Ron Simms customs: Ron Simms bikes on display at Street Vibrations 2008 in Reno

Crowds, Custom Motorcycles, Crowds, Music, Crowds, and more Crowds

This year's Street Vibrations in downtown Reno was even crazier than I expected. The streets were filled beyond capacity with bikers and performers. There were so many people that we couldn't get a good look at much of the surroundings on Friday or Saturday. Luckily we were on the scene Thursday and were able to scope out some of the vendor booths and other attractions in a more relaxed setting.

This year featured the usual assortment of side shows: Rock and blues bands, Ted Nugent made an appearance, and Monte Perlin's Globe-O-Cross drew major crowds.

And of course, major bike builders and custom houses were there -- such as Big Dog and Simms. Big Dog had their usual models on display, and they were drawing crowds. On a related note: while in Reno, I heard a late-night commercial for a local Big Dog dealer, offering $10K discounts on certain models. It seems obvious that the economic woes are going to have an impact on big-ticket discretionary spending, and a hyper-custom motorcycle is probably about as discretionary as it's going to get. Rough times ahead...

Street Vibrations Event Photos

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Friday Qualifying

Angelle Sampey Burnout

The temperature was cooler than normal and times and speeds were good.

Pro Stock Motorcycles

Two wheels, incredible power and speed. Drag racing doesn't get much more elemental than riding a Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Antron Brown - Pro Stock Motorcycle vs. Top Fuel Dragster

Antron Brown

Dwight:

How did you get the Top Fuel ride?

Antron:

Driving in Top Fuel is something that I have always dreamed about. Matco Tools sponsored me for five years and they gave me the chance. Lee Beard orchestrated the deal and team owner David Powers trusted Lee's opinion and believed in me.

Dwight:

Are you surprised at your early successes?

Antron:

I spent five years with the Schumacher team and learned what it takes to win. Lee Beard has a long history of winning races and championships. The Matco Tools team has the work ethic, talent and is committed to win championships. This is our first year together and we are only scratching the surface of what we can accomplish.