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Bikers Revving Up To Break World Records

By Eric Czajka

COMMERCE TWP. (WWJ) - Rev up those motorcycle engines – the Third Annual Detroit Bike Week returns to Commerce Township this weekend.

The annual event is the one of the largest gathering of bikes in Michigan, attracting approximately 10,000 people last year. This year's event is expected to draw even more people and bikes – so many that the organizers hope to break over a dozen Guinness World Records.

Some of the records up for grabs include the most Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a ride, the most participants in a safety class and the most bikes simultaneously doing a burnout – along with other categories.

Jennifer Loberman, the Marketing Director at Motor City Harley-Davidson in Farmington Hills, said that the world record attempts should attract lots of motorcycle enthusiasts.

"We are specifically sponsoring the Guinness attempts," said Loberman.  "It's going to depend on the weather – but I believe they're expecting 5,000 to 10,000 people over the weekend."

The bike week isn't just for Harley riders, either.  Riders of any model bikes are welcome to come.  The organizers hope to break world records for the most bikes in a ride for almost all makes of motorcycles and trikes.

Loberman said the event has a lot to offer to Michigan bikers.

"On a local aspect, it offers a wide variety of venders, events and things to do," said Loberman.  "Michigan has not had a lot of events like the Sturgis bike rally …"

This year's bike week will even have a celebrity guest appearance by Ryan Hurst, the actor who plays the role of 'Opie' on the show Sons of Anarchy.  There will also be live bands, custom choppers and bobbers, stunt shows and more.

There's also plenty of prizes and give-aways, including a Poor Boys Chopper's Bobber.

"We're looking to have a fun and safe event that helps promote the sport of motorcycling," said Loberman.  "Everything's better on a Harley."

The Detroit Bike Week will run from Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29 at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township.  For more information, click here.

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