4 motorcycle events riding into York this weekend
This weekend, the bunnies, funnel cakes and carnival rides at the York Fair will be replaced with a different kind of entertainment as thousands of motorcycles ride into town.
Stunt bikes, trikes, antique motorcycles and more will entertain at four different motorcycle-themed events in York County.
From races to parades to stunt shows, there's something for everyone.
Here's a weekend itinerary so you don't miss out on any of the motorcycle fun.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Harley-Davidson Open House: Kick off your weekend with stunt shows, free demo rides on 2016 motorcycles, live music and self-guided factory tours during Harley-Davidson's open house weekend.
Festivities go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 through Saturday Sept. 26 at Harley-Davidson's Springettsbury Township manufacturing plant, 1425 Eden Road. But if you want to attend some of the other motorcycle events happening this weekend, make sure you check this one off your list Thursday or Friday.
New this year will be a simulated riding experience on Harley-Davidson's first electric motorcycle, Project LiveWire, communications manager Bernadette Lauer said. Then, take a look at a display of bikes from movies like "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron."
Food and specialty vendors will also be available.
For more information, call 717-848-1177.
Coverage: Harley-Davidson enthusiasts turn out for company's annual open house.
Friday, Sept. 25
York City Bike Night: Even if you're not a hardcore motorcycle fan, the 21st annual York City Bike Night might be an event for you.
It's a motorcycle-themed street party in downtown York with a motorcycle parade, food and live entertainment, which typically draws a crowd near 20,000, according to organizer Mary Yeaple.
The parade, led by a group of trike motorcycles, steps off from the York Expo Center at 6 p.m. and travels east on Market Street to Broad Street and back to Continental Square. Anyone with a motorcycle is welcome to ride in the parade, Yeaple said. Just come to the Carlisle Avenue gate at the York Expo Center between 4:30 and 5 p.m. As many as 1,500 bikes are expected.
After the parade, about a dozen trikes will be on display on the first block of North George Street until 10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite trike, and the winner will receive a People's Choice Award trophy.
New this year will be PennDOT's Live Free Ride Alive display on the first block of South George Street, which will promote safe motorcycle riding.
Ten food vendors, which sell waffles, French fries, funnel cakes, crab cakes and more, will be set up from Cherry Lane to the Yorktowne Hotel. And four local bands — Smokin Gunnz, The HepCats, Bridge Street and Elijah Cross — will provide live entertainment.
For more information about Bike Night, visit yorkcity.org/bikenight.
Saturday, Sept. 26
White Rose Thunder: The top flat track racing talent in the country rumbles back to York on Saturday for the fourth annual White Rose Thunder.
For the first time, this typically three-to-four-day event held at the York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave., York, will be cut down to one day because of limited access due to York Fair cleanup. But that doesn't mean there'll be a shortage of entertainment.
Organizers are focusing solely on the racing this year as they bring more of the top racers to York than in past years, organizer Jeff Rehmeyer said.
Spectators will get to see about 170 racers from as nearby as York and Lancaster and as far as the west coast compete for up to $11,500 in prize money.
One of the most exciting races of the day will be held around 2 p.m. for antique motorcycles built between 1910 and 1924.
"Antique bikes don't go as fast," Rehmeyer said, "but in terms of racing excitement, it's fascinating to see (bikes) that are 100 years old."
The event also includes a bike show, where motorcycles will be judged in categories, including best in show, best paint, three-wheeler, antique and more.
The gates open at 10 a.m. and racing is expected to finish around 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15.
For more information, visit whiterosethunder.com.
Sunday, Sept. 27
Jefferson Hill Climbs: Watch as professional riders from the eastern United States attempt to climb a 300-foot hill in the fastest time.
The event, sponsored by the White Rose Motorcycle Club, will feature lightweight motorcycles with high horsepower engines running on nitro-methane and/or nitrous oxide, according to the club's website.
As if 300 feet wasn't enough excitement, the climb also includes two jumps to add to the fun.
Gates open at 10 a.m. at the White Rose Motorcycle Club, 5252 Hillclimb Road, Spring Grove.
Tickets are $15 the day of the event or $12 in advance. For a list of locations selling tickets, visit whiterosemc.org. Parking is free.