American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 169 August 2013 | Page 64

Over 30,000 attend J&P Cycles’ Open House
J&P Cycles say that over 30,000 motorcyclists attended their 34th annual Open House rally on June 29th30th this year, at their Anamosa, Iowa headquarters. Billed as one of the largest two day motorcycle events in the Mid West, the company say that they recorded visitors from more than 20 different states, including some who had come from as far away as California, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New York. Special guests included stars from the hit television show “Sons of Anarchy”, with entertainment highlights including ‘1 Wheel Revolution’ who “wowed the crowds with their wheelies an burnouts.” With customers able to enjoy savings on parts and accessories and see some of the “hottest new products in the motorcycle industry” being shown by the more than 110 vendors on site, what started out as a small customer appreciation day staged by co-founders John and Jill Parham has now evolved into a firmly established major industry event. J&P Cycles General Manager Zach Parham (son of co-founders John and Jill) has been a part of the Open House rally ever since he was a youngster. “A lot of work oes into putting this event together, so seeing the motorcycles roll

in on Saturday morning is truly humbling” he says. “At some point, we thought we would hit a cap regarding visitors, and each year we go above and beyond the

previous year’s records. Next year is our 35th Anniversary so we’re hoping to hit the 35,000 visitor mark.” A silent auction raised just over $7,000 for the National Motorcycle Museum, and thousands of dollars in products were donated and given away by attending vendors as free door prizes.

Rome rumbles to celebratory roar of v-twins
The long weekend of June 13th to 16th saw the European leg of Harley-Davidson’s year long celebration of its 110th anniversary paint the always chaotic streets of Rome orange and black as an estimated 100,000 Harley riders invaded the eternal city. Highlights included concerts, ride-outs, a custom bike show and a Harley village at the event HQ at the nearby port of Ostia. However, all other events were eclipsed by the papal blessing attended by thousands of Harley owners on Sunday June 16th, as Pope Francis was treated to a less than familiar sight as the Vatican visitor demographic dramatically changed in sound and character for the day! Harley-Davidson marked the occasion with the presentation to his Holiness of the ‘freedom jacket’ (a one of one piece of Harley apparel that had traversed the globe as the celebrations took in all six continents) and two special edition (white!) Harleys for the Vatican City police. www.harley-davidson.com