Bikes roaring back into Addison

It started out as an experiment.

Organizers of the first Addison Motorcycle Show weren't sure if the event would be a hit or miss, but they hoped for the best.

And then, it rained.

So they rescheduled the fledgling celebration and hoped a few people would realize the bikes were still coming to town.

Instead, a huge crowd turned out to see about 100 motorcycles rev their engines, display their bodywork and even compete in a slow race.

"We had very little time to let people know and yet it ended up to be a really successful event," said Doree Krage, Addison's assistant community relations director.

So this Thursday, the bikes will be back. And instead of pairing up with a weekly concert in the park, as it did last year, Thursday's show will stand on its own.

"We sort of realized we are drawing a different audience than the concerts in the park," Krage said. "And though the Tuesday concerts in the park are wonderful, we figure it's more fun if we do it Thursday instead of all of it on the same night."

This year's event will feature bikes of all makes and models. And proud motorcycle owners will compete for trophies in four categories: extreme, stock, classic and chopper. Bikes will be judged by 9 FM's Open Road Radio personalities.

And bikers who don't win a prize still have a chance to claim victory in the obstacle course or slow race, which pits riders against each other to see who can ride the slowest and keep balance without touching the ground.

Other attractions include Big Wheel races and an engine-building contest for children, trivia contests and giveaways. Addison musician Joe Kalish will perform at 6 p.m. and Goin' South will take the stage at 7 p.m. Food and drinks also will be for sale from Pyramid Club.

Krage said that despite the hard-edge stereotype of bikers, Addison's show attracts a gentler crowd.

"I think the image the people have of motorcyclists is a little outdated," she said. "There were a lot of families out there and it was great to see."

Addison Motorcycle Show

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday (rain date July 17)

Where: Addison Village Green, east of village hall, 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison

Cost: Free admission

Details: (630) 543-4100 or www.addisonadvantage.org