Mama Tried Motorcycle Show Recap

Mama Tried, she surely did… and not speaking of Mom.. but the motorcycle show “Mama Tried”

Milwaukee Wisconsin, February 2023.

The ole’ lady treated us to a weekend getaway, just the two of us. Got me a couple days off from work n’ a couple bucks in my pocket, room reserved, and a special surprise or two so says the wife. We’ll talk about that later.

Blew outta the house bright and early Thursday morning and headed toward the windy city, thru downtown without a problem which is a bit out of the ordinary for Chicago. On up into cheese country where we ran smack dab into a snow storm, no big deal for a Michigan Native truck driver... got our room, supper, and a beer.

Friday was spent roaming the city just sightseeing, Milwaukee has mad respect for their Veterans. Salute to you Milwaukee, VA hospital and services directly across the street from our room. We took a self-guided tour thru the “Soldiers Home” and grounds where over 300,000 grave markers dating back to the Civil War are considered a National Treasure.

Absolutely incredible architecture and as a Veteran myself found it quite sobering, to say the least.
On to Veterans memorial park on the East side of town bordering Lake Michigan.

A visit inside the court of Honor... Remember, remove your cover when indoors (if ya know, ya know).
Oddly enough, this is the first time the ole’ lady wasn’t up to a stroll on the beach and dipping her toes in the water- Hmm…strange.

Anyway, off to the Harley Davidson Museum. Yep, the beginning of it all. The museum has every single aspect of Harley Davidson under one roof, bring your walking shoes and seeing glasses.

This is the second time we have visited and was just as intrigued as the first. $21 Entry tickets are affordable for most, restaurant prices are not bad however the clothing store prices are a bit over the top, bring your own H-D shirt.

Friday night the wife treated me to an authentic German dinner at Maders Restaurant.

Valet parking (never done that before), the pork shank fell off the bone and a true tall German beer. A bit pricey, but the food was good and the building architecture was incredible. Reminded me of days gone by in Germany with Uncle Sam.

After dinner was a casual stroll around the corner to the Fiserv Forum for second-row seating. Flat track racing at its finest. Insane speeds, the smell of spent race gas, and the 450 class of fearless riders on a concrete flat track the size of a hockey rink. A special treat for the new motorcycle generations with the Tykes on trikes..3 yr olds racing like they mean it and even a Hooligan class for the last race of the night. run what ya brung and racing in costume is required.

The grim reaper on a 250 Honda, John Deere Sportster with a mower deck, a cowboy in a flower suit on a 76’ sportster chopper with ape hangers, and even an outhouse on wheels.. absolutely awesome, hilarious and serious racing skills by all.

Saturday brought on the final event of the weekend, Mama Tried motorcycle show at The Rave Ballroom.

Over 100 custom builders invitational showing off their creations. LowBrow Customs were on hand, Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro Man bike on display.

Led Sled customs had their Vader-style wheels on display, parts vendors, food, beer, bikes... The place was P.A.C.K.E.D!

Knuckles, Pans, Shovels, Rats, Beemers, a Triumph or two, a fully dressed Road Glide on sled tracks and skis.

Excelsior, Ducati, Royal Enfield, Norton, and Vincent all on hand in any manner of build from original to wild custom… this show is not your typical Bagger scene.

These are truly one-of-a-kind garage builder custom bikes that run the entire spectrum of the word “Custom” that will wake up those mid-winter bike vibes.