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USA Motorcycle Tattoo Classic 2008

USA Motorcycle Tattoo Classic Event Page

First I’d like to say the Monster gives this event the highest marks available for overall planning and promotion. An “extra special” effort was given by Ken McGill and Jim “The Hammer” Locke who both did a great job getting the word out for this 1st year event. For months, before this event, both Ken and Jim were at all major events around the country including Daytona, Myrtle Beach and Sturgis. They did their homework and worked this event to the fullest and made the best of what is always a uphill battle for first year events.

Staff, friends and family members who were among the helpful crew made this event not only streamlined but also pleasant for attendees. Great planning and a terrific staff are both imperative for any event to be a success and this event had both bases covered well.

The level of entertainment available was second to none. Free concerts were almost non-stop as party goers were treated with some great acts.

As for motorcycle celebrities, host of American Thunder TV, Michele Smith lead the group of notable biker types and was available for enthusiasts throughout the week-end. Master Builder Eddie Trotta, top notch build/fabricator of Biker Build off fame , Hank Young and the official Chef of Harley Davidson Biker Billy were also all available throughout the week-end to add to the excitement. And of course the Motorcycle Monster was hangin out with the riders for the entire three days doing his Kodak moment thing. Rarely do riders get to spend as much time with these celebrities for conversation and Q and A sessions.

The concert bands were world class Tribute Bands, featuring Strutter ( Kiss), Vicious Cycle (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Zozo (Led Zeppelin), and Almost Queen ( Queen ).

The Tattoo side of the event was absolutely “off the hook” as literally thousands filed through with artists from around the country staying busy for the duration of the show. One note worthy artist, told the Monster, “I have never been to such an exciting Tattoo event. This place is crazy.”

Great food vendors with terrific Italian sausages, Bar B Q and Buffalo wings, including Quaker Steak and Lube were among the quality meals available throughout the week-end. The food quality was above average for a motorcycle event and “no waiting” made it great for those with a good appetite.

Overall, this event was well planned and had an above average list of dignitaries and celebrities available. The concert bands were abundant and gave quality performances for concert attendees. The entertainment value was above average, at even among the more prestigious events.

Overall this first year event was great and only lacked in one area, “overall attendance” by the motorcycle community.

In the Monsters Opinion, an estimated crowd of 8 to 10 thousand people per day made this gate considerable but not up to the expectations of event organizers. Competing motorcycle rides, poker runs and other worthy events including fall football around the Canton area gave the USA Motorcycle and Tattoo a lot to overcome on it’s first year, however given the set of circumstances, we’d commend the organizers for a great effort and great program. A poker run held by the Red Cross and the local Harley dealer also gave the USA event an additional hurdle.

It is obvious that many local Canton bikers missed a great event that far exceeded most first year events.

The only component that was less than great was the crowd. We’d give the crowd a “good rating” and encourage bikers to check out this undiscovered gem it’s due, next year.

We commend the organizers and encourage them to keep up the good work. The biker community “will come” if you continue to “build it” with the same convictions as year one.

Three Monsters and Growing.