Winter in Colorado has been tough for bikers, warm sun during the week, cold and wet on the weekends. Those of us who hold down a regular job have been itching to hit the road. A steady job, good wife, and inclement weather has been the ruin of many a good biker. The date for the Colorado Super Show in Colorado Springs was scratched on my calendar. Watching the weather it hadn’t looked too good and I was resolved to take the truck. A few days before the event the weather changed and with the change was a glimmer of hope for sunshine and warm. Waking to the potential of a warm day a smile spread across my face and the outlook for the day started looking up. I grabbed my camera tossed on my cold weather gear (warm is relative) and loaded the Road King for a little trip.
Slipping out of the garage and headed to the gas station I checked the temp seeing if I needed more or less clothes. As I pulled up to the pump I decided I was dressed just right for the morning, with a full tank and my bandana covering my face I hit the road. The next hour and a half would be just what I had been looking for, time to free my mind.
Heading south I decided to take the toll road around the hectic traffic of Denver, that decision moved me smoothly down the road. Meeting up with Interstate 25 and heading south to Castle Rock I fell in behind a Softtail and Bagger. With a 75 MPH speed limit and pushing it a little I was in Colorado Springs in no time. The other bikes pulled ahead and headed toward the Garden of the Gods and I scooted on down to the show.
The club members were on traffic duty and quickly guided me to an open spot for my Road King. Stowing my gear and locking up the bike I headed in for a look around. First on my agenda was the bike show, with bikes from far away as California I was hoping to see some nice entries. With 15 judging categories there was something for everyone. Promoter Jim Wear said that every year the categories change to meet the entries. Over the years the entries have changed. Between 2007 and 2010 there were lots of customs of the Jessie James and OCC style fat tire bikes, now there were more mild modified, more working man builds.
After taking in the bikes I started browsing the vendors and looking to see who I could find. Johnnie Reynolds from J10 was dazzling the crowd with his leather work but had a few minutes to chat about the bikes. He had his favorite and so did I. I had spotted a Bobber which was a very fine build and he was pulling for a custom build. On to see more; American Motorcycles of Colorado Springs was showing off one of their custom builds and with the help of three cuties were making the show enjoyable.
The Super Show also offers the largest Tattoo contest in Colorado. With about 250 entrants it is quite the show. If you like ink there was definitely some there, lots of ideas and a little inspiration. I really need to schedule an appointment for my next piece.
The Super Show did a fine job pulling in the crowd and supporting their chosen charity. With about 7500 in attendance over the two day show there were plenty of people to bid on the charity auction. The auction raised $6800 for The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum in Colorado Springs.
After seeing all the vendors some sunshine was in order. Out to the patio to listen to the band and check out the crowd. I thought Steve Ray was reincarnate and it could have been, the band was doing a good job on a couple of Steve Ray standards. BBQ and brats were on the grill and the beer was flowing. The folks were enjoying the warm sunshine and chillin away from the fray of the show.
Time for the bike show results and I was pulling for a couple of different bikes to show. Carrie Fouche’ won a first place for her Hayabusa. Talking to her later she said that of all her wins this meant the most. “Winning the home town show is special”. She shows all over Colorado and this year was invited to Oklahoma and has more shows in the works.
Time to hit the road home and the weather was cooperating; 70 and sunny. I didn’t even need my winter gloves. Heading north I opened the throttle and thought about the day. It was a good day at the show, talking to old friends and making new ones. A short 200 mile ride cruising the interstate was just what I needed. This is the best way to spend a day…
Until next time…
David Campbell
2014 SUPER SHOW BIKE SHOW WINNERS
MILD CUSTOM
Jim Phillips: Indian Spirit 2003 | 3rd place |
Jimmy Lemming: H-D Fat Boy 2009 | 2nd place |
Ed Kraus: H-D Dyna 2007 | 1st place |
FULL CUSTOM
Brett Taylor: Custom Softail 2014 | 3rd place |
Mel Bernstein: H-D Dragon II | 2nd place |
Rich Dinkel: Homebuilt H-D 2008 | 1st place |
RADICAL CUSTOM
Michael Mathis: Pro-One Lounge Lizard 2005 | 3rd place |
Rich Dinkel: H-D FXEF Shovelhead 1980 | 2nd place |
Greg Martinez: Big Bear Sled Deluxe 2007 | 1st place |
CLASSIC CUSTOM
Phat Rides: H-D Bobber 1965 | 3rd place |
Jim Fleck: H-D Panhead 1954 | 2nd place |
Phat Rides: H-D Bob Knuckle 1947 | 1st place |
CUSTOM XL
Robbie Derby: H-D XLCH Ironhead 1976 | 2nd place |
Gary Thurow: H-D Sportster XLCH 1968 | 1st place |
DRESSER
Walter Wickwire: Honda VTX 1300 2007 | 1st place |
CLASSIC
Cole Deister: H-D FL 1958 | 2nd place |
Jerry Pokorny: Indian Scout 1949 | 1st place |
ANTIQUE
Gary Hopkins: BSA Blue Star 1932 | 1st place |
CYCLE TRIKE
Scott Rinn: Homemade Trike/Chopper 2005 | 1st place |
COMPETITION
George Nachstheim: Triumph TR6 Racebike 1959 | 1st place |
Bill Laird: Triumph Daytona 955i 2003 | 2nd place |
STOCK EUROPEAN
Gene Horstman: Triumph T140D 1979 | 1st place |
CLASSIC EUROPEAN
Vaughn Fox: Norton Commando 1974 | 3rd place |
Frank Lee: Ducati 450 Jupiter 1969 | 2nd place |
Frank Puckett: Triumph T-100 1970 | 1st place |
CUSTOM EUROPEAN
Perry Clark: “Noriel” Ariel 4/Norton 1963 | 1st place |
SPECIAL INTEREST
Dana Robbins: Yamaha R5 350cc 1972 | 3rd place |
Gary Hurlburt: Yamaha YSR-50 1987 | 2nd place |
Todd Willis: Sears 250 SGS 1966 | 1st place |
SPORTBIKE
Carrie Fouche’: Suzuki Hayabusa 2012 | 1st place |
2014 BELT BUCKLE SPECIAL AWARDS
THE COLD AWARD
Sean Howell ’04 H-D Electra Glide Coffin Trlr
BEST PAINT
Bjorn Gudmestad ’10 Full Custom
BEST ENGINEERED
Phat Rides ’65 H-D Bobber
BEST DISPLAY
Rob Courtier ’94 Suzuki Intruder POW
JUDGE’S CHOICE
Phat Rides ’47 H-D Knuckle
BEST OF SHOW
Bjorn Gudmestad ’10 Full Custom
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Rich Dinkel ’80 H-D Shovelhead