Campus Times
March 4, 2005
Spectators and enthusiasts turned out to the Pomona Fairplex on Sunday for the So-Cal Cycle Show and Swap Meet to see bikes of all makes and models, and perhaps find that part they have been seeking.
The So-Cal Cycle Show and Swap Meet, which began at 7 a.m. and continued until 1 p.m., featured 103 motorcycle related vendors. There were a variety of parts, accessories and clothing that the public was able to check out and purchase. Vendors sold a myriad of bandanas, sunglasses, t-shirts, stickers and gear to clean and embellish motorcycles.
Many cycle enthusiasts flock to these events to meet with fellow cyclists as well as to purchase hard to find parts.
“Everyone is looking for deals,” said Gary Grant, owner of American Boy who was selling helmets. “I price my helmets at a real fair price.”
Vendors must pay a fee of $30 to reserve a place. They also have a choice to pay $35 upon arrival to set up their product.
These events have a great deal of vendors who supply the general public with new and used parts for their bikes.
Along with being a swap meet, this was a show where many motorcycle enthusiasts brought their best to show off. Bikes ranged from vintage to the newest body styles out today. With a wide array of designs and colors, spectators were not disappointed with the show.
There was free corral parking for bikes to show or sell.
The public ranged from babies to older couples. The event was for bike enthusiasts as well as families.
Excitement was apparent with parents and their children running from booth to booth.
“We just decided to come and see what’s out here,” said Judy Cammack from Banning, who came for the first time with her husband. “There’s a lot of stuff to choose from.”
The cycle show was sponsored by Topping Events, which has promoted auto swap meets for over 20 years in the United States. Topping Events promotes this show as well as other swap meets in Southern California and also Northern California.
Their main event, the Ecology Auto Parts Hi-Performance Swap Meet, takes place at Long Beach Veterans Stadium. This was the first event founded by Topping Events and is held 15 times each year.
The So-Cal Cycle Show and Swap Meet first began in 1997.
The Cycle Show and Swap Meet takes place at two Southern California sites in Long Beach and Pomona, as well as a newly founded venue in Northern California, Vallejo. Rain or shine, these events always occur on the dates promised.
The next So-Cal Cycle Show and Swap Meet will be on Mar. 27 at Long Beach Veterans Stadium in Long Beach.
Marilee Lorusso can be reached at mlorusso@ulv.edu.