Hot Time in Carlisle

26. Jul, 2010 0 Comments

It was a smoking hot time at the Carlisle Bikefest this past weekend, literally. With temperatures in the high 90s, combined with the humidity, the heat indexes soared into 105-107 range. On a day like that staying cool meant more than just the way you looked or your attitude.

But as always the action at Carlisle was hot too. Riders of all different types of bikes could find something they liked at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. The crowds were entertained by the Starboyz motorcycle stunt riders, a chance to try out their skills on the “wheelie machine”, great bands, burn outs, dozens of displays from all kinds of manufacturers in the Manufacturers Midway, a custom bike show, shopping at the dealers Mall and the introduction of the winners of the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover.

The winners of the essay contest and public vote were introduced to the crowd then awarded their prizes. Runner-up Judy Reed of Battle Creek, Michigan wrote that due to her physical stature she needed to have her bike fitted to her body. Her Harley Sportster was a gift from her Mother and late Father so it has tremendous sentimental value to her. With the help of the makeover she plans on being able to ride alongside her husband more often.

Grand Prize winner David Bardwell hails from Texas City, Texas. David’s tale is a reflection of our modern world. First he lost his job with Chevrolet, then his house and then suffered through some health and family issues. To help solve some of the families financial problems he and his wife sold off some of their prized possessions. The one thing she wouldn’t let him sell was their motorcycle. They found this was their one haven away from the problems they were facing. But due to his ailment he found it increasingly uncomfortable to ride thus he sought the makeover.

Since he was the Grand Prize winner David’s ride is going to get better. His Victory motorcycle (which he brought up from Texas) got a new 2-up seat from Mustang, a set of Avon tires, new shocks from Progressive Suspension and great accessories from Kuryakyn.

David being interviewed as he tries out a Mustang seat

Judy and David with new Z1R jackets

Both finalists were presented to the crowd by Garage-Girls Sara Liberte and Jody Perewitz. Then they received their makeover gifts. A new leather riding jacket and gloves from Z1R, a Vega helmet, boots from Harley-Davidson Footwear, t-shirts from VaVaVoom, riding glasses from 7-Eye, Wizards cleaning products, a case of oil from Spectro Oils, a technology case from Otterbox and a subscription to IronWorks Magazine. Congratulations to both of them and we hope they enjoy their gifts, especially IronWorks.

Now if you’ve never been to the Carlisle Bikefest it’s located on the Carlisle Fairgrounds which is adjacent to the city of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This is the same place and people who put on the world famous “Cars at Carlisle” events. There are some great riding roads nearby as well as York and Gettysburg. If you get a chance check out Carlisle Bikefest it’s one of the fastest growing motorcycle events in the East. For more info www.CarlisleEvents.com .

Now back to the weather. I hope that you readers and my bosses understand that I didn’t get to see or document nearly as much of the event as I had planned. Even though I drank bottle after bottle of water and ate some bananas my big old body just couldn’t handle walking around in the beating sun with the heat and humidity. Even though I wore a white shirt and vented hat and sought out any little bit of shade all afternoon long I was drained and suffering muscle cramps. The AC sure felt good once I got to my room. Believe me there was quite a lot more to Carlisle than just this little sliver that I’m showing you. You’ll have to experience it yourself.

Posted by Sam Kanish