IMS Outdoors has announced that its 2022 tour has been canceled. Last year, the International Motorcycle Shows changed format and rebranded itself as IMS Outdoors, moving from a series of indoor shows held during the winter months to an outdoor powersports festival format during the summer and fall. There were eight shows held at cities around the U.S. between June and November 2021.
The following announcement was sent out by IMS Outdoors on Monday, May 9, 2022:
Dear IMS Fans,
We have some news to share today with our IMS Family. After 40 years of producing The International Motorcycle Shows and IMS Outdoors, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the IMS Tour in 2022.
The powersports industry is at a crossroads with where and how brands promote their products amidst the continued manufacturing and sourcing delays associated with the pandemic. These current hurdles that our brand partners are facing would have made it difficult for us to produce an IMS that would meet your, and our, expectations. Therefore, we will not be moving forward with the planned 2022 events, including the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.
Any tickets purchased or Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show registrations paid for 2022 events will be refunded to the credit card used for purchase within 7 business days. If you have not received your refund within 7 business days, please contact [email protected].
We greatly appreciate your attendance and loyalty over the years and will miss sharing your love for motorcycling with you.
Last year, after nearly four decades of indoor shows, the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows relaunched as Progressive IMS Outdoors and put on outdoor powersports festivals at various cities around the U.S. You can read our 2021 show report here. In February, Progressive IMS Outdoors announced its 2022 tour schedule. At every stop on the tour, the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show brings together some of the best custom motorcycles. There are winners in each round, as well as an overall champion. The following is a press release from IMS Outdoors.
Dennis Kirk, the world’s largest retailer of aftermarket parts, apparel and accessories for every powersport, is the new title sponsor of UBCBS. Jordan Mastagni, president of Hot Bike Magazine, will take over management of UBCBS.
Builder registration for the 2022 competition is now open – new and returning builders alike are encouraged to sign up for this year’s edition at motorcycleshows.com/UBCBS.
Jordan is gearing up to bring his 20+ years in the motorcycle industry as a moto-journalist and builder enthusiast to the Progressive IMS Outdoors staple attraction, which has evolved into the industry’s most prominent competition throughout its 11-year tenure. Year after year, hundreds of builders use the competition as a springboard to showcase their rolling works of art and compete for cash, prizes, and the “King of Builders” title, crowned in the championship round held in Southern California at the last event of the tour.
“It’s an honor to work alongside the Progressive IMS Outdoors team this year,” Jordan says. “I’ve worked closely with the custom motorcycle community throughout my career and have so much respect for the time and creativity it takes to produce a custom build and I look forward to seeing what this year’s group brings to the competition.”
Dennis Kirk, Powersports aftermarket parts and gear leader, signs on as the UBCBS title sponsor.
“UBCBS is one of the most well-known and widely respected competitions in the builder community and we are excited to be on board as the title sponsor for the 2022 edition,” said Tammy Becklin, Chief Marketing Officer of Dennis Kirk. “The opportunity to further align our brand with the custom builder community, while celebrating the grit and talent that goes into motorcycle building, is a remarkable milestone for Dennis Kirk. We look forward to this year’s competition and are eager to introduce Dennis Kirk to the builders and thousands of riders and enthusiasts that attend Progressive IMS Outdoors.”
Classes for the 2022 competition include Custom Street, Custom Classic and Freestyle, plus the People’s Choice Award. Winners of the Custom Street, Custom Classic, and Freestyle classes will take home $500 – $1,000 in cash from Progressive IMS Outdoors, plus prizes from sponsors. Winners of each round are invited to compete in the Championship Round at the end of the tour for the title “King of Builders”, $10,000 in cash, and prizes.
Classes
Custom Street Class Must start with 2000 and later major OEM engine and frame as a base. Must maintain original engine cradle configuration. The neck may be cut to rake or stretch frame. Hardtail sections and wide tire alterations are acceptable. Must be a two- or three-wheel motorcycle configuration as defined by DMV. The vehicle must run and be operable.
Custom Classic Class Must have a 1999 or earlier OEM engine; replica engines are not allowed. Custom or stock modified frames are acceptable. Must be a two or three-wheel motorcycle configuration as defined by DMV. The vehicle must run and be operable.
Freestyle Class Anything goes, two- or three-wheel drivetrain/chassis motorcycle configuration defined by the DMV. The only limitation is the builder’s imagination and resources. The vehicle must run and be operable.
“UBCBS is a staple program that people return to year-after-year, as competitors and attendees to see all-new unique builds,” said Tracy Harris, SVP of Progressive IMS Outdoors. “The program is a highlight of each event, as builders travel from all over the nation and compete alongside their peers to showcase the bikes they have been working on for months and, in many cases, years. We’re excited to see new and returning faces on this year’s IMS tour under Jordan’s new management.”
Jordan Mastagni is a seasoned 20-year veteran in the motorcycle industry as a moto-journalist and most recently the head of sales and marketing at ARCH Motorcycle Company, co-founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves. Recently, Jordan purchased the intellectual property of Hot Bike, the world’s largest custom V-twin media company, and is working hard to keep this iconic, 50-year-old brand shredding tires for many years to come. Being a fan of all motorcycle makes, Jordan brings a keen eye for attention to detail, making him a great fit to be the ambassador for UBCBS.
Please visit here for more information on judging criteria, awards categories, and prizes.
Interested in registering for the 2022 UBCBS competition? Builder registration is now live. Please visit motorcycleshows.com/UBCBS to enter.
The 2022 tour is sponsored by Progressive Insurance, with this year’s edition marking Progressive’s role as title sponsor for the 13th consecutive year.
Progressive IMS Outdoors, the nation’s leading powersports tour connecting enthusiasts with industry-leading brands, today announced Let’s Hit The Road, a sweepstakes designed to celebrate the tour’s return to an outdoor series in its sophomore season.
One lucky winner will be the recipient of the grand prize package that includes four tickets to spend a weekend at Progressive IMS Outdoors in a city of their choice, in addition to highly sought-after tech and gear products that complement the powersports lifestyle, collectively valuing over $3,000. The sweepstakes is made possible by sponsors Bell Helmets, Brake Free Tech, Dunlop, EyeLights, Heroic Racing, Scott USA, and Spectro Oils.
Entries for the Let’s Hit The Road sweepstakes opens on Friday, March 18 and the winner will be selected and notified on Thursday, March 24, when 2022 tour ticket sales go live. Register here for a chance to win the grand prize detailed below:
Grand Prize Package:
Four tickets to a 2022 Progressive IMS Outdoors event
Four Progressive IMS Outdoors souvenir tees
Camping spot for up to three nights at Progressive IMS Outdoors
Event food and beverage vouchers
Scott USA Goggles and prize pack
Heroic Racing Hoodie
Brake Free Light
EyeRide Head Up Display
A set of Dunlop motorcycle tires
Bell Helmets – Race Star DLX Matte Carbon helmet
Spectro Oils prize pack
Visit continuetheride.com/sweepstakes to enter today for a chance to win the grand prize and secure your 2022 Progressive IMS Outdoors ticket at motorcycleshows.com when sales go live on March 24. The official 2022 tour dates and locations can be found below, including the Atlanta venue reveal.
Progressive IMS Outdoors, the nation’s leading motorcycle tour connecting enthusiasts with a wide array of Powersports brands, today announced the dates and locations of its 2022 tour. Produced with Progressive Insurance as the title sponsor for the 13th consecutive year, the eight-city series will revisit three markets that hosted the indoor version of the International Motorcycle Shows (Colorado, Arizona, and New York) and return to five markets that IMS Outdoors visited last year (Chicago, Pennsylvania, Atlanta, Northern California, and Southern California).
Heading into the sophomore year, the experience-focused event will bring back the popular two-wheel and four-wheel demo programs, eBikes, shopping, custom and vintage bikes, and music, while also offering more chances for enthusiasts to engage with brands and their riding community, from ride-ins and races to speakers and charitable efforts.
“The launch of IMS Outdoors was an exciting challenge that armed us with learnings we look forward to applying on the 2022 tour, including an expansion of the highly successful demo program, growing our electric footprint, and adding more experience-focused offerings,” said Tracy Harris, SVP of Progressive IMS Outdoors. “The Powersports industry is amid a transformative period in time as new brands emerge, such as bespoke and electric companies, and we welcome an all-new generation of riders. We are so proud to cater our event to the changing needs of the industry and reunite everyone from new riders and kids to life-long enthusiasts.”
More than 35,000 motorcycle demo rides were taken across the eight-city tour
Nearly half, 44%, of attendees were new to riding or prospective riders; IMS is a catalyst for industry-wide growth and is driving new customers for exhibitors and event sponsors
The introduction of SxS and eBike demos were well-received and indicated the community’s growing interest in adjacent products
Influenced by IMS’ award-winning Discover The Ride program, three different programs put more than 1,600 adults and teens on a motorcycle for the first time
Nearly 1,700 kids rode two-wheeled balance and battery-operated bikes with Strider, Harley-Davidson, and Husqvarna
Harris continued: “We could not be more excited to announce this year’s tour schedule, which was built in partnership with the industry’s leading OEMs. Our team is working diligently to produce an even more robust event that brings the love of riding to life and look forward to sharing more details regarding activations and participating brands with our community soon.”
IMS 2022 Schedule:
COLORADO The Ranch Events Complex June 17-19, 2022
CHICAGO Goebbert’s Farm June 24-26, 2022
PENNSYLVANIA Carlisle Fairgrounds September 16-18, 2022
NEW YORK The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum September 23-25, 2022
ATLANTA Venue TBA September 30 – October 2, 2022
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Santa Mateo County Event Center October 21-23, 2022
ARIZONA Westworld of Scottsdale October 28-30, 2022
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
OC Fair & Event Center
November 4-6, 2022
Tickets go on sale March 24 – save the date on your calendar and visit motorcycleshows.com for more information on the 2022 tour.
Follow Progressive IMS Outdoors on social to join the conversation #IMSOutdoors #RidersUnite
We joined Progressive IMS Outdoors for a ride up the coast to Sonoma Raceway for the Northern California show. Check out Episode 9 of IMS Rides: Riding the Central California Coast, brought to you by Cardo Systems and Brake Free Tech. Thanks to Riders Share for the use of a BMW R 1250 GS for the trip.
We cruised up U.S. Highway 101 to Santa Barbara, went over San Marcos Pass on Highway 154, and had lunch at the funky Madonna Inn.
Then the fun really began on California Highway 1, riding past Morro Rock, checking out the elephant seals near San Simeon, and riding on the world famous stretch of Highway 1 from Ragged Point to Big Sur, for a night of camping at Fernwood Resort.
Fernwood Resort is located on Highway 1 in Big Sur, California.
Even though it was July, the rugged Big Sur coast was foggy and cold. We rolled over the iconic Bixby Bridge before arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
After hugging Monterey Bay on Highway 1, in Santa Cruz we turned onto tight, twisty Highway 9 and rode into the towering redwoods. We continued north on Highway 35 (aka Skyline Drive) and stopped for lunch at the legendary Alice’s Restaurant.
Riding through the redwoods on California Route 9 near Santa Cruz.
Back on Highway 1 along the coast for a fantastic ride from Half Moon Bay to Pacifica, including a 4,000-ft Devils Slide Tunnel bored through the mountains.
In San Francisco, we stretched our legs at the Presidio before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and heading to Sonoma Raceway for the Progressive IMS Outdoors show.
For the 2021 Progressive IMS Outdoors tour schedule and to buy tickets, visit motorcycleshows.com.
With three successful events completed, Progressive IMS Outdoors, the leading U.S. motorcycle tour, is heading to Texas on October 1st. Thousands of experienced and new riders have turned up to events held in Northern California, Chicago, and Pennsylvania, to delight in the new outdoor festival atmosphere. Attendees have enjoyed on- and off-road demo programs, shopping in The Marketplace and The Range, discovering new brands, expanded Learn To Ride experiences, listening to music from local artists, and reconnecting with fellow enthusiasts.
In December 2020, IMS revealed the new outdoor format that has replaced the indoor convention setting, which has broadened the experience for consumers, enabling attendees to fully immerse themselves with brand-new models and engage with products that complement the motorcycle lifestyle.
Plenty of parking was on hand at the North California IMS Outdoors Tour
“Transitioning to an experience-forward event series has been very well-received by both our attendee and exhibitor community, a model everyone is excited to continue,” said Tracy Harris, Senior Vice President of Progressive IMS Outdoors. “This new and improved layout mirrors the Powersports lifestyle by providing a fun environment for enthusiasts to reconnect after so many months apart and demo product of interest, from on and off-road, four-wheels, to the latest e-bikes on the market.”
Demo rides have been a mainstay of the new outdoor format. Participating manufacturers, running an average of 20-minute demo rides all weekend delivered upward of 14,000 demos over the first three weeks.
“Progressive IMS Outdoors has been a great opportunity for Kawasaki to showcase our exciting Side by Side line-up to the IMS fan base and the motorcycle industry,” said Kawasaki’s Chris Brull, Vice President of Marketing and Racing. “The Kawasaki demo experience is equal parts educational and exciting, especially for first-time riders. In addition to our complete line-up of motorcycles, including Ninja, Versys, Vulcan, and Z motorcycles, we are thrilled to offer attendees the chance to ride our new Teryx KRX1000 side x side line-up through a unique off-road course and tackle any obstacle with ease.”
Just one of the many opportunities to get hands-on at the IMS Outdoors Tour.
“Progressive IMS Outdoors has proved to be a major success for Indian Motorcycle,” said Taylor Young, experiential marketing manager, Indian Motorcycles. “We’ve been thrilled with the exposure to new and existing riders, as well as our family of Indian Motorcycle owners who’ve been coming out to support. We look forward to the remaining markets on the Tour.”
A focal point of the 2021 Tour is to play a role in bringing new riders into the sport with several Learn to Ride opportunities, developing the next generation of customers. Nearly half of surveyed attendees in Chicago were either prospective riders that plan to start riding in the next 12 months or are new to riding.
The transition to an outdoor setting has enabled IMS to provide attendees with many hands-on opportunities to experience the world of motorcycling.
Discover The Ride and the MIC’s Ride With Us program offer safe, accessible, opportunities for eager new and interested riders to get on two wheels for the first time or hone their skills, with the potential to deliver hundreds of new riders to the industry.
Participation in Harley-Davidson’s Invitation To Ride Program, available to consumers in Texas, Nashville, and Central Florida.
An expanded electric footprint with Serial 1 powered by Harley-Davidson and Yamaha Power-Assist electric bicycles, available tour-wide, and in select markets, Giant and Momentum e-bike courses for all riders, and a course designed specifically for women.
Bring the family. IMS Outdoors offers many hands-on opportunities for young and old.
A more inclusive Kids Zone presented by Strider that teaches kids as young as two learning the life-long skill of riding a bike
“I loved the chance to ride a Zero Motorcycle. My wife learned how to ride a motorcycle at the event; she will be taking the MSF in the near future,” remarked a delighted IMS attendee.
Another IMS attendee shared: “I loved the learn to ride area. The people and experience were amazing! I ride with my husband, but I have never ridden by myself because I didn’t want to spend $300 to take a course and not be sure if I like it or not. This quick course has influenced me to sign up for a motorcycle class. Thank you so much; what a terrific experience!”
Harris continued: “We do not have plans to return to the indoor event series. Our mission is to support the industry’s growth, connect enthusiasts with the brands they love, and provide an experience that is so much more than simply looking at new models—and the summer months allow for this level of engagement. With so many smiling faces in Northern California, Chicago, and Pennsylvania, we could not be more excited to share that Progressive IMS Outdoors is here to stay.”
Upstate New York is rife with bucolic scenery. (Photos by the author)
The two Northeastern stops of the 2021 Progressive IMS Outdoors tour are on consecutive weekends in September. The New York City event will be at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, September 3-5 (Labor Day is the 6th), and the Pennsylvania event will be at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, September 10-12.
This 281-mile route begins in Saratoga Springs, in the heart of upstate New York’s farm and horse country. The town is home to the Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest horse tracks in the country, dating back to 1863. The annual meet runs from mid-July to Labor Day, but there is harness racing year-round. Saratoga is famous for its mineral springs and bath houses, and there are plenty of excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife to enjoy.
Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area make for a great escape from the city, or a worthy destination in their own right. You’ll find arts and culture, gambling, gourmet dining, outdoor adventures, and more.
The route leaves Saratoga Springs to the south, on U.S. Route 9, and passes through Malta. It turns east onto State Route 67 and crosses the Hudson River at Mechanicville. Continuing east, Route 67 passes through Schaghticoke and follows the Hoosic River. At Eagle Bridge, the route turns south, and it picks up State Route 22 at the town of Hoosic Falls. At Lebanon Springs, it turns west on U.S. Route 20, then southwest on State Route 66. After crossing Interstate 90 and passing through Chatham, it continues on the Taconic State Parkway.
The 104-mile parkway took 40 years to build, from the mid-1920s until its completion in 1963. Parts of the road were designed by Franklin D. Roosevelt during his tenure as head of the Taconic State Park Commission, and we can thank him for insisting those sections follow the natural landscape instead of powering through in a straight line. Built in a simpler time, the Taconic has narrow lanes, minimal shoulders, and plenty of gentle curves, but do be on the lookout for accidents and state troopers.
The route ends at the George Washington Bridge in Manhattan. From there, many options are available to get to the Brooklyn Army Terminal, which is off the Belt Parkway (Interstate 287) on the edge of Upper Bay. Enjoy the show!
For more information about Progressive IMS Outdoors and to buy tickets, visit motorcycleshows.com.Rider is the media partner for the Adventure Out! area at IMS Outdoors.
Two of the speakers at select Progressive IMS Outdoors stops in the Adventure Out! area will be Paul Pelland (Longhaulpaul, left) and Bret Tkacs.
At select U.S. cities through November of this year, the Progressive IMS Outdoors series is hosting three-day powersports festivals for enthusiasts and potential riders of all ages and skill levels. You can see the latest models from motorcycle manufacturers and products from aftermarket vendors, and get demo rides on motorcycles, ATVs, e-bicycles, e-scooters, and other powersports vehicles, both on- and off-road. There will also be local artisans, musical performances, and craft food and drinks available throughout each weekend.
Returning attractions include the Marketplace, IMS Vintage, Discover The Ride, the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, and an expanded Adventure Out! area, a space to learn, explore, and share the adventure of life on two wheels. A central campsite, surrounded by exhibitors, acts as a place for education and discovery with experienced riders and RVers sharing their stories and tips. While there, be sure to enter Explorify’s and Rider Magazine’s sweepstakes for a chance to win a free 3-day motorcycle rental and a lifetime subscription to Rider Magazine. And pick up a copy of Rider Magazine, your source for touring, travel, and adventure on two wheels.
Guest speakers at Adventure Out! include:
Longhaulpaul (Paul Pelland), a long-distance motorcyclist with multiple sclerosis who is riding 1,000,000 miles to raise money and awareness for MS. Longhaulpaul will be at the Northern California (July 16-18), Chicago (August 20-22), and Southern California (November 19-21) shows.
Bret Tkacs, a world traveler, professional trainer, writer, and YouTuber who gives dynamic presentations about the physics and psychology of riding. Bret will be at the New York (September 3-5), Pennsylvania (September 10-12), Texas (October 1-3), Nashville (October 8-10), and Florida (October 15-17) shows.
Lucinda Belden, a motorcycle and RV travel writer who has a column in Ride Texas. She is an avid sidecarist and documents her travels on Facebook for Direction Wide Open and Twist Your Throttle. Lucinda will be at the Chicago (August 20-22), Pennsylvania (September 10-12), Texas (October 1-3), Nashville (October 8-10), Florida (October 15-17), and Atlanta (October 29-31) shows.
Andrew Muse, is a professional multisport athlete and adventure filmmaker who’s lived on the road for the better part of the last decade out of many different kinds of vehicles. Andrew is known for his aptitude for actions sports, wild lifestyle, and his series “Tiny Home Adventure.” Andrew will be at the Northern California (July 16-18) show.
The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows have announced IMS Outdoors, a reimagined outdoor venue format. This is a first for IMS, which has traditionally relied on convention centers to host their events. However, IMS representatives have stated that IMS Outdoors will create a festival-like atmosphere, including more interactive activities for attendees. Dates and locations will be announced in December 2020.
From Press Release:
The Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (IMS), the industry leader for connecting Powersports’ top brands with enthusiasts and buyers, today announces progressive IMS Outdoors, the only program available for manufacturers and brands to reach both new and existing riders in exciting, interactive, central locations. Backed by IMS’ title sponsor of ten years Progressive Insurance, Progressive IMS Outdoors represents the revamp of the tour’s nearly 40-year stint that will not only transition IMS from the traditional convention center setup to a new open outdoor experience but will also create a festival-like atmosphere that promotes enthusiasts of all ages and levels to come together to better engage with products, each other, and the industry. While continuing its presence as the nation’s largest consumer motorcycle tour, Progressive IMS Outdoors will support the growth of the Powersports community by offering a unique experience the industry has yet to see.
Commencing during the summer of 2021, Progressive IMS Outdoors will stop in a number of cities across the U.S. bringing Powersports enthusiasts multiple days of entertainment, learning, and interactive activities. In addition to showcasing the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, and ATVs as well as the latest gear and aftermarket accessories, the new outdoor format will feature market adjacent products from micro-mobility to electric bicycles, overland and RV products, and more, thus welcoming potential and qualified riders into the industry. Attendees can also expect the remodeled tour to be more interactive than ever with an array of on-road and off-road demo opportunities for all ages and riding abilities, including the continuation of the successful Discover the Ride program. The reimagined tour, which has been five years in the making, comes at a perfect time as 2020 has seen off-road product sales soar.
“At IMS, we have always placed an emphasis on evolving our shows to better support the community and enthusiasts,” says Tracy Harris, SVP, IMS. “Progressive IMS Outdoors will be the greatest evolution in the brand’s 38-year history. Taking IMS Outdoors not only changes our venues but opens up an array of opportunities for our team to deliver a truly first-of-a-kind experience for the community as the only event in the nation taking the proactive step to actively serve both the new rider and core audience.”
Progressive IMS Outdoors is made possible with the support of IMS’ title sponsor, Progressive. “As the #1 motorcycle insurer in the U.S. and IMS title sponsor since 2010, we look forward to working alongside IMS to deliver an innovative, new type of event to the industry,” says Eric Doubler, Recreational Vehicle Business Leader at Progressive. “With this fresh and reimagined approach, IMS Outdoors is an exciting opportunity to transform the tour and grow the powersports community.”
Dates and locations for Progressive IMS Outdoors will be announced in December. As Progressive IMS Outdoors is an evolution of IMS’ traditional tour, the shows traditionally held in various cities from November through February will not take place this year. To stay connected with the world of motorcycling, powersports, and all things two-wheeled conveyance, check out ContinueTheRide.com, IMS’ platform that hosts a slate of digital content all designed to reach and support the industry.
