FILE PHOTO - Hundreds of bikes are parked in a lot during the J&P Cycles 30th anniversary celebration open house in Anamosa on Saturday, June 27, 2009. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)
ANAMOSA — More than 25,000 people — most of them arriving on motorcycles — are expected to visit Eastern Iowa this weekend for the annual two-day open house rally at J&P Cycles near Anamosa.
The aftermarket retailer of motorcycle parts, located off Highway 151, has lined up more than 100 motorcycle vendors displaying their merchandise.
The J&P Cycles open house rally started out as a small customer appreciation day held by co-founders John and Jill Parham to thank customers for their business throughout the year. The event has turned into a two-day rally and, outside of Sturgis, S.D., is one of the only places in the Midwest to see as many motorcycle manufacturers in a single location.
J&P Cycles, founded in 1979, is the world’s largest catalog retailer of aftermarket parts and accessories for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Entertainment at the June 23-24 event includes Geoff Aaron’s Red Bull Extreme Stunt Show, 1 Wheel Revolution. Ride-in bike shows on both days will offer visitors an opportunity to win awards in several classes.
American Iron, Motorcycle Bagger and RoadBike magazines are sponsoring the June 23 show for all makes and models. Registration will be from 8 to 11 a.m. or the first 50 bikes. The June 24 show is for Vintage and Retro Bobber motorcycles and is sponsored by American Iron magazine. Registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. or the first 50 bikes. The entry fee is $15 for each bike.
J&P Cycles will offer a 10 percent discount on parts and accessories as well as featuring clearance items at up to 50 percent off. Visitors can sign up to win more than $7,000 in door prizes and donate for a chance to win the National Motorcycle Museum’s 2012 Indian Chief. A silent auction will benefit the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa.
- By George Ford
