By Vince Guerrieri

Posted On: Jan 2, 2016

If you’re a motorcyclist, you know that this time of year – unseasonably warm weather notwithstanding – is where the itch to ride becomes a little more pronounced.

Ohio has an abundance of people who feel the need to experience the state on two wheels. And if you’re in Northeast Ohio looking for a fix, you can always go to the I-X Center in Cleveland for the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.

The show stops in 10 cities, starting with Portland, Oregon, on Halloween and ending in Phoenix, Arizona in February. Its stop in Cleveland this year is Jan. 29-31.

Many motorcycle manufacturers have displays at the show, allowing you to see the latest models, from American iron like Harley-Davidson and Indian to European sportbikes like Ducati and BMW to Japanese imports like Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki. You can do some comparison shopping – and maybe sit on a bike you ordinarily wouldn’t have a chance to otherwise.

In addition, there are also vendors for everything from motorcycle gear to supplies to keep the machine clean and the chrome shiny. There are also information booths on local tourism and places you might like to ride, and local vintage clubs typically have displays showing off old bikes.

There are also regular presentations that are both informational and entertaining. The Progressive School of Rock returns, offering local bands a stage to play, and individual booths also have their own presentations (one of the ones I found particularly informative – and happily, I’ve never had to put into practice – was a demonstration on the best way to pick your bike up when it falls).

Within the show itself is the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. Local customizers present their creations – from modified Harleys, a class unto themselves, to a freestyle class that allows them to show their full creativity – and winners are chosen by a panel of judges as well as voting by attendees.

You will be wowed by the cool tricks from the stunt riders! And if you have little ones, there are some kid-friendly activities to enjoy with your family. Progressive Insurance, the title sponsor of the event, brings its Progressive Garage Slot Car track (built by Slot Mods Raceways), and of course, you can take a turn racing on it for fun and prizes.

So scratch the itch this winter and prepare for another great season of riding in Ohio!