Iron Elite Event at Ray Price Harley-Davidson Celebrates African-American Motorcycle Culture
Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) July 30, 2013 -- African-American riders have had a big impact on motorcycle culture, and this rich history will be showcased during the inaugural “Iron Elite Celebration” Aug. 17 at Ray Price Harley-Davidson and Ray Price Triumph in Raleigh. This Iron Elite Celebration is the first of its kind in North Carolina. Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and include live music, a bike show, a fashion show, vendors and food trucks. A special Iron Elite exhibit will display historic memorabilia.
Iron Elite riders are also known for their custom bikes, which reflect each rider’s personality. Motorcyclists from across the state are invited to ride in and enter the Iron Elite Bike Show. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with judging at noon and trophies presented at 3 p.m. All makes and models are welcome in categories that include: Touring, Dyna, Sportster, V-rod, Softail, Metric Sport, Metric Cruiser, Metric Touring and Euro. Winners and runners-up in each category will be awarded trophies and cash prizes, including a “People’s Choice” award.
“We’re expecting more than 1,000 people to attend the first-ever Iron Elite event held in North Carolina,” said Kris Weiss, director of marketing and promotions at Ray Price Harley-Davidson. “Iron Elite riders bring their own journeys and unique motorcycles to the community. This special camaraderie is a big part of our riding culture, and it’s a lifestyle for of those who like to get in the wind.”
Various historic black bikers include William B. Johnson, the first African-American Harley-Davidson dealer; Bessie Stringfield, the first black woman to ride solo across the country; and Benny Hardy, an influential motorcycle club leader who created the most famous motorcycle in the world, Captain America, for the timeless movie “Easy Rider.”
History shows that all-black and integrated motorcycle clubs began forming in the 1950s, creating a positive place for like-minded people to find camaraderie and enjoy the freedom of the ride. The Iron Elite journey is celebrated in a series of short documentary videos at the special Iron Elite website set up as a collaboration between Harley-Davidson and "Rides" magazine.
“Now, it’s not a matter of color, it’s just a matter of all being as one,” said one Iron Elite rider featured in the videos. “You never meet someone of color; you just meet someone who’s riding a Harley.”
What: Iron Elite Celebration
When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013. 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Ray Price Harley-Davidson, 1126 S. Saunders Street, in Raleigh, N.C.
Cost: Free to the public, $10 registration fee for the bike show
Event contact: Kris Weiss, (919) 832-2261
Additional details: Live music. Fashion show. Food from Leavy’s Soul Café & Classic, The Humble Pig, Zydeco, and others. A special Iron Elite memorabilia exhibit. Official “after-party” at Zydeco.
About Ray Price Harley-Davidson
The Harley-Davidson Motor Company celebrates its 110th Anniversary this year. In Raleigh, N.C., Ray Price Harley-Davidson has been a big part of this American history for the past 30 years as the Southeast’s top Harley-Davidson dealership. The staff, with 950 years of combined Harley riding experience, provides award-winning customer service and education programs for beginners to expert riders. The dealership’s commitment to community philanthropy has resulted in more than $100,000 in donations to N.C.-based nonprofits last year.
Scott Misner, (919) 235-0940, [email protected]
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