J&P Cycles 30th anniversary open house

July 2, 10:58 PMChicago Motorcycle ExaminerT.A. Stone

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Under the sun in Anamosa, Iowa was the place to be on June 27 and 28 2009 as J&P Cycles celebrated 30 years of “keeping the world on two wheels” with a special two-day Open House. Held at J&P's company headquarters on highway 151 near Anamosa, Iowa event featured a full plate of all things motorcycling to see and do.

Bikes of all makes and almost all models were entered in a ride-in all-makes bike show. World-famous, award-winning builders like Brian Klock, Cory Ness, Rick Fairless were present along with some of their eye-catching creations. From the Speed Channel, motorcycle lifestyle celebrity Michele Smith signed autographs  As last year, this year's attendees could enter a motorcycle rodeo featuring classic biker events like the slow race, the barrel race, the pin drop and the wienie bite (don’t ask). The Teresi Dyno Drag Semi offered riders a chance to face off against the computer, the dyno, the dragstrip Christmas tree and each other for bragging rights, and the IllConduct Team performed motorcycling stunts that seemed to defy the laws of physics.

Vendors provided everything from leather to performance exhaust systems to chrome to on-the-spot accessory installation and liquid bug remover For those who were more intent on shopping, the biggest names in the industry, such as Memphis Shades, Kuryakyn, Drag Specialties, S&S, Metzler, and many more were present, many offering show discounts and techs on site to answer fitment questions and install on the spot.

Smaller vendors were toutingtheir wares as well—attendees could plan their biker wedding for over 200 of their closest riding friends at the Iron Horse Social Club (Savanna, IL.) or dissolve accumulated bug residue with Black Lab’s “All Kleer” plastic windshield cleaner.  Of course, J&P Cycles, a premier supplier to the riding community for 30 years, had their warehouse-like headquarters open for business and provided free burgers, dogs, chips, slaw and water and soda for the masses hungry and thirsty riders, just as they did for the 15,000 who attended the 2008 one-day show. Those who wanted other fare found vendors offering summer favorites hot and cold.

Of course there were bikes—customs, baggers, metric, choppers, sport bikes, trikes, the infamous “Road Hog,” classic and antique.

For those who ride in, Anamosa is an hour-plus ride from the steel-grate bridge across the Mississippi River at Savanna, Illinois. Iowa’s roads are generally well-maintained; double-digit highways feature long straights and moderate sweepers.  Three-number backroads hold many more curves and dips and are more interesting and challenging, but farm machinery, worn and bumpy sections, and wildlife can be hazards.

Normally a single weekend day in the last part of June, The J&P Cycle Open House is an annual event. Accommodations are available in Anamosa and camping is also permitted.

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