Ron Simms customs: Ron Simms bikes on display at Street Vibrations 2008 in Reno

Crowds, Custom Motorcycles, Crowds, Music, Crowds, and more Crowds

This year's Street Vibrations in downtown Reno was even crazier than I expected. The streets were filled beyond capacity with bikers and performers. There were so many people that we couldn't get a good look at much of the surroundings on Friday or Saturday. Luckily we were on the scene Thursday and were able to scope out some of the vendor booths and other attractions in a more relaxed setting.

This year featured the usual assortment of side shows: Rock and blues bands, Ted Nugent made an appearance, and Monte Perlin's Globe-O-Cross drew major crowds.

And of course, major bike builders and custom houses were there -- such as Big Dog and Simms. Big Dog had their usual models on display, and they were drawing crowds. On a related note: while in Reno, I heard a late-night commercial for a local Big Dog dealer, offering $10K discounts on certain models. It seems obvious that the economic woes are going to have an impact on big-ticket discretionary spending, and a hyper-custom motorcycle is probably about as discretionary as it's going to get. Rough times ahead...

Street Vibrations Event Photos

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V-8 powered trike: This bad-ass V-8 powered trike was pulling in lots of onlookers.The state troopers (and the CHP) were out in full force on highway 80 on my way to the event. Flashing road warning signs advise bikers to wear their helmets and not split lanes.

Tricked out bicycle: Now this is one trick ride. Check out the accessories...