PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW: KICKING THE TIRES IN DALLAS

As the temperature once again drops below freezing in Central Texas, it’s good to have something to look forward to. In this case, The Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Dallas, coming up the first weekend in February.

With FREE Motorcycle Parking and FREE Gear Check, plus motorcycle stunts, vintage bikes on display, and with a host of current and new models and assorted accessories, what more could you ask for? Free swag? It’s everywhere at the show!

All those things and more are why I make the 400-mile round-trip from Austin to Dallas every January. I get to see what’s new, alongside what’s old. The Motorcycle Universe! And then some. All under one roof.

As a Kawasaki ad from the late 1970’s proclaimed; “Getting there isn’t why we ride, riding is why we go”. For diehard motorcyclists, just the sight of a motorcycle conjures up a message to ride. And to ride as often as you can.

Compared to auto shows, motorcycle shows are few and far between. But Progressive Insurance produces a good show – in fact, several good shows – all around the country. There’s always plenty of swag, and it’s a cool place to hang out and look at practically everything that’s new on two wheels. There’s also, of course, boots, gloves, helmets, leathers and assorted accessories from a host of aftermarket vendors.

Unlike a car show, a motorcycle show is not about practicality. It’s about desire and passion. Almost every visitor is either a motorcyclist, or a wannabe motorcyclist. Few attendees are neutral. Most are loyal to one brand or another, and that camaraderie is apparent in what they wear and where they gather. But they still want to see what’s out there among other brands.

To be a motorcyclist is to understand and appreciate the weather, the road surfaces, the changes in elevation, and the dangers inherent in everyday traffic, where you are most vulnerable. And everyone visiting the show understands that because, unlike in a car, every motorcyclist needs to be aware of his or her surroundings 100% of the time. Anything less is to risk your life.

There are riders at the show that prefer local riding to long distance riding, and vice versa. There are riders who commute to and from work every day on a bike. And there are riders who only have the time to ride on weekends. But they’re all represented at the show. And regardless of occupation, or age, or any other factor you can think of, they all share one similar passion, a love for motorcycles and motorcycling. As Malcolm Smith so eloquently put it years ago: “We eat, breathe, sleep, live, love and breathe motorcycles.”

So with that in mind, and knowing the freezing weather will soon be gone for another year, I’m looking forward to heading up to Dallas in February. And I’d hope to see you there!

PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW

KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER,
DALLAS 2/2 – 2/4

SHOW HOURS
Friday
3:00pm – 7:00pm
Saturday
10:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday
10:00am – 3:00pm
www.motorcycleshows.com