If you’re looking for something to look forward to in 2021, the Progressive International Motorcycle Show can officially be added to your calendar.
UPDATE: A 10th stop has been added in Texas!
You may remember back in January when I went for my first motorcycle ride. Granted, it was indoors and it was on an electric bike but it still totally counts! In fact the Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS, for short), is committed to continuing their Discover the Ride experience to encourage new or potential riders to get comfortable on two wheels.
But this pesky pandemic has caused them to rethink the way they connect with their audience and it’s all good.
IMS Heads Outdoors
As with most events, the IMS had to figure out how to pivot and continue to bring motorcycles to their audiences in a way that was still safe but fun. Their solution? Take it outside!
The show has been rebranded as Progressive IMS Outdoors and more than the name is changing. The show will expand to include more powersports and allow riders to get first hand experience.
With the shift to an outdoor event, the locations have changed to be able to accommodate the riding experience and the number of events have been reduced. The event is being touted as a family-friendly festival style event that will bring enthusiasts safely together in the outdoors.
What to Expect from IMS Outdoors
The 2021 IMS Outdoors tour will span five months, taking place between June and October, stopping in nine cities throughout the U.S.
Think it’s just for motorcycle enthusiasts?
Well, they’ll certainly be there as IMS will continue to showcase the latest in motorcycles and powersports. But it’s also for those interest in outdoor powersports like electric mobility (eBikes, eScooters, etc.), RVing, and more. (Remember when I brought you a whole slew of motorcycle alternatives?)
The new completely-outdoors experience will feature more two- and four-wheel demo opportunities on
motorcycles, ATVs, eBikes, eMotorcycles, and other powersports vehicles for attendees than ever
before spanning both on- and off-road tracks. Demo opportunities will vary per market stop and will have options for both licensed and non-licensed attendees.
Still not sold? Let’s talk adventure tourism.
During the pandemic, I know at least three people that have invested in an RV or travel trailer. As the adventure tourism market is expected to grow in the next decade, IMS Outdoors will introduce more RV products at each market stop for attendees to engage with to see what fits their adventurer lifestyle.
Fan-Favorite Attractions Return to IMS Outdoors
Alongside new products, at each IMS Outdoors stop, attendees can expect to be entertained all weekend-long with local artisans and musicians planned to perform each day at the event while checking out the various options for craft food and drinks to re-energize their time on the various demo opportunities and attractions.
IMS Outdoors will confirm the return and expansion of several fan-favorite attractions from the traditional IMS tour format including the feature and display of the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, ATVs, gear, and aftermarket accessories. Other returning attractions include the Marketplace for attendees to purchase the latest gear, an expanded Adventure Out! area featuring more RV products for the adventurer, stunt shows, SHIFT, IMS Vintage, an expanded Discover The Ride program, and the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.
2021 IMS Outdoors Schedule
The 2021 Progressive IMS Outdoor dates and cities are as follows:
DENVER
JUNE 18-20, 2021
Loveland, CO
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
JULY 9-11, 2021
Irvine, CA
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
JULY 16-18, 2021
Sonoma, CA
CHICAGO
AUGUST 20-22, 2021
Elgin, IL
NEW YORK CITY
SEPTEMBER 3-5, 2021
Brooklyn, NY
PENNSYLVANIA
SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2021
Carlisle, PA
TEXAS
OCTOBER 1-3, 2021
Fort Worth, TX
NASHVILLE
OCTOBER 8-10, 2021
Lebanon, TN
CENTRAL FLORIDA
OCTOBER 15-17, 2021
Lakeland, FL
ATLANTA
OCTOBER 29-31, 2021
Conyers, GA
Although it won’t be hitting the DC area this year, I’m excited to make it up to Carlisle, PA which is less than two hours away. Make sure you keep up to date with all the IMS happenings at ContinueTheRide.com.
Connect with IMS (#RidersUnite) and Continue The Ride (#ContinueTheRide):
