Motorcycles have been an integral part of many people's lives in the Waterloo Region and surrounding area for a very long time. So there is a palpable sense of excitement at an event such as the 2011 Tri City World of Motorcycles Expo where riders of all ages come together to celebrate their love of motorcycles and to experience the variety that comes with it.

Prepped to field questions and comments at the Riders Plus Insurance booth

Exhibitors were split between two large halls, with displays and vendors in the hallways around these areas as well. The Riders Plus booth was next door to the Motorcycle Mojo Magazine display, an upscale neighbourhood by anyone's asessment. There was a lot of activity in this area as people flocked to Motorcycle Mojo's booth to take advantage of their excellent subscription rates, cool shirts of all styles and colours, and deals on Paddy Tyson's quixotic motorcycle travel book The Hunt for Puerto del Faglioli.

The Motorcycle Mojo Magazine crew, fountains of knowledge and entertainment.

The KW Honda section included, besides the usual lineup of gleaming new models, a 2011 CBR 250 that you could sit on, lean into without falling over, and take a picture to mislead your friends into believing that you took this little beast for a wild ride. The salespeople were constantly busy, so undoubtedly there were a few new Honda motorcycles that found loving homes over the weekend.

Both Conestoga College and the Ontario Motorcycle Safety Association were represented at the show. Considering that the show took place a day before spring's arrival, action at these booths was brisk. Many show attendees had already booked their riding course dates and were lining up all of the other details necessary to venture out on their first season of riding.

Kitchener Harley Davidson and Rocky's Harley Davidson were, of course, at the show, and their deals on Harley Davidson clothing and apparel were pretty tempting. Of course you want to see their motorcycle offerings as well; so now that the show is over, go straight to the dealerships after you check out the model that suits your tastes either at their websites or at Harley Davidson Canada.

Various clubs such as the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers and the Southern Cruisers were there, clubs that include a lot of great people who love riding and do a lot of positive things for the community in general.

Charity rides are always a vital part of any motorcycle show. The Ride for Progeria had a booth right across from the food court (and the food, in typical Bingeman's tradition, was excellent). The Freedom Ride to End MS was also in attendance, another great cause supported by the generosity of motorcycle riders.

Mark your calendar for June 18, 2011. This is a ride you won't want to miss.

And as always, Laura and Scott were faithfully manning the Motorcycle Times booth, making an inimitable contribution to the wit and wisdom of the motorcycle world and keeping us all entertained while they do so.

The force behind the Motorcycle Times, Laura knows bikes.