The Progressive International Motorcycle Show started its 12 city tour in San Mateo, CA this past weekend Nov 18-20 and Inline Performance Magazine was there to soak up the excitement and bring it back to you. New model bikes, contests, prizes, fun food and informational seminars and of
course, demo rides entertained guests for hours.
Fun filled information and excitement greeted fans and convention goers at the information stage The Learning Curve providing a vital opportunity to receive feedback and ask question for riding issues, from choosing tires to staying in hotels or even trackside camping.
Also in the main exhibit hall and the Dream Pavilion, new and exciting motorcycle models from Aprilia, Beta, BRP, Darwin, Ducati, Erik Buell Racing, Gas Gas, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Norton, Star, Suzuki, and Triumph. A Custom built motorcycle competition was also being held, the winner chosen after all shows are completed, where voter were also entered in a contest to receive a custom motorcycle, Honda Fury.
Other contests were held throughout the show grounds, providing opportunities to win the same day. From fun games catching flying colored balls, to spinning prize wheels, and even just filling out a contest slip, the games go on, and there is bound to be a winner.
Demonstration rides are always a huge draw for the Progressive International Motorcycle Show, and San Mateo brought out the best. Despite raining during the second day, the first day was sunny and packed with event goers. Kawasaki, Yamaha, Star, Harley-Davidson, and even Can-Am were booked to capacity. Be sure to check back soon for our videos featuring the test rides we were riding.
Riding a motorcycle is fun, but so is designing, and that ability was available by Kawasaki’s Design-A-Bike experience using technology from Lumacoustics. Choosing from a Vulcan 1700 Vaquero, KX 450F, and the Ninja 1000, event attendees could paint and embellish stencils on the motorcycle using the digital on-screen tabs. Controlling the action with an interface device shaped like a mini-spray can, it is easy to choose exciting color schemes, and apply any of ten graphics. Afterwards, the designs could be posted to Facebook and printed out on a glossy poster. The screens are hard to see when controlling the action, (digital paint fumes, perhaps?) but came in crisp and clear from the viewing area, which includes some of the most comfortable couches in the entire show.
After being sedated in plush seating there were still plenty of loud event displays outside to wake us back up. The stunt show by the Smage Bros featured one wheeled motorcycles, ramps, jumps, and a dumpster. Aerial acrobatics, stoppies, and neat balancing tricks. After every show, the Smage Brothers answered questions, posed for pictures, and signed autographs.
Last but not least, the Nor-Cal Championship series in Supermoto USA finished 14 race classes, and riders competed for a $3,500 purse. Top finishers were Ryan Kearns, Unlimited; Gary Parker, Open C – Novice; Jake Fletcher, Open Beginner; Mike Jones, Open B-Intermediate; Walker Marshall, Open Am; Nicole Garcia, Ladies Only; Andrew Patterson, Beginner Mini; Chris Smith, Adult Mini; Colton Welch, 450; Ryan Mcallister, 400; Ryan Kearns, 250; Joshua Serne, 150/85 Youth; Brett Voorhees, 125/65; Bucky Gerolamy, +35 Masters; Mark Anolik, +45; Andrew Dickson, +30.
Check out the rest of our photos on our Facebook page here.
Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to order your copy of the 2011 print edition of Inline Performance Magazine HERE at the pre-order price for a limited time.
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