Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/703695
71 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nAugust 2016n by Kaitlyn Beecroft ANAMOSA, IOWA, JUNE 25–26—J&P Cycles, the world's larg- est aftermarket retailer of parts and accessories for Harley-Davidson and V-twin cruisers, held their 37th annual Open House Rally at their retail center in Anamosa, Iowa. The J&P Cycles Open House Rally started as a small customer appreciation event hosted by John and Jill Parham as a way to give back to everyone who enjoys a life on two wheels. Today, it has grown into one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Midwest. Even with the growth of the event, though, J&P Cycles still focuses on providing a family-friendly envi- ronment. They have a tendency to stay true to their roots as a family-oriented business. For 2016, J&P Cycles made the decision to fi nally bring the rally back to their retail center in Anamosa, Iowa, where it all began. Previously the event had been held at the Jones County Fairgrounds in Monticello, Iowa. The change of venue was due to the growing pains J&P Cycles expe- rienced at the time. While the venue was only 10 miles up the road, Zach Parham and the leadership team at J&P Cycles felt it only made sense to bring the rally back home where it belongs, in Anamosa. Those in attendance experienced a grand homecoming full of two- wheeled fun including free food pro- vided by Allstate, a stunt show, live music and custom bike shows both days of the event. Customers were also able to see the latest and great- est products from top vendors like Vance & Hines, Kuryakyn, Mustang, Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension, and so many more. There were nearly 100 vendors onsite. Saturday kicked off with custom bikes rolling in for the bike show under the blazing sun on an unusually hot day for Iowa in June. Attendees gathered in awe of the unique machines while builders proudly answered questions from curious spec- tators. Cowboy Kenny Steel Rodeo Stunt Show riders Anthony Murray and Matt Buyten geared up for a spec- tacular show that drew in an enormous crowd. Murray and Buyten aren't just your average dirt bike riders; both are accomplished professional freestyle motocross athletes. Murray is well- known for his participation in the pop- ular Nitro Circus tour and Buyten is an X Games medalist. Children and adults alike stood agog as the riders displayed their skills on the metal ramps. The crowd cheered on the fearless riders as they fl ipped and fl ew through the air. It was truly a show of masterful and fear- less bike control. Later that afternoon, a crowd gathered for the anticipated award ceremony for the bike show. The same crowd stuck around for an excit- ing rock show featuring Half Fast, Downward Fall, and Electric Shock. Electric Shock won the hearts of all spectators with their AC/DC covers. Despite the heat, the J&P Cycles ware house was fi lled with customers eagerly awaiting the end of the silent auction, enjoying free food and mag- azines. Vendors stationed inside the warehouse showed off their latest prod- ucts. No matter what time of day, there was something going on at the rally. That night the sunny skies silently slipped away as menacing clouds rolled in bringing a heavy thunder- storm with strong winds—a common occurrence in this part of Iowa. Upon arrival the next morning, many of the J&P Cycles staff members pulled together to clean up the destruction left by the storm. Attendees never even caught a glimpse of the damage and were able to enjoy the rest of the rally thanks to the J&P Cycles events team. As always, the show must go on. Despite the rain the night before, the rally kept going on at full force, this time with vintage bikes rolling in for the bike show. The rain brought on a wave of humidity, but this didn't stop bikers from coming to enjoy the event. The vintage bikes featured in the show were the most popular attrac- tion of the day. Nearly every person at the rally stopped to snap pictures of the classic bikes. Just across the parking lot from the vintage bikes, the stage featured spectacular musical acts throughout the day featuring Joie Wails and Playground of Sound. Many of the events that took place Saturday repeated on Sunday, but this didn't stop guests from returning to enjoy the event. The magnitude of this rally is hard to take in within the course of just one day. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and the J&P Cycles customer appreciation event slowly wrapped up Sunday after- noon. The 37th Open House Rally was a great success; money was raised for Camp Courageous by gen- erous donors, and attendees enjoyed a weekend full of two-wheeled fun. J&P Cycles made the right move by hosting the rally once again at the Anamosa retail center, and already we can't wait for next year. 4 37TH ANNUAL J&P CYCLES OPEN HOUSE RALLY HEADING HOME Two days of two-wheeled fun Winners of the custom bike show This sharp bike turned heads all day at the bike show The Green Onion won many awards at the bike show