In Wyoming you can never predict what direction the wind will be blowing from but it will always be blowing. For the May weekend the wind blew me to Casper. Fortunately the weather was nice and it was perfect for a motorcycle show. Robert “Bobby” Eldridge had a dream of a bike rally in Casper for 12 years and last year he kicked it off. He wanted to bring the party to Casper and help out others at the same time; this is the second year for his event, Casper Iron Motorcycle Show and Swap (http://www.casperiron.com/).
Casper sits in the center of Wyoming with a population of 55,000. Coming from Denver I get turned around as the Mountains are south of town instead of to the west. With lots of scenery there are plenty of opportunities for great rides. The North Platte River runs through town and then proceeds south east, there are mountains, lakes, camping, hunting, and fishing close to town. Wyoming has a diverse landscape with everything from high desert to mountains, and ranching to oil production. Attraction range from Devils Thumb to Yellowstone, Wind River Casinos to the Green River valley and some of the windiest mountain tops around. There is something different everywhere you look.
The Central Wyoming Fair grounds were an inviting location for the Casper Iron rally. With plenty of parking …
The idea of any bike rally is to see old friends and make new ones, look at nice bikes and dream or compare to yours, and in general to have a good time. Bobbie pulled all these things together and even had some pretty nice vendors. The vendors are a plus at a rally, they help pay for your fun. Maybe you need some new leather or a part for your project and this is an opportunity to make a purchase. Perhaps you are itching for some new ink or looking for someone to paint your custom bike. Well Casper Iron had a good selection of all the above.
For a small town rally I was impressed with the vendors and bikes. Elizabeth Owen (https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethOwenFineArts) a local artist from Glennrock caught my eye. She has a very fine eye and a hand to match. I am keeping her in mind for one of my next tattoos. If you are cruising through Glennrock and need some ink, I would definitely check her out. Another vendor that caught my eye was Kustom Khaos Designs (https://www.facebook.com/kustomkhaosdesigns) she did all the graphic design work and printing for the rally. Biker friendly is how I would describe her and her work. Well enough of my 2 cent plugs, but these are real nice people and they will treat you right.
With about 950 in attendance the rally pulled in a good crowd for a smaller town. The charity for this years rally was the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission and they raised $2,455 and 150 pounds of food. One thing about the biker community, we give back and are always ready to support a charity. There was also a poker run departing from the rally on Saturday so you could get in some good riding and spend time with friends. The UFM of America run hit several small towns around Casper and had a 50/50 prize payout.
One of the rally’s events this year was a bike build off. The contestants were given about 4 months to build a custom metric bike. The bike had to be street legal in Wyoming which means lights, brakes, brake lights, and a rear view mirror. There were 3 entries and the custom ranged from slight modification to an all out custom build. The winner David Oneyear took an old Kawasaki engine and built a Wyoming cowboy rat bike out of parts from his uncle’s junk yard. A chopper with the front end scratch built and parts taken off old farm implements this bike stands out. To make the tank patina match the rusted iron on the rest of the bike David did a little chemistry experiment. Playing with white vinegar, peroxide, and salt he got a speed rust to develop, hit it with Rain-X and then sealed it with clear coat. The rear fender was a piece of culvert with hay sickle blades welded on and the taillight holders are acetylene tank lids. David said “about 55 the front end wants to fly but it’s a fun ride”. Amanda Kay dressed up the bike a little for some photos.
Of the bikes on display I was impressed with the number of 1930 era Indians. There were 8 in total that were all original and looked to be in excellent shape. Bikes came from local owners, South Dakota, and even California. There was everything from fat tire choppers to dragon trikes and metrics. The local bike shop had their bikes on display but what was missing with the big names like Harley and Indian. I understand the Harley shop just changed hands so I expect to see them at the show next year.
To top off the fun the rally hosted American Hitmen (http://www.americanhitmen.com/), a band from Salt Lake City. A nice group of guys as I got to talk to them for a few minutes. Recently they upgraded their tour bus from a short bus to a motor-home and trailer. You know the short bus, take the back seat out and put a futon n, pack the back with amps and gear; now put in 4 guys heading cross country and imagine the fun. You my have seen them on season 8 of Americas Got Talent. With a combination of covers and their own stuff, they rocked Attic at the Wonder Bar in downtown Casper.
It was a good show for a smaller city in the middle of the wild Wild West.
Casper Iron Motorcycle Show 2014 Winners
Trike
1st – Ken Bassett #1, 1980 Honda CB 750
Stock
1st – Alisha Boam # 4, 2009 Honda Shadow
2nd – Carey Ramos #5, 2010 Harley Davidson FLHX
Mild Custom
1st – Ron Ebann #3, 2013 Harley Davidson Road Glide
2nd – Devore #19, 2011 Harley Davidson Street Glide
3rd – Robert Brown #7, 1999 Honda ACE
Bob Lower #9, 2000 Moto Guzzi California
Barry Roquette # 20, 2006 Yamaha Roadstar 1700
Full Custom
1st – Mark S. Helms #6, 2012 Killer Custom
2nd – Troy Johnson #10, 2000 Custom Chopper
3rd – Bill Millay #16, 2006 Big Dog K-9
Josh Smith #8, 2004 Vengeance Vengeance
Radical Custom
1st – Nick Giangiacomo #2, 1979 Yamaha XS 650
Antique
1st – HOG Ranch #13, ’47 Indian Chief
2nd – HOG Ranch #14, ’47 Indian Chief with sidecar
3rd – Hog Ranch #11, ’38 Indian Chief
People’s Choice
Josh Smith #8, 2004 Vengeance Vengeance
Until next time
David Campbell www.earlsgarage.co
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