The Congregation Vintage Motorcycle Show, Cruising Charlotte
Story and Photos by Robert McCarter
The Congregation Vintage Motorcycle Show we attended last weekend artfully blended man and machine and the magic of vintage motorcycles. A retro rider party thrown by Dice Magazine and North Carolina-based Prism Supply, this inaugural and invitational motorcycle happenin’ is sure to become an annual event. A local car club, Iron Lords, handpicked some hot rods and customs to accompany the group of bikes on display for Saturday while also hosting the private Friday night pre-show party at the club’s shop in nearby Concord.
High Style Chopper brought his 57 Panhead, which is a clone of a bike in the movie “Wild Angels”
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The party was way cool but way different. Mixing bike, hot rod and beard culture, it was a congregation in and of itself. They even had an axe-throwing booth set up by Lumberjaxe of Charlotte! The Iron Lords’ shop is conveniently located right beside an old self-serve car wash, which provided plenty of parking for some cool bikes, customs, hot rods, and for a few…… some overnight accommodations, but that’s another story. Bikers don’t have alarm clocks. There are no hangovers. There are simply “start-overs.”
Dave-O of 76 Cycles brought out his “The Race of Gentleman” contender, 45 Flathead
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Saturday’s main event was held at a most appropriate location. On this 75-acre facility, located within a few miles from downtown Charlotte, sits a historic factory where everything from Model T’s to Hercules Cruise missiles were once assembled. You could just feel the industrial might that was once housed in this cavernous chasm. Large multi-pane glass windows and what seemed like miles of well-worn end-grain wood floors set the stage for the Congregation Show. Even the address hints at some important numbers that no red-blooded American can ignore 1776. Does that scream freedom or what?
Who ever owns this Knuckle Headed Harley doesn’t mind using and abusing it.
Add all of these hand-assembled motorcycles, hot rods, and customs and you’re going to walk away inspired to build something with your hands. Whether you were an invited guest or a turnstile spinner, The Congregation Show was long on inspiration.
Iron Lords Club Shop and the bikes and hot rods that made it out to the pre-show party
There was a well-rounded group of two-wheelers in attendance. A little something for everyone; stockers, choppers, bobbers, flat trackers, you name it; there was something to catch your eye. Though not the main attraction for this event the same goes for their four-wheel cousins invited to participate in the lineup. From stripped-down roadsters to heavily modified customs, they helped round out the vintage industrial vibe at the Congregation Show.
Make it your duty to check it out next Memorial Day Weekend.
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