighting their heated seat inserts available for most motorcycles, as well as drivers backrest options for many bikes.

A full list of vendors should be available later this week on the show site.

Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Exhibit

We will return to the show and have been busy curating bikes for our annual exhibit during the event. As always, our exhibit features unique motorcycles from all over the Pacific Northwest. Past exhibits have included rare and classic machines, fully farkeled rides, racing sidecars, land speed racers, rat bike and full on customs, dynamic dual sports and stunning sport bikes. Just about anything beyond stock current models goes. If you have a bike you would like to display at this year's show, enter it at http://www.soundrider.com/ims. Those showing their bikes will receive two weekend passes so that they and a helper can deliver the bike Friday afternoon and pick it up Sunday at 5 pm. We're limited to 20 bikes this year, so enter yours soon.

Vintage club displays

With the move to Portland, expect to see some new old iron from the local clubs of Oregon.

Take in the Portland experience

Plan to spend a few days in the area if you can and soak in all the cool things Portland has to offer. Highlights include Saturday Market, Farmers Market, FrightTown, 42nd Street Musical, Brewery Tours, Food Tours, the Corn Maize and more! For a family outing, Portland also has OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry), Children's Museum, Oregon Zoo and Forestry Museum. For more information on Portland, visit http://www.travelportland.com

Also going on:

• Seminars from the Progressive stage

• Custom builder competition

• Cycle Gear Marketplace

• Indian Scout Sweepstakes

• No Limit Stunt Team

• Free gear check

• Free motorcycle parking

• Progressive welcome bags

• Live music provided by the School of Rock

For more details visit the event website at: http://motorcycleshows.com/city/portland-or