The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) announced details surrounding the first-ever Garage Party, an all-new interactive show element that incorporates live music, a custom bike building competition, an extensive display of past and present custom V-Twin motorcycles, a wide range of AIMExpo exhibitors, and an entertaining after party at the new Ace Cafe Orlando. AIMExpo returns to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) for the third year, opening its doors to the public on October 17-18.
The festivities kick off on Friday night, October 16, with a meet-and-greet at Ace Cafe Orlando for competing builders in the AIMExpo Championship of the Americas. Open to fans and members of the industry alike, this gathering will feature some of the most talented custom builders from both North and South America and will serve as the formal start of this world-class qualifier event. The winner, who will be crowned on Sunday afternoon, will earn a coveted entry to the 2016 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, held at the Intermot International Motorcycle Fair in Cologne, Germany. Four classes of motorcycles – Freestyle, Retro Custom, Street Custom and Performance Custom – will be on display throughout the weekend. The Chopper Legends Showcase gets underway at AIMExpo in the OCCC on Saturday morning where custom diggers and choppers from the 70's, 80's, 90's and today will be highlighted. Featured builders include Dave Perewitz, Charlie Hadayia, Sr., Jesse James, Freddie Arnold, Kyle Shorey, Paul Ponkow, Denny Berg and Pat Patterson. On Saturday afternoon the host of the Garage Party, Bill Dodge of Bling Cycles, will lead a ride from his shop in Daytona Beach, Florida that will bring riders to the front doors of AIMExpo in Orlando. Live music will keep the Garage Party going on Saturday night, followed by the official AIMExpo after party revving up back at the Ace Cafe Orlando. "I am overwhelmed with all the support we have received for the Garage Party,” said Bob Kay, AIMExpo V-Twin Director. “Exhibitors, brands, dealers, media and iconic builders throughout the V-Twin industry have jumped at the chance to get involved. What the Garage Party represents, which is also a theme carried throughout AIMExpo, is a fresh and exciting way to celebrate our passion for motorcycles. It is sure to attract a lot of attention and we can’t wait to kick things off on Friday at the brand new Ace Cafe here in Orlando.” In addition to the Championship of the Americas competition and Chopper Legends Showcase, the Garage Party area will feature a number of AIMExpo exhibitors that build retro café and bobber motorcycles, supply parts and engines, and serve as one of a kind motorcycle artisans. In addition to long-standing V-Twin brands such as S&S Cycles, Barnett Tool and Engineering, and James Gaskets, AIMExpo will also feature two new brands as Jason Paul Michaels, creator and co-founder of Dime City Cycles, debuts his new venture, Standard Motorcycle Co., and Kyle Shorey introduces Speed Foundry of Texas to the industry. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Garage Party Ambassador Leticia Cline, who will be in attendance.