For a change the weather gods were kind and the temperature was bearable enough that many attendees were able to ride their bikes to the show. I hate to beat a dead horse, but as with all the events and shows this year, the show was smaller than usual. The number of bikes was down from previous years, but surprisingly attendance seemed about the same as last year. To me that is a good sign.

There were not a lot of entries from the major builders and that may be due to the fact that in the past year I have talked to many pro builders who have said that it is no longer financially feasible to build spec bikes with their own money― another sign of the times. Have no fear, if you’ve got the bucks they will be more than happy to make your dream bike a reality. The upside for me was that a lot of the quality bikes that were there were built by small-time-Joe-next-door-shops and other talented individuals, and you guessed it ―they were built to ride, not just for show.

Included again this year were loads of custom cars, which for me is a plus because I enjoy checking out the four-wheel customs just as much as the two- wheel variety. Another return engagement of the Purrfect Angelz was as entertaining and as easy on the eyes as ever.

A couple of new additions to the show were the booth oh-so-erotically showcasing the lovely Stormy Daniels, an adult film star and director. Huh, an adult film star at a biker show― who woulda thunk? Another booth was manned by Carlos Condit, one of my favorite mixed martial arts stars who I had the pleasure of sharing my enthusiasm for MMA. As a lifelong rank-amateur practitioner of the arts, I just can’t get enough of it and can’t express how impressed I am with the quality and conditioning of these athletes.

What do we have to look forward to in the coming years? As Greg Hicks, co-owner of the Easyriders’ tour says on the tour web site, (www.easyridersevents.com), “We’ll be adding a lot more family value to the tour. We plan on building a large area just for kids that will have video games and other activities to keep the kids entertained while parents enjoy the show. We are currently in negotiations to have nationally known bands to play our events. We’re also in talks with other major bike manufacturers who will be adding to our bike line-up. This is already such a great tour and we just want to continue to grow it and make it something that people will continue to look forward to each year.” Great ideas Greg, anything that can bring in the crowds and make the show entertaining for everyone can’t go wrong.

Next year in Charlotte there will be an added bonus for all you motorheads. On May 11, 2010, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is scheduled to open and it’s within walking distance from the convention center. I don’t know about you but I’m a junkie for anything with a motor and wheels. Hell, it doesn’t even have to have a motor and wheels, as long as it’s got one or the other and goes really fast. As stated in the hall’s official web site (www.nascarhall.com), “Opening on May 11, 2010 in uptown Charlotte, the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, interactive exhibits, 275-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, Sports Avenue retail outlet and NASCAR Media Group-operated broadcast studio.” I can’t freakin’ wait…. Boogity, boogity, boogity.

All in all the show for me was a success. I had a great time visiting with friends in the industry, and meeting new ones. Even though I have been doing this for a long time I am still amazed at the innovation and dedication of builders, which even in these hard times can still show their love for the motorcycle lifestyle. Many-many thanks to Sandy Williams who has always treated me with respect and has always been there when I needed help. I also want to thank Easyriders Bike Show Tour for keeping the dream alive.