The 3rd Annual Rider Appreciation Day was held on June 30, 2012 at Corbin’s workshop in Hollister, CA. Everything was perfect…the weather, the crowds, the food, the entertainment and most importantly…Corbin’s incredible staff that donated thousands of hours into making this the “Perfect Event.” Thousands showed up to attend this one-day event from all over California as well as Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon and I “personally know” at least one person that flew in from Australia just to attend this event…my girlfriend Lyn.
Mike Corbin, The “Idea Guy” that keeps things flowing smoothly at Corbin sends his personal thanks to the thousands of riders for supporting Corbin in their efforts to keep Independence Day alive in Hollister. Mike stated, “The Rider's support is very much appreciated and is the most important element in the pursuit of the American Biker's right to celebrate 4th of July in the " Birthplace of the American Biker…Hollister, CA." “I promise you next year will be even bigger and better so plan ahead and you may be surprised to hear that we’re considering making this a 2 day event so keep in touch throughout the year”, Mike concluded. Anyone that didn’t have a motel reservation this year got stuck staying outside of Hollister…You couldn’t find a vacant motel room for 20 miles from Corbin’s rally headquarters so planning ahead is a good idea for next year!
Corbin had a trade show right on their property and many of the more recognized names in the industry were there including: Samson Exhaust, Barnett Clutches, Ride Wright Wheels, Mid-USA, Arlen Ness, Renegade Classics, Custom Chrome Inc., Cycle Gear and at least 40 other industry related companies. The Backyard Blues Band as well as Jay Gordon (formerly Jay Gordon and the Penetrators) Blues / Blues Rock Band provided non-stop live rock and roll music throughout the day which provided a nice touch while strolling around and checking out the latest and greatest from the different venders.
World land speed record holder Rocky Robinson and his twenty-one foot record holding streamliner Ack Attack, owned by Mike Akatiff, was on display front and center. Rocky is the current holder of the Unlimited Motorcycle World Land Speed Record… a distinction he's earned more than once and spent the day answering rally attendee questions.
Biker Bob emceed the bike show again this year and did an incredible job entertaining the crowd. There were hundreds of jaw dropping customs to drool over and there were 6 different class winners as well as the Grand Prize winner which won a feature photoshoot and article with IronWorks Magazine. Marilyn Stemp, publisher and managing editor was on hand to award Juan A. Gutierrez of Watsonville, CA the IronWorks Magazine “IW Editor's Award” for his outstanding 1997 FLHR Road King which took 3 years to build.
Corbin was running free factory tours throughout the day and offered a 10% event discount and free installation to everyone that attended the rally which caused a traffic jam of bikes getting custom seats tailor made to fit their bikes and bodies. There must have been 75+ bikes that received the royal treatment on their new Corbin seats. All in all, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I for one am looking forward to attending Corbin’s 4th Annual Rider Appreciation Day.
For those interested in obtaining more information on Corbin, you can reach them at 800-538-7035 or online at www.corbin.com. Visit Corbin Headquarters at 2360 Technology Parkway, Hollister, CA. 95023 or Corbin Florida at 1433 US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.
