Judgment is Mine

Among the many people who helped me shoot and assemble the Sturgis 70th Anniversary book, is Colleen Swartz from Milwaukee. A serious motorcycle nut and talented photographer, Colleen is also involved in the Chicago Swap Meet and Bike Show, scheduled for February 5th of this year.

When Colleen called a few months back and asked if I would be willing to attend the show as a judge, I was only too happy to say yes. Her offer of a lavish hotel suite with a fridge filled with expensive champagne, and a sizable cash stipend, was really only the icing on the cake – I woulda done it anyway.

If you live anywhere near Chicago, consider attending the one-day Swap Meet and Bike Show scheduled for February 5th.

Billed as the world’s biggest one-day swap meet and bike show, the Chicago extravaganza is somewhat similar to our local Donnie Smith show, at least in the sense that a huge swap meet combined with a high quality bike show is guaranteed to provide something for everyone. The show itself is sponsored by Cycle Source magazine, what owner Chris Callen calls a “grass roots motorcycle magazine.”

Now, I’ve photographed a lot of bikes, and I’ve certainly admired even more, but I admit I’m a judging virgin. When I told Colleen this, she said not to worry, “all you have to do is follow the check list for each bike, it’s pretty straightforward.” We shall see.

Show organizer and fellow judge, Colleen Swartz is the one who convinced me to give up my virginity.

It’s amazing what people can accomplish when they don’t know they can’t do it. With nothing more than enthusiasm for all things two-wheeled, Chris Callen built Cycle Source from a tiny little biker rag to one of the most successful motorcycle magazines out there. All at a time when even the biggest magazines are dying on the vine at an alarming rate.

So the afternoon of February 4th will find me behind the wheel of the mighty Ford Ranger, bound east from Stillwater down the super-slab highway 94. Chicago is a great city. It’s just about far enough that I feel like I’ve traveled someplace. Far enough away to make the trip a real trip and maybe a small adventure as well. The other good thing about Chicago is the large number of incredible music venues. Halsted Avenue is reminiscent of Beale Street in Memphis, with a blues joint on almost every corner. How can a guy not love Chicago.

Anyone within driving range of Chicago should take a look at the web site (http://www.chicagomotorcycleswap.com/BikeShow.php) and think about attending the WORLD’S BIGGEST ONE-DAY SWAP MEET AND BIKE SHOW. Follow my example and arrive the night before so you have time to carouse through downtown and check out a few of those famous waterin’ holes.

http://cyclesource.com/home.htm