Freedom Riders of North Dakota brought bikes, beer and brotherhood to its 35th annual Motorcycle Classic bike show and fundraiser auction, filling the Ramkota Inn's ballroom -- and parking lot -- to the brim with wheels and more. <\/p>\n
Walking the isles of the show studying each bike as if it were a masterpiece in a museum was Dan Guenzi, of Glendive, Mont. Along with the two bikes he entered in this year's show, he had his two grandchildren in tow. On Saturday, he stopped and pointed to the details worthy of the kids' attention. <\/p>\n
One of two bikes entered this year was his 2006 Shrine Fire Fighter Limited, which he has been customizing since the first snowfall of last year. Guenzi is a regular at the show, participating for the past 10 years. <\/p>\n
When asked why he rides bike, Guenzi replied, \"Because I can, two wheels and the wind in my face.\" Guenzi said he has been riding and working on bikes for more than 50 years. <\/p>\n
Another participant had a personal story to share about the custom 2010 Harley Davidson Road Glide he had entered in the show. Shawn Strand said the bike had once belonged to his friend, Brian Gebeke. When he died, Strand wanted to keep the bike within their circle of friends, so he bought it from his pal's wife and decided to customize it in his memory. <\/p>\n
\"It's not just one individual component that makes this bike unique; it is all the components working together that make it unique. But what makes this bike special is the fact it was my great friend's bike,\" Strand said. <\/p>\n
The bikes, ranging from classics to sport bikes, competed in 11 divisions, with the top three in each being awarded. Non-division trophies were also given in such categories as people's choice and best paint. <\/p>\n
Bike enthusiasts were not the only winners at the event. The Freedom Riders put together an auction of items, ranging from televisions to bike collectibles and a guitar. Last year's event brought in $53,000. <\/p>\n
\"Bikers do more than just ride bike. They do amazing things for our community. They raise money to help other people,\" said president and founder of Carrie's Kids, Carrie Grosz. \"When you see the Freedom Riders come in to help, they take you by storm. They are going to move boxes, they open up doors, impeccable manners. There is just so many awesome and amazing things that the Freedom Riders and other biker clubs do.\" <\/p>\n
The annual show continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 per person. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read the rest here: <\/p>\n
Freedom Riders revved for annual bike show<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Freedom Riders of North Dakota brought bikes, beer and brotherhood to its 35th annual Motorcycle Classic bike show and fundraiser auction, filling the Ramkota Inn's ballroom -- and parking lot -- to the brim with wheels and more. Walking the isles of the show studying each bike as if it were a masterpiece in a museum was Dan Guenzi, of Glendive, Mont. Continue reading