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Written by Keith Steele
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Wednesday, 09 May 2007 |
 Ok so the season is upon us and hopefully you have T-clocked your bike, logged a few miles and embraced spring as only a rider can. I encourage you to enjoy the re-emergence of the monthly columns. Joe Rock has offered up a variety of shows coming to Long Island and Chef Riggio wants your input. I said in my last Pulse that I would report on the past weekends 1st annual Long Island BikeFest so here we go.
First let me state that a well deserved pat on the back goes to the guys that put it together. I know first hand the amount of work and stress related to setting up an event of this scale and I am glad someone finally had the balls and funds to try it. Let also understand seasoned veterans of Bike festivals and such already have a predetermined notion of what to expect and keep in mind this was the first stab at one on Long Island. With all that being said I have to say I was disappointed at the turn out as well as the offering. The events gorgeous flyers sported a
laundry list of activities and attractions yet were very surreptitious
in the area of specifics. Be that as it may one would have to go to see
just to find out what this was all about, and quite frankly to me it
seamed to be about making money. Which is fine in this capitalistic
society we live in I say go for it! But be upfront.
The event was held in the parking lot of one of Long Islands family
entertainment gems Splish Splash. The flyer stated free parking but
neglected to mention the $15.00 admission price. Once in, one found
them selves standing in a, well, a parking lot a really big parking
lot. On one end were the vendors and stage and food. I purchased a
$7.00 steak flavored roll. (read sarcasm). I then wandered around
trying to figure out what and where to go and do first. I decided to
traverse the vendor area and left feeling like I was at a flea market
with a few bikes. There was more jewelry and trailers than bikes. The
biggest tent there housed the local 81 tables of support gear.
It was great to see Lee and Robin of Full Throttle as well as Mario and
the guys from HA. I even saw my old buddy Ralph Tortora who had a booth
filled with cool art pieces for sale. Lighthouse HD, Empire Cycles,
Suffolk County Choppers and a couple other bike dealers had displays
but not nearly an amount I would expect at a festival.
The stage was nice and big as was the gapping wide area of nothing in
front of it. The bands played well and Jim Moran’s band had a guest
appearance by Ed Terry.
All the way over on the other side of this parking lot was a
“Professional Stunt Show”, I’m sorry but a bunch of guys in tee shirts
doing wheelies does not constitute a stunt show. Now granted there was
a set of big ramps in the middle of this area but I never saw them
used. And might I add Professionals would have worn protective gear to
set an example for the wide eyed kids at the display. Hell even Evil
Knievel wore at least leather.
There was a couple of inflatable’s and face painting for the kids as well.
In the end the general consensus was one of two trains of thought . 1)
this is a good idea I hope they do better next time. Or 2) this sucks.
My feeling is it certainly could have been called vendor-fest but not
suck-fest. I have a feeling these guys will pull together and give us
something much better next time. Because no one wants to pay $15.00
just to shop. We already have several of those events. We could use a
real BikeFest. Good Luck guys I really want to see you succeed not suck.
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