Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/813630
28 • May 1, 2017 • Powersports Business MOTORCYCLE www.PowersportsBusiness.com Portland event making impact with OEMs, aftermarket companies alike BY JASON R. SAKURAI CONTRIBUTING WRITER In a city with 154 days of measurable rain per year, Portland, Oregon is, paradoxically, home to the One Moto Show, now in its eighth year. Held annually in February, it has doubled in size each year due largely to the vision of its founder Thor Drake, his staff, volunteers and a host of manufacturers such as BMW Motorrad, Indian Motorcycle, Ducati, KTM, Ural Motor- cycles, Alta Motors and this year's presenting sponsor, Harley-Davidson. "Our driving force to keep this going was the feeling that we were adding to something that we loved. We want to give back to motor- cycling. We want to be inclusive and inspire people to participate," Drake said. "As things progressed, the show got bigger. We've been in multiple locations and have been lucky to work with some of the most trusting sponsors within the world of motorcycles." While the OEM presence was noticeable, so were those of parts, accessory and lifestyle companies, from Icon 1000, Wyotech and Bell Helmets, to Red Clouds Collective, Dan- ner, Fox Racing's Moto X LAB, Alpinestars, Ship John, Roland Sands Design, Iron & Air, LED Lenser USA, American Flat Track, Meta magazine, and newcomers like Pack Animal, ATWYLD and Velomacchi Privateer Gear. "Whether it's camping, casual riding or off-roading, we see our customers utiliz- ing the capabilities of the sidecar and on- demand 2-wheel drive to compliment their current lifestyles and activities," said Matt Trigaux, communications director for Ural. "We continue to see strong growth in both the outdoor markets and with casual rid- ers. What's exciting for us is the universal appeal we see from customers with varied backgrounds. They are all imagining how Ural can fit into their current lifestyle and approach purchasing with activities already in mind of how they'll utilize the product in different ways." Kevin Murray, president of Velomac- chi, maker of duffle packs and backpacks for riders, said, "The One Moto Show has helped to define and refine a new culture in motorcycling for the last eight years. It is a very important show to meet with industry leaders, taste makers and riders to see new product and get feedback." Launched in July, women's motorcycle gear and apparel brand ATWYLD was inspired by the void in gender-specific gear. Founded by Anya Violet, Jaime Dempsey and Corinne Lan Franco, ATWYLD was created to put a layer between female riders and the road that is both stylish and functional. "We created the word ATWYLD to repre- sent the single moment that exists between fear and thrill. It's that moment when you are on the absolute edge of your comfort zone and your adrenaline is pumping. Riding a motorcycle is, for us, about reaching this ATWYLD moment as often as possible," said Lan Franco, the com- One Moto Show becoming can't-miss for many See One Show, Page 29 Thor Drake, One Moto Show creator and See See KTM of Portland co-owner. Alpinestars was a first time exhibitor at the show. (From left) Jaime Dempsey, Anya Violet and Corinne Lan Franco of ATWYLD.