Casey and Linda Quint tried entering their motorcycles into a car show during the Flatlander Fall Festival in Goodlands, Kansas back in the mid-1990s. When they were told there was no class for motorcycles the couple decided to do something about it.
This weekend, the 19th annual Northwest Kansas Bike Show takes over two blocks of Goodlands and this celebration of all motorcycles that started with 11 bikes is now a two-day affair, one of the most popular events in the tri-state area and brings in as many as 200 motorcycles and even more in attendees.
"We have 28 classes for bikes from scooters to trikes to antiques to rat rod in American, Metric and European models and we give out three awards in each class," said show spokesman Dave Daniels. "We also have awards for Best Engine, Best Paint and Best of Show."
The Northwest Kansas Bike Show is a city-wide event and motorcyclists ride in from Colorado, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska and of course, all over Kansas. Daniels said you don't even have to own a "show" bike to win but at the very least can take joy in showing what you ride. Awards are chosen by the bikers who enter the show.
"The event is held the last full weekend of September starting in the morning with the show and going through the day with a rider skill demonstration, a bike rodeo and full sit down dinner for all the participants during the Awards ceremony," Daniels said.
The loudest part of Saturday is the parade of motorcycles that encompasses about 10 blocks. This event started about 12 years ago and is now joined by the Street Rods car show that still holds its event opposite the bike show. On Sunday, the weekend wraps up with a poker run.
Registration is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday on the corner of 9th and Main streets in Goodlands, KS. Voting begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. All participants receive a voting ballot upon registering.
"For most this is the last ride and motorcycle event they go to before winter comes," Daniels said. "We don't care what you ride, what it looks like, if you rode in bugs to get here, we just want you to come, participate, have fun, kick back and relax with people who enjoy the same pastime with other fellow riders."
Other Rides Scheduled this Weekend
Gimme Shelter Cruise September 28: The 5th annual Gimme Shelter Ride/Cruise is a fund-raiser for the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter to help towards vaccinating animals that enter the shelter. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and kickstands up at 9:45 a.m. Saturday at the Salem City Recreation Office/Ball Park, 50 N. 100 E in Salem, UT.
Freedom Ride September 28: Help support the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation by joining the Freedom Ride. Register online or in person at 9 a.m. Saturday at the American Legion Post 64, 601 S. Holt Road in Indianapolis, IN.
Ride for Independence September 28: This 2nd annual ride benefits those with intellectual disabilities living in Heart Havens homes. Register online or on-site at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Steel Horse Harley-Davidson, 11501 Hull Street Road in Midlothian, VA.
Law Enforcement Memorial Bike Ride September 28: Proceeds from this ride benefit the families of officers killed in the line of duty, officers with terminal illnesses and officers seriously injured while on duty. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Stellar Conference Center, 125 Venture Drive in Brunswick, GA.
Fall Harvest Run September 28: Proceeds from the Fall Harvest Run benefit the Lisle Food Pantry. Registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Heritage Harley-Davidson, 2595 Ogden Ave. in Lisle, IL.
Points Ride September 28: The Gatekeepers MC host the Points Ride, a poker run, which benefits the Arizona Burn Center Pediatric Trauma Unit. Registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, 15600 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale, AZ.
Jacob's Run September 28: The 3rd annual Jacob's Run boasts nine starting points leaving at 9:30 a.m. and arriving at Hometown Harley-Davidson, 2300 Elaine's Way in Winterville, NC for the full ride starting at 12 p.m. Proceeds benefit the James and Connie Maynard Children's Hospital at Vidant Medical Center.
Ride for Kids September 29: Ride for Kids benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and features numerous rides throughout the country during the year. This weekend kickstands are up in Las Vegas.