Leesburg Bikefest first day’s experience
I will attempt to update this during the course of this 3 day event so bear with me. Today, Friday, we had to get our Guilty butts up and out of Orlando in order to get to Leesburg by 6:00AM!! Not an easy task mind you! All for the expressed purpose of showing our ugly mug on local network affiliates Fox 35 and Channel 13. We had some great times being interviewed by the reporters (the only one’s name i remember is Christine Van Blokland…sorry). To be honest, we all needed coffee and food!!!!
Following this early morning forey, we were moved to the Rats Hole pavillion, to load our bikes for the show, which i have to admit, was a bit of a let down. While the intent is good that entrance fee’s benefit the local arts group, traffic is sparce to say the least, and i feel Guilty (as well as the others participating) aren’t getting in front of it’s prime market, which is the every day rider and builder. This isn’t the fault of the Rats’ Hold promotion team as much as it is the location of the art museum and it’s lack of promotional experience. With us presenting our Chopper Shox, Street Platform frame and Indian Leaf Spring we’re missing alot of opportunities to get in front of our prime market…but i’m just belly aching because it’s late at night and i’m tired.. In talking with the guys from Rats Hole, i got a good inside track that next year’s show will be alot better positioned as well as focused on getting us foot traffic!
One of the great things i appreciate about these shows is the fellow builders that are present. Their level of artistry and committment to craftsmanship. One great guy is Jeri’s Springer Front Ends. If you’ve not seen or are familiar with him, check his products out as his front ends are on some current event winners and recent published bikes (Check out Hot Bikes recent issue). Also, A-1 Cycles…Mike is a great guy from Wellington FL. You probably know him from is cover on HotBike and recent coverage of his twin engine monster “All In”….you’ve got to check out this bike…..!
Leesburg, FL. I have to admit, it’s a heck of alot better than Daytona! Granted, they expect 250k people or so coming through here over the weekend, but it still feels like a small community. Traffic moves smoothly, police are present, natives are hospitable and there is plenty of riding opportunities, vendors, and people watching. IF you haven’t made it a place to visit this weekend, you should…the Leesburg BikeFest….it’s well worth the trip. Ok, enough. We’ll update as we can. Ride safe!
