Winter in the Midwest puts motorcycling on hold, so you do the next best thing. You read about motorcycling and you go to the largest gathering of motorcycle manufacturers on display in the world–the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show.
When I lived in South Bend, it was just a two-hour drive to the show in Chicago. Every year, it seemed to get bigger and bigger, and more crowded. But it was always fun to go, and I usually went with my brother or a friend. One year, I went the opposite direction to see how different a show it would be in Detroit (actually, it was in Novi, Michigan). Much different.
Now that I live in Cincinnati, the Chicago show is six hours away–too far for a day trip. The closest IMS show is in Cleveland, still about four hours away, but doable in one day.
Several of us have been talking about driving to Cleveland for one long day. Today, at the usual Sunday morning coffee gathering that has replaced the breakfast rides during the winter, three of us made our final arrangements to gather and transport ourselves to the show. So, at 6 a.m. next Saturday, the three of us (and maybe a fourth) will collect ourselves and head off to motorcycle heaven … well the next best thing to motorcycle heaven, ’cause we can’t ride ‘em when we get there. You can only look, touch and maybe sit on those shiny new, two-wheeled adventure machines.
Here’s what I hope to do: In the tradition of a road trip report, I am going to produce an audio diary of our adventure. Here’s where it gets a little tricky. In all of my journalistic years, I have never pulled someone into the limelight of news or feature stories without their participation. There is way too much of that on the Internet, and some of it borders on invasion of privacy. That’s not my style. If my travel companions are up to the task, we just might be able to produce The Motorcycle Show Road Trip Diaries for your listening and viewing enjoyment.
Solo or group effort, you can expect a motorcycle show report, hopefully with a cast of characters.–DBrent
P.S. My brother and I plan to attend the Chicago show, two weeks later. Will there be a continuation of the Motorcycle Show Road Trip Diaries? Will B2 continue to talk about buying a motorcycle, something he has done for the past five years of attending motorcycle shows? Is he buying the tickets this year? Stay tuned.
Technorati tags: Motorcycle show, road trip, motorcycle diaries
Look no further. All your questions will be answered on the newest online program, Miss Adventuring with your host Carla King. Assisting with the program is yours truly, D. Brent Miller.
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