2012 Ray Price Capital City Bikefest draws 100,000 people

RALEIGH, N.C. - The 2012 Ray Price Capital City Bikefest presented by Nationwide Insurance drew more than 100,000 to downtown Raleigh Sept. 21 through Sept. 23. The event is hosted by Ray Price Harley-Davidson.

The Bikefest also raised more than $8,000 for the North Carolina National Guard and the USO of North Carolina, the dealership reported.

‟We are pleased to present the proceeds to two important organizations,” said Ray Price. ‟Our National Guard stands ready to support us at home or abroad. The USO of NC develops programs that lift the spirits of our military and supports the needs of their families. We thank everyone who contributed and everyone who came out to enjoy the festivities.”

The Top 100 dealership centers the annual event on the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. This year's destination event featured live music and entertainment, food, vendors, special shows and exhibits. It took place in downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street, with activities on Hargett, Martin, and Davie Streets and the Plaza, as well as the dealership at 1126 South Saunders St.

The new Patriot Ride took riders from the dealership to the N.C. National Guard Armory for a special presentation. Also new this year was a sparkling Parade of Lights just after opening ceremonies on Friday.

‟The all-new Parade of Lights ride, sponsored by Custom Dynamics, featured 50 bikes lit up with LED accessory lighting,” said Kris Weiss, director of marketing and promotions. ‟It was quite a sight to see as they paraded through the downtown area with colorful lights. It created a lot of interest, and I suspect this ride will return next year.”

On Friday, 1 Wheel Revolution motorcycle stunt team brought downtown lunch crowds to Fayetteville Street for a special preview. The Kick-Start Parade brought customers from the dealership to downtown for bands and performance groups, including the award-winning Wolfpack Clogging Team. The 595 AFROTC Color Guard from North Carolina State University presented the colors while Robert J. White, United States Army, Special Forces, Sgt. First Class (Ret) performed the bagpipes, followed by the National Anthem with American Idol finalist, Adam Lee Decker.

Saturday, the festivities were in full-swing downtown and at the dealership, with live music, entertainment, vendors, shows and more. Sunday morning brought hundreds of people to the dealership for the Freedom Biker Church worship rally.

Bikefest 2012 had Nationwide Insurance as the presenting sponsor; founding partners 96.1 Radio, 94.7 QDR and the Raleigh Convention Center; official sponsors Gregory Poole Equipment Co., Raleigh HOG, Gary Pool Motorcycle Attorney, WebEFX, North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, Boom Magazine, the North Carolina Education Lottery, and Sheetz. Element sponsors were Custom Dynamics (Parade of Lights), Team Powersports (Metric Alley), Warlock's Tattoo (Tattoo Fest), The Meat House Raleigh (Patriot Ride), Hooters (Bike Show & Shine), The Oxford (Circus Una Motorcycle Thrill Show), and World Tabernacle Church (1 Wheel Revolution Stunt Show).