Hunt Valley Cars and Coffee

Hunt Valley Cars and Coffee is having it's 6-month anniversary tomorrow morning.  My friend Gypsy Jack has told me it's turned into quite a big and fun “gearhead” meetup for people from around Maryland and Pennsylvania.  People will even drive up from Virginia for Hunt Valley Cars and Coffee to my understanding.

The Hunt Valley Cars and Coffee not only attracts a wide range of people, but cars and vehicles are diverse too.  Classics, tuners, exotics, sportbikes, cruisers, lowriders, hot rods, etc.  You name it, someone is going to come by with it, probably has, or eventually will.  Check out some pictures from Hunt Valley Cars and Coffee.

Where: Hunt Valley Towne Centre, 118 Shawan Rd, Hunt Valley MD, 21030

When: Saturdays, 7:30 am – 10:30 am

Why: Because you like talking with other gearheads!

People usually gather in front of the closed Best Buy, since that is where the most parking is.  Most people go over to Caribou Coffee to get coffee.  Some people stay until 10:30 but I believe most are out of there by 9:30.

FYI after or before) Cars and Coffee I would recommend going to the Pennsylvania Dutch Market on York Rd.  All you do is take a right on York Rd and go for about half a mile and then turn left onto Ashland Rd.  The baked goods, donuts, and food there is AMAZING and it's run by Amish.  Also the coffee here will be better in my opinion.  It's a great thing to do if you have out-of-town guests or want to treat yourself.  The Amish have me hooked on their apple fritters and cookies!

Timonium Motorcycle Show brings Bikes & Bikers to MD

If you love motorcycles, chrome, leather, and hot babes, than the 2012 Timonium Motorcycle Show was the place for you to be.  The Timonium Motorcycle Show takes place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds every year in February and is one of the largest indoor bike shows up and down the Mid-Atlantic. The show covers around 750,000 square feet of floor space and features all sorts of exciting events and bikes over the three days it takes place.

This year's show, which took place February 10th-12th, was a cold weekend. A little cold never keeps bikers away as the parking lot was packed, as usual. Walking in from the parking lot you can always tell the enormity of the event by the all the out-of-state license plates, Virginia, Pennsylvania, even as far away as North Carolina. Luckily those people didn't drive all that way for nothing as this year's show was quite good.

Walking into the entrance you are greeted by a glorious display of Harley-Davidson motorcycles showcased by Harley-Davidson of Baltimore. My favorite Harley at the show? Honestly… it is too hard to decide.

Behind the Harley-Davidson display was Bob's BMW with their exciting BMW offerings, which included the special K-1300S HP package. Improving upon BMW's amazing K-1300 S, the K-1300 S HP package offers a 175-horsepower with carbon parts for the front wheel cover, battery cover and rear seat cowling, making the bike light. It also has a beautiful Akrapović sports silencer and a paddock stand. Only 750 of these amazing motorcycle will be made, which is disappointing, but at least I was able to see one.

Victory Motorcycles was also at the show. The bike everyone always seems to crowd I have noticed is the Victory Vision Tourer. It's striking lines and amazing shape really catch the eye and make a lot of people stop to take a closer look.  It screams, “Ride me!”

Some other brands I enjoyed seeing at Timonium Motorcycle Show were Triumph and Indian. There is something about the classic look of the Triumph Bonneville and Triumph Scramblers which is so hard not to love. It takes me back to a simpler time, when I wasn't even alive! I talked with the salesmen about how it has been selling motorcycles in this economy and it seems Triumph sales have endured. As the Bonneville is a popular among celebrities and Marlon Brando rode a Triumph in the famous movie “The Wild One.”

The beautiful Indian Chiefs on display form Indian Motorcycles of New Jersey were quite amazing too. Lots of people stopped and commented on how beautiful the bikes were.  Better save your money because the least expensive Chief model starts around $26,000.  Worth, probably.

There were also many custom bikes at the show.  Paul Teutal Jr.'s first he built after he split from Orange County Choppers was on display at the Geico Insurance booth.  The Geico Insurance bike is a cool looking bike, but it has fairly useless infrared sensor. One of my favorites at the show every year is a motorcycle dedicated to The Beatles. The gas tank is adorned with the famous Abbey Road album cover picture. Who doesn't love the Beatles? Most interesting vehicle of any kind would have to be the Monocycle. That thing must be hard to ride and control!  There were countless other amazing custom motorcycles at the show as well.

Every bike enthusiasts has a different style and taste, and most likely you will find something that will suit your style at the Timonium Motorcycle Show.  Since this year was the 10th Anniversary of the show, it felt particularly exciting experience. If you missed it this year, be sure to check it out next year.  See my pictures below and check out my International Bikini Team Contest coverage.

2012 ‘Best Of’ Award Winners

Judge’s Choice Best of Show:  #5702 Denny Ritchie / 2010 Roadkill Chopper

People’s Choice Best of Show:  #5715 Rick Levitan / 2002 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide – ‘Beatles Themed Bike’

Best Display of Show:  #5505 Curtis Wolfe / 1966 Harley Davidson Sportster

Best Handcrafted Parts:  #5711 Troy Helmick  / 1974 Honda CL 360

Best Paint of Show:  #5207 Kevin Webb / 2007 Harley Davidson Nightrain

3rd Annual Beatris Landis Memorial Award for Best Antique

Best Antique of Show:   #5818 Brian Kehoe / 1939 Indian Jr. Scout

Publishers Choice Award – Presented By Born to Ride Magazine

#3010 John Nicklin / 1976 Honda Radical Trike

For pictures of the winners check Timonium Motorcycle Show's Website.

Win Baltimore Grand Prix Tickets

Do you want to go to the Baltimore Grand Prix?  Well you are in luck!  Mr. Tire is giving away 250 pairs of tickets to the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix for Friday September 2nd.  All you need to do is fill out and submit your information on the online entry form. Then you could win tickets to the event.  You better hurry to enter as the sweepstakes ends August 22nd, 2011.

There is a catch.  You can enter if you reside in Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia or West Virginia.  If you live in other states… sorry you are not eligible.  I assume most people within the specified entry states are most likely the majority of people who would be attending the Baltimore Grand Prix anyway.

The winners will be notified by email on August 24th.  So don't make any plans for Labor day weekend if you enter.  Remember this is big event for Baltimore.  If you win some tickets I hope to see you there!

To enter visit: http://www.mrtire.com/grandprix/

Tuner Evolution in York, PA – July 16

Get ready for Tuner Evolution this Saturday, July 16th at Sovereign Bank Stadium in York, PA. It's going to be an amazing show. There will be many events and activities including:

  • The Anti Team Motorcycle Stunt Crew will be performing amazing motorcycle tricks and stunts.
  • Model Lounge, will feature some the hottest models in the import world. Models will be some of the best newcomers and veterans in the industry.
  • Bikini Contest, What would a car show be without a Bikini Contest? Nice looking ladies will be participating for a chance to win money. I'm sure this will not interest male attendees though!
  • The Wheelie Machine, will be at the show so you can experience riding a wheelie in a controlled and safe manner.
  • Motorcycle Midway, new for this year's show it's going to feature some of the most amazing custom motorcycles.
  • Hooters Wing Eating Competition, presented by Hooters of York. Try eating as many wings as you can.
  • Roburritos Burrito Eating Contest, contestants try to eat a 5lb burrito full of hot sauce as quickly as possible. Good luck if you want to try this!
  • AM Flatland Circuit Freestyle BMX Competition, “Freestyle break dancing on a bike.” this sport is rising in recognition and popularity. Amateurs and pros will be performing.
  • Driftsylvania RC Drift Demo, this is RC Drifting at it's best!
  • Basic 717, will be playing cool music throughout the show from currents hits to oldies.
  • US Army Rock Climbing Wall, here's your chance to finally try climbing.
  • Kids Playground, A new feature of the show that has a carousel, climbing area, slides, and other great things for kids. Drop them off here and forget about them for the day. It's a completely supervised environment.

Appearances by:

  • Ramon Foster, of the Pittsburgh Steelers, will be on hand to sign autographs and meet with fans throughout the show.
  • Phene, a great hip-hip artist who has performed with Lloyd, Cassidy and other artists. His has 7 solo mix projects and 400 mixtape appearances.
  • Pete Colello, over the years Pete has made some of the craziest and most creative show vehicles. He will have his Camaro on display with twin turbo and the VIP Hyundai Equus.
  • Aaron Vaccar, is the youngest out of Vaccar family brood. He will be featuring his AutoLife tour on a stacker trailer with, one-of-a-kind vehicles, lifestyle lounge, and give-aways. Only 20 events will be lucky enough to have the Autolife tour this year and Tuner Evolution is one of them.
  • Neil Tjin, an extremely influential automotive designer. He and his staff have built 60 high profile vehicles over 14 years. Stop by the Tjin Edition Roadshow to see some of the best aftermarket products. Check out Tjin Edition Ford Mustang GT 5.0 and the Tjin Edition Ford Fiesta.
  • Ramon Trevino, is an exceptional Graffitti artist. He will be at the show demonstrating his art abilities.

I will be going up to cover the show. I hope to see you there!

For additional info visit: http://www.tuner-evolution.com/

Car Shows and events in July

Tuner Evolution, Soverign Bank Stadium, July 16

 

Here is a quick listing and rundown of Car/Bike Shows and Events taking place in the area for July, 2011.  I hope to see you at a couple of them.

  • Car Show and Carnival, Proceeds benefit local Boy Scouts and local mission, Calvary United Methodist Church, Annapolis MD, July 9, 11am – 4pm,
  • Chevy vs. Ford Showdown, Security Square Mall, July 9, Baltimore MD, $5 Admission
  • Vintage Car Lovers 21st Annual Car Show, Longwood Community Center, Brookeville MD, 8am – 2pm, Free for Spectators
  • R&H Toyota 1st Annual Car Show, Proceeds benefit The Children's Guild, R&H Toyota Service Center, Owings Mills MD, July 16, 9am – 3pm, Free for Spectators
  • Hogs & Heroes Bike/Car Show & Poker Run, Old Glory Harley Davidson, Laurel MD, July 30, Registration 9am – 11:30am, Fee $30
  • Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle PA, July 8-10, 7am – 6pm (Sun. 7am – 3pm), $10 Admission
  • Carlisle Bike Fest, Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle PA, July 22-24, 8am – 7pm (Sun. 9am-4pm), $8 Admission
  • Tuner Evolution, Sovereign Bank Stadium, July 16, 2pm – 10pm, $10 Admission

 

*If I am missing an event or show or you would like me to add an event, please email me.