The motorcycles are back in their respective garages, the sponsor banners stored away and another Cafe Racer Ride-In Custom Show is in the books. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year’s event possible and we’re all grateful for how many folks who visited from cities and towns across the map. Most everyone approached me personally to express gratitude for our re-launching the annual bike show after swearing we were finished back in 2023.
Good thing we didn’t cease staging the country’s only ride-in custom show for cafe bikes as some of the entries that turned up this year provided quite the spark of inspiration for bike designers in attendance. Best of al, our photographers managed to capture them for feature stories slated for upcoming issues of Cafe Racer magazine- stay tuned and you’ll see all of these dazzling two-wheeled creations soon.
There was an extremely close vote count when it came time to announce the show’s two biggest winners, bikes that turned out to be separated by just a couple of ballots. In the end, the stunning Yamaha RD 350 street tracker built by Sean Skinner of Virginia’s Motorelic and owned by John Brady rolled away with the Best in Show trophy- and a Vanson leather jacket of his choice.
Meanwhile the coveted People’s Choice Award – and a Langlitz leather jacket – went home with local lagend Sam Tomer for his immaculate Yamaha Virago cafe custom.
The winners of the show’s four other categories are as follows:
Best Bobber- Jerry Woods
Wildest Engineering: JR Charths Kawasaki Concourse
Best Modern Cafe Racer- Shawn Galicic, Ducati 1198
Best Classic Cafe Racer
Mark Coen, Honda CB550F
Best Antique/Restoration Bill Crookston 1966 BMW R6
It was a day of perfect weather, friendly riders and good all-around vibes while the number of fresh faces and first-time attendees lent proof to the idea that customizing ordinary streetbikes to make them faster, sleeker and better has appeal for many different generations. Our sponsors really stepped up their game this year as well with much props going to Vanson and Langlitz leathers, Arai helmets, Design Engineering, Inc. Lucky Sign Spirits, Cognito Moto for their beautiful trophies, Avon Tyres and Mecum Motorcycle Auctions who provided the backing that made the show possible. Not there? Plans are already underway for the 2026 event so keep an eye on this page for details.
