Creating a new event like a motorcycle show requires vision, drive, and a healthy “can-do” attitude. For Tim Pegram, it meant lining up support from many different partners within the riding community. The result? The State of the Union Bike Show in Prince George, VA.
“One of the biggest challenges to creating a new bike show or event for me was convincing people and sponsors that this idea was something to attend or invest in,” Pegram said. “The second challenge was finding help to assist with putting everything together. I may have had the idea, but I also knew I would need the riding community to make it happen. Lastly, was finding time between my job and family responsibilities to plan and execute my vision.”
Inaugural State of the Union Bike Show Smashed Expectations
The inaugural event was held earlier this year in September, and was wildly successful. From custom bikes to merchandise to food, the inaugural event was attended by hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the region.
“My biggest success from my very first bike show was just the fact so many people came out,” Pegram said. “More so the support I received from individuals and sponsors to make the show as great as it was. I had limited funds to make it happen, but with the help of friends, sponsors and the riding community, we all came together to create an amazing local event filled with great times and no drama.”
In addition to starting bike nights and a large bike show, Pegram started Shifting State, his digital creator platform for sharing his bike nights, shows, and other endeavors. It has allowed him to reach out to vendors, the riding community and other supporters in and around Prince George, Virginia, to create amazing events and experiences.
“My favorite part about creating a successful bike show is just bringing everyone together, and the confidence I built in the process,” Pegram said. “Putting together a bike show is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I took the chance and made it happen. Through some planning, problem solving, and teamwork, we as a community put together an amazing show. So, in short, creating new relationships would have to be my favorite part of the process.”
Pegram has been riding for “a good couple of years,” he said, starting on dirt bikes and four-wheelers when he was young, then graduating to his first Harley-Davidson®. “When I got that bike and my motorcycle license I was hooked and loved every minute of it.”
Where It All Started: Revolution Nights Bike Nights
Before the State of the Union show, Pegram started out smaller, with Revolution Nights bike nights at the Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery in Prince George. This show brings locals from Prince George and the outlying areas for great food, camaraderie, and a shared love of everything on two wheels. Pegram said he enjoyed watching everyone interacting, talking shop and sharing stories. “Bike nights are our break from the stress of the forever-moving world,” Pegram reflects. Every other Thursday, friends gather with their motorcycles at the Tilted Kilt and have fun and relax. Sponsors like the Tilted Kilt, Law Tigers, Redline Powersports and many more contributed to the success of Revolution Nights, Pegram said.
With all the eye-candy Pegram sees on a weekly basis, what is his current favorite bike? His 2021 Deadwood Green Harley-Davidson Road King. This lush, beefy ride glides down the road, offering a superb ride. And the Deadwood Green with black accents stands out for it’s clean, fresh look. Pegram said he loves this bike because of the comfort and the fact it is a beautiful-looking machine.
“I love all motorcycles and respect each for their own different purposes,” Pegram said. “Each bike has its own appeal to it. From a cafe racer with its simple and raw looks, a sports bike that is clean cut and aggressive, all the way to a Harley with its hard appearance and loud sounds.”
With 2023 ending, and 2024 waiting in the wings to begin, Pegram has already begun the process of creating the next State of the Union Bike Show. And Revolution Bike Nights begin anew in April, running again every other Thursday from 6-10 p.m. at the Tilted Kilt. Pegram says the bike nights feature food, music, drinks, slow roll competitions and more. You can keep up to date about bike nights and the bike show by visiting Pegram’s socials on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. A challenge for Pegram heading into 2024 is the growing list of goals he wants to achieve. These include beefing up bike nights to attracting more vendors, enthusiasts and sponsors for the State of the Union Bike Show.
“I have so many ideas and I have to step back and remember my plate can only hold so much,” Pegram admits. “As far as what I would like to achieve this upcoming year, it would be to make the STATE OF THE UNION BIKE SHOW bigger than the first one, unite the riding community more, and work with a nonprofit to raise funds for local riders that have had an accident, so we can help them at a time they may need it most.”
Thinking of showing your ride at the 2024 State of the Union Bike Show? Last year, categories to enter included those below, as well as awards for best dealership, best local shop, best mechanic and community leader.
State of the Union Bike Show Categories
- Best of Show
- Best Harley
- Best Indian
- Best Sport Bike
- Best Import
- Best Bagger
- Best Garage Built
- Best Touring
- Best Old School
Pegram said the awards reflect the passion, creativity and enthusiasm motorcycle riders have for their bikes. He relates a story about the 2023 winner of the Garage Built category, a father-son tale of success and pride.
“A feel good moment for me came when a father approached me after his son won the BEST GARAGE BUILT award,” Pegram said. “The father said he was proud of his son because just earlier that year, his son had wrecked his bike and rebuilt it on the garage floor at their home. So, the biggest advice (for entering) is just be proud of what you ride and take a chance at taking home an award. There are so many unique looking bikes on the road, and it is great to see riders bring them out and put them on display. Each rider and bike have their own stories to share and that is part of what our show is about.”
At the end of the day, or the bike night or show, the reality for Pegram is he is doing great work in the community to support his fellow riders, the riding community at large, and local businesses. It is making these connections and building a strong motorcycle community that keeps Pegram coming back for more.
“I hope this is the first of many events and it grows to something bigger every year,” Pegram said. “Come out and join us at our bike nights, ride outs and our bike show,” he encouraged. “We will be looking for sponsors and vendors for our 2024 season. Feel free to email us at shiftingstateinfo@gmail.com. I believe we can all do so much more by working together. We have many ride outs in our area to raise money for good causes. I would love to see groups and individuals organize together to achieve our goals.”
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