Engines ready for Street Vibrations

For thousands of motorcyclists heading toward Reno for Street Vibrations, Carson City isn't just a pit stop. It's a destination.

Dale Martin and Gina Knowles, of Valley Spring, Calif., said Thursday afternoon they stop at the Harley-Davidson event at the North Carson Street dealership every year before heading to Reno.

"We're going to take a little ride up to Virginia City and then come back," he said while waiting in line at Mom's Mocha Express for a blended iced mocha drink.

Gunning engines and rock music emanated from the parking lot of the dealership. A sea of black leather clad, silver-chain toting Harley riders socialized around hundred of bikes.

Martin has two Harleys that he built himself and said he wants to order a brand new Ultra Classic at the Carson City dealership.

The couple is attending the festivities with friends Les Knutson and Jody Coffelt, who was the only one in the immediate area not in black or wearing head gear.

"We have two bikes and we like to look at more," she said.

Admittedly, she doesn't drive herself.

Coffelt is on "the back seat of whatever I'm driving," her husband said. And that could be a 1992 Fat Boy or a 1999 Ultra Classic.

Dana Fink, co-owner of Mom's Mocha Express, said she sells drinks at 45 to 60 motorcycling events a year. This is her second year in Carson City.

"They tip better and they're politer than any other group we've done business with," Fink said. Her tip jar on the counter was filled with crumpled $1 bills. "You can banter with them and be sarcastic and joke around."

It also helps to be a part of the crowd. Her husband's red 1990 Ultra Classic was parked beside the booth.

Patty Hurt, Carson City Harley-Davidson sales and finance manager, said she expects 10,000 to 15,000 motorcyclists to attend the event this weekend, their largest event of the year.

"We just decided to step it up," she said. "We have a concert-sized stage, a big huge circus tent. Our job is to entertain motorcycle enthusiasts and Carson City just knows how to put on a party."

The featured attraction is the raffle of a 2005 Road King today; a 2005 Fat Boy on Saturday; a 2005 X1200 Custom and Chevy Hot Rod on Sunday. Raffle tickets are $10 each or three tickets for $25.

"We've got the Raiderettes on Saturday noon to 4 p.m. and EX-Trem Jumpers (this) evening and three performances on Saturday," she said. "We also have the Buell extreme stunt team (today) and Saturday."

Street Vibrations

Where: Carson City Harley-Davidson, 2749 N. Carson St.

Events:

• Today

Noon-9 p.m. Live entertainment

6:30 p.m. EX-Treme Jumpers

9 p.m. Fireworks show

• Saturday

Noon-4 p.m. Raiderette Meet & Greet

Noon-8 p.m.; 6-9 p.m. Live entertainment

12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Ex-Treme Jumpers

• Sunday

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Live entertainment

2 p.m. Final raffle of custom Harley and Chevy Hot Rod

Drive safe

For everyone's safety during Street Vibrations today through Sunday please watch for motorcycles.

When you're driving you sometimes can't see a motorcycle. You might hear a bike before you see it.

Forty thousand bikers are anticipated for the 12th anniversary of this event. Don't meet up with them by accident.

- Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.