Street Vibrations rolling through Carson

Motorcycles gunning their engines on Carson Street are a sweet sound to George and Valerie Walker.

The Walkers stopped to fill up their Harley-Davidsons at the Carson City Shell station Friday afternoon before continuing to Street Vibrations, the annual bikers' fest in Reno. This year the event is expected to draw 40,000 "Hogheads." The Walkers have come about 600 miles from Kingman, Ariz., to party.

Valerie Walker decided to make the trip because of the good weather. Her long hair was tied back with a red-print rag. Her gold hoop earrings glinted in the sun. She pumped gas into her 2004 Harley-Davidson Deuce. Her husband rides a 2000 Wide Glide.

"This is our first time and we're just going up for the party," George Walker said. He wore black leather pants, vest and a Harley-Davidson handkerchief over his brow.

Street Vibrations spreads itself over Northern Nevada, as bikers from across the country converge on downtown Reno until Sunday. The event also takes bikers through Nevada's windiest roads, what event spokeswoman Carol Infranca called Northern Nevada's biggest perk for motorcyclists.

"From 5,000 to 6,000 (bikers) are going on organized runs," she said. "Motorcycle enthusiasts love twisty, windy roads and the scenery."

Infranca wants motorists to share the road with bikers. She said you'll hear them coming, but watch for them, too.

"We don't want anyone to meet by accident," Infranca said.

Carson City Harley-Davidson has attracted about 10,000 motorcyclists into its doors Thursday and Friday, the sales and finance manager said Friday.

"It's been awesome," Patty Hurt said. "It has been the busiest day for Street Vibrations that we've ever had."

She has been selling bikes while visitors peruse the Beer Garden or the Big Air Extreme Motocross exhibition at their 2749 N. Carson St. location.

The free event at Harley-Davidson continues today with extreme jumpers at 11 a.m. Bubba Blackwell, the "American Daredevil," at noon and at 3 p.m. Bad Intent will play from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

She expects the parking lot to be full up until the Sunday slowdown. The entertainment goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday but Harley-Davidson will close at 4 p.m.

Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

IF YOU GO

Street Vibrations 2004 highlights:

• Today in Carson City

- 11 a.m. Big Air Extreme Motocross exhibition

- Noon and 3 p.m. Bubba Blackwell American DareDevil Stunt Show

• Today in Reno

- 11 a.m. to noon Bike games at Sixth and Virginia streets and Court and Virginia streets

- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Competition Bike Show Display, Friday winners, Mezzanine Floor at the Silver Legacy

• Sunday

- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. entertainment

Information: Call 882-7433 or go online at www.road-shows.com