...does not stay in Vegas. At least not if we can help it. No need to worry though, whatever you did and were not supposed to do will be safe with us. After great riding weather so far throughout Bikefest, the weather forecast for today predicted gusty winds of up to 55 miles an hour for much of Nevada and Arizona - and they got it right for once. So, instead of hitting the highway and heading home today as originally planned, it might be a smart idea to stick around, take in some more of Bikefest and Sin City and get the wrap-up done.

Rolling out the event for the ninth time this year, Las Vegas Bikefest is still a young event, compared to Sturgis and Daytona pretty much still in its infancy. Located in a city with a multitude of attractions year round and in the heart of a great riding territory, Las Vegas is a destination for bikers regardless of an organized invasion like Bikefest. With already too much going on in the casinos and bars for one extended weekend, adding the packed schedule of Bikefest makes for tough choices. One has to set priorities, yet no matter how much you narrow it down, you still end up wanting to be in at least three places at the same time.

Vendor Village up at Cashman Center is certainly a must, including the Artistry in Iron exhibition and program on a regular basis. The big names on the list are to be found up there, out in the open air and inside the halls. While some builders we talked to prior to Bikefest were hesitant to participate and planned to come just as a visitor and check out what is going on, those who bit the bullet and worked a booth were happy with the attention they received.

Paul Yaffe, who brought his Bagger Nation booth up from Phoenix hardly got a breather all weekend and went through 2000 catalogues until Saturday afternoon. Saxon Motorcycles had no reason to complain either; their display of already upgraded 2009 models – now with Brembo brakes and better transmissions – was well attended. Tim and his crew were even talking about a couple of pending sales from the event and some interest from new dealers to pick up their line.

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