Bikes, Blues & BBQ - Details

Last week Northwest Arkansas hosted a major motorcycle rally.  Over 200,000 visitors descend on this region for four days.  Scroll down a couple of posts if you want to see some the bikes that were in town.  Today I am featuring the details.

The gas tank has always been where the signature piece of artwork appears on the bike.  However, in recent years bikes have been covered in art from fender to fender.  Just scroll down a couple of posts to see what I mean.  I prefer the simpler graphics to the outrageous works that some display.  For me, you can have too much of a good thing.

 On the other hand, I never get tired of looking at a sparkling engine.  I have never ridden a motorcycle but I do admire the machinery.

If you prefer not to have the full wind-in-the-face ride, then adding an accessory like this will keep your hair straight and the bugs out of your teeth.

Like I said, some bikes had artwork from fender to fender.

In recent years the Indian motorcycle company has been reborn and this fender is an example of their vintage offering.  It is a beautiful and very impressive machine. The Vintage Indian is nostalgic from front to back, complete with leather saddle bags and fringe.

Even the headgear does not escape the artistic touch.  Well, that's wraps up another year of Bikes, Blues & BBQ.  I'm already looking forward to next year.  Have a blessed week.

Bikes Blues & BBQ

There are several major events that take place in Northwest Arkansas every year, but none are bigger than Bikes Blues & BBQ.  Now in it's 17th year, over 200,000 bikers descend on this part of the state each year for four days.  If you don't like motorcycles, you just need to leave for a short vacation.  I have never ridden a motorcycle, but they have become pieces of rolling art and I love photographing them, so I headed down to one of the main gathering places Wednesday to catch some of the machines as they rolled into town.

In the bike world this is known as a "Bagger" because of the stylized saddle bags on the rear fender.  This is also one of the more custom bikes that I saw.

While this is a new bike it is a vintage design and a true "Bagger".  Who doesn't love a little fringe.  How many of you had a buckskin fringe jacket in the late 60's or early 70's?  I know I did.

As the biker community ages (Baby Boomers) trikes are becoming more popular.  The newer designs feature two wheels in front and a single wheel behind.  They are actually more stable in a corner than the traditional designs.  However, the trike in the bottom image probably weighs as much as a Honda Civic and is more expensive.  These things can push $40K.

Custom paint and graphics have always been a part of personalizing your ride and these were the two most outrageous examples that I found.  I guess that's enough for one day.  I have detail images that I will share very soon, so come back.  Until then, keep the shiny side up.  Have a blessed week.