Two Wheels to Go Crazy

International Motorcycle Supershow arrived in Toronto

Motorcycles are often synonyms for passion, freedom, fantasy, and emotion. Riding these portents of power and speed, emotions certainly run free. This is well known to bike lovers, as well as to the over 50,000 visitors of last week's North American International Motorcycle Supershow 2003. They visited out of curiosity, to find out about the newest products, but also to admire so many owner-customized bikes, veritable jewels. "They're beautiful, chromed, so shiny," remarked an enthusiastic Romi G., 16 years of age and the dream of one day riding a Ducati. "For lovers of motorcycles this exhibition is a unique opportunity, not to be missed."
After all, this edition of the International Motorcycle Supershow (the 27th) accommodated close to 300 vendors and 70 clubs and associations in a 300,000-square foot area. They displayed everything from bikes to accessories to clothing - leather pants, belts, and jackets, t-shirts, even theme jewellery. "The show was once again a qualified success," commented show producer Bar Hodgson.
The crowd of visitors wandered about, snooped around, got photographed posing astride one of the many machines on exhibit, mythical Harley-Davidsons and Indians, Ducatis and Hondas, Yamahas and Kawasakis. "This was one of the best shows I've ever seen," declared a manifestly satisfied Pat Jacox, of Jacox Harley-Davidson. "We sold many more bikes than we had foreseen."
What really charmed visitors, however, were the custom bikes, made unique by the care for details, colours, and patterns created by a long and laborious work. "My Harley is beautiful," told us an anonymous exhibitor. "I spent a lot of money on it, as the aesthetics of one's bike reflect the creativity and personality of its rider. As soon as the weather allows it, from spring to fall, I lose no occasion to run around on my bike, with people looking curiously at me." Motorcycles are part of an undiminished myth that gives a unique thrill, an unparalleled sense of freedom. This is no less true today than in the past. "Its roar makes my adrenaline flow," concluded the young biker. "It fills me up with positive sensations. Riding my Harley, the world is at my feet."

Publication Date: 2004-01-18
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3542