About this event
In the fall of 2007, a concept was born for a motorcycle show that would complement Back to the Bricks, an annual automobile show held in Downtown Flint since 2004. The visionaries behind this idea were Don Williamson (former Mayor of Flint), Larry Ford (former President of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce), Gary Hagler (former Acting Flint Police Chief), and Ron Lonsway (Sales Executive at what was then Cummings Vehicle City Harley-Davidson, now Vehicle City Harley-Davidson). Lonsway reached out to Kirk Bowles (owner of Forest City Cycle Works), Ed Henderson (owner of Top End Cycle), and Jeff Wade (radio personality at WRSR 103.9) to gauge their interest in participating. All were enthusiastic about the concept, recognizing the potential for Flint, and agreed to join in.
With approval from the City of Flint, the group was given the green light to hold the inaugural motorcycle show on Saturday, October 6, 2007, with just three weeks to prepare. Bowles, Henderson, Lonsway, and Wade, along with Tanya Lane (former employee of the Flint Convention & Visitors Bureau), Hagler, John Benthal (former City of Burton Police Chief), and Charlie Schecter (former Flint Police Officer), quickly came together to finalize the details. And so, Bikes on the Bricks was born!
The first event, held on October 6, 2007, saw about 100 dedicated motorcycle enthusiasts braving rainy, chilly weather. The initial show was modest, but the idea grew to include a police skills competition. Despite its humble beginnings, Bikes on the Bricks has since evolved into a premier three-day event in Flint, Michigan, featuring bike shows, police competitions, food and merchandise vendors, a biker fashion show, special guests, and a police-escorted ride — offering something for every motorcycle fan!
Bikes on the Bricks is also proud to donate the proceeds from the police-escorted ride to charitable organizations in Genesee County. Past beneficiaries have included the Old Newsboys of Flint, Hurley Medical Center, Friends of the Flint Police, Young Marines, and St. Luke NEW Life Center.
