Gettysburg, PA – Gettysburg Bike Week celebrated
its 14th year with a record crowd, a return to the All-Star Events Complex
and more events than ever. Festivities commenced on Wednesday night with a
kick-off party at Dobbin House Tavern, featuring a 98.5 The Peak live feed,
photo ops with Bill O’Brien and bikini-contest contestants and live music
from Schitzophonic.
Gettysburg Bike Week officially began Thursday afternoon with Klinger McFry
singing the National Anthem. Vicious Cycles, Inc., Franklin Church Choppers
and Hellion Custom Cycles then began the bike build-off contest, vying for
top-dog status, each confident that theirs would be the winning cycle on the
S.S. Vape Stage Saturday night. Legendary emcee Jack Schit was on hand for
opening ceremonies and presided over the rally throughout, introducing
events and live bands in his inimitable style. At 4 p.m., bikes hit asphalt
for the Pink Journey of Lights charity ride. And headliner David Allen Coe
rounded out the first night with the outlaw country and blues stylings he’s
become famous for.
“We had high hopes going in,” said Kelly Shue, GBW event coordinator, “but,
to be perfectly honest, the reality way exceeded our expectations. We are so
glad to be back at the Allstar and it seems that riders are too.”
Friday began with wind in the hair as riders rolled out for the Poker Run.
The day’s tattoo contest, sponsored by Tattoos By Nate, featured dozens of
men and women taking to the S.S. Vape Stage and baring all manner of ink on
skin. Later, the International Bikini Team Girls entertained while working
the bikini wash. And great music featured throughout, with Xstrophy, Ghost
of War, Great Train Robbery, and Smokin Gunnz hitting the stage and keeping
it warm until the headliner, Southern blues rock icons The Outlaws, brought
it home.
Saturday took it over the top with more music, more International Bikini
Team and bike games and burnouts. The Parade of Chrome rolled bright and
proud, returning to the Allstar Events Complex at 5:30 p.m., in time for the
Bike Build-Off Contest finals, where Hellion Custom Cycles took top honors.
The official bikini contest prelims happened at 6 p.m., and the final round
commenced two hours later, , right before legendary Southern fried rockers
Jackyl took to the stage and the crowd got what they came for, Rock and
Roll.