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2007 National Bikers Roundup – 30th Anniversary!
For those of you that aren’t familiar with the National Bikers Roundup, here’s a brief insight into one of the largest annual biker events on the urban scene. Each year the “Roundup” occurs at a different location throughout the U.S. with potential host cities rallying vigorously during each Roundup to be voted winner as the host city for the following year. Given the fact the Roundup travels from year to year, you may think attendance would be weak or unpredictable. Hardly, as each Roundup easily attracts thousands of attendees as this is one of those annual events bikers travel from near and far to attend. And by travel I don’t mean board a plane or train and you’re there. This hard-core population doesn’t hesitate to jump on their choppers and cruisers and roll-out wherever the Round Up takes place! Case and point - a member of Choppers Motorcycle Club shared with me his story of members from his club riding from L.A. to attend a Roundup in Texas and riding back to L.A. after a solid week of more riding and partying. Why would anyone do this? Because of the camaraderie and fellowship experienced with others that share the same passion for motorcycles and the biker life. You see, the Roundup has an old school warmth and feel with good food, live music and of course, bikes. And all of this has occurred for 30 years with little to no violence or arrests and with a minimum police presence.
 This year’s Roundup took place in Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City International Raceway, and attracted an audience of approximately 40,000. What set things apart for the 30th Anniversary was what Harley-Davidson (H-D) added to their usual level of support and participation. H-D typically supports the Roundup with demo rides of their full line of products throughout the event. However, this year H-D stepped it up by bringing in celebrity/model Tyson Beckford and long-time custom chopper builder Sugar Bear (pictured above with BikeRhythms’ Leon L. Brittain) along with two of his classic bikes. Additionally, H-D hosted a fashion show, displayed their Urban Restlyn’ custom Softail (built during AutomotiveRhythms’ Urban Restlyn’ Salon at the Washington Auto Show) and unveiled their all-new bad-boy bike, the Rocker. Other personalities and attractions included AMA/Prostar drag racer national record holder, Ricky Gadson, open opportunities to run your own bike on the track as well as a variety of vendors and a moon bounce for the little bikers.
With 30 years under its belt, the National Bikers Roundup shows no sign of slowing down with Pennsylvania winning the 2008 Roundup. Here’s looking forward to another 30 years!
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