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State’s largest motorcycle show to be hosted by Power 50 dealer

Raleigh, N.C., streets rumble with the thunder of motorcyclists on Sept. 25-27, 2015 during the 11th annual Ray Price Capital City Bikefest, presented by GEICO Motorcycle. The festival features a wide range of family friendly activities in downtown Raleigh and at the Ray Price dealership. Capital City Bikefest is the state’s largest motorcycle festival, attracting visitors from across the Southeast.

Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane rides as grand marshal of Bikefest with Ray Price.
Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane rides as grand marshal of Bikefest with Ray Price.

The art of motorcycling also is on display at the Ray Price Motorsports Expo inside the Raleigh Convention Center. A custom bike show sanctioned by the International Master Bike Builders Association is attracting builders from around the nation.

“We love bringing thousands of new faces into downtown Raleigh to appreciate cool art on two wheels,” said Mark Hendrix, general manager of Ray Price Harley-Davidson and Ray Price Triumph. “Capital City Bikefest is unique because Raleigh hosts one of the country’s only downtown street festivals for bikers.”

Downtown Raleigh roars to life with over 100,000 visitors to Capital City Bikefest.
Downtown Raleigh roars to life with over 100,000 visitors to Capital City Bikefest.

More than 125,000 people attended Capital City Bikefest last year, including 35,000 who enjoyed the first year of the Ray Price Motorsports Expo indoors.

“This locally produced event captures Ray’s passion for riding, bringing together diverse cultures, a range of live performers, and what’s quickly become among the hottest custom bike shows in the Southeast,” said Hendrix. “We always want it to be a fun, family event that showcases 100 years of motorcycle culture here in Raleigh.”

The Ray Price Motorsports Expo coincides with Bikefest, attracting hundreds of custom bike builders competing in this IMBBA sanctioned event.
The Ray Price Motorsports Expo coincides with Bikefest, attracting hundreds of custom bike builders competing in this IMBBA sanctioned event.

Festivities begin on Friday with the Mountain Dew Kickstart Parade and Parade of Lights. That evening and all day Saturday, Fayetteville St. will be home to free live performances, including 20 bands of various music styles, including rockabilly artists, Koffin Kats. Events benefit charities USO of North Carolina and the U.S. Veterans Corps.

Families enjoy the IMBBA-sanctioned custom bike show at the Ray Price Motorsports Expo in Raleigh.
Families enjoy the IMBBA-sanctioned custom bike show at the Ray Price Motorsports Expo in Raleigh.

The free Ray Price Motorsports Expo also hosts thrills indoors on Sept. 26-27. A custom bike show sanctioned by the International Master Bike Builders Association will feature 200+ custom bikes built by the nation’s top custom builders.

Other indoor activities include: Raleigh TattooFest, drift trike races, BMX stunt shows, trials bike stunts, a 1940s classic pin-up style contest, fashion shows, Freedom Biker Church service and much more. The “Baggers, Bobbers & Bikers” history exhibit, recently featured at City of Raleigh Museum, moves to the Expo to showcase 100 years of Raleigh motorcycle culture, vintage bikes and artifacts. Also, a motorcycle will be built “live” over two days. Last year’s featured bike will be donated to a military veteran for Kangaroo Express’ “Salute Our Troops.”

Capital City Bikefest attracts 100,000 people to downtown Raleigh.
Capital City Bikefest attracts 100,000 people to downtown Raleigh.

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