8th Annual Ray Price Capital City Bikefest Presented by Nationwide Insurance Raises $8,000 for Military

RALEIGH, NC, October 07, 2012 (Press-News.org) The 2012 Ray Price Capital City Bikefest presented by Nationwide Insurance took place Friday, September 21st through Sunday, September 23rd, and this year's event was the biggest to date .

The event attracted over 100,000 people from across the state and region, bringing business to downtown hotels and restaurants. It also benefited North Carolina's military, raising over $8,000 for the North Carolina National Guard and the United Service Organization of North Carolina.

"We are pleased to present the proceeds to two important organizations," said Ray Price. "Our National Guard stands ready to support us at home or abroad. The USO of NC develops programs that lift the spirits of our military and supports the needs of their families. We thank everyone who contributed and everyone who came out to enjoy the festivities."

Centered on the iconic Harley-Davidson brand, the destination event featured live music and entertainment, food, vendors, special shows and exhibits, and thousands of motorcycles. It took place in downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street, with activities on Hargett, Martin, and Davie Streets and the Plaza, as well as the Ray Price, Inc. dealership at 1126 South Saunders Street in Raleigh.

This year, the Bikefest featured annual rides plus an all-new ride. The Patriot Ride drew riders from the dealership to the N.C. National Guard Armory for a special presentation. New this year was a sparkling Parade of Lights just after opening ceremonies on Friday.

"The all-new Parade of Lights ride, sponsored by Custom Dynamics, featured 50 bikes lit up with LED accessory lighting," said Kris Weiss, Director of Marketing and Promotions. "It was quite a sight to see as they paraded through the downtown area with colorful lights. It created a lot of interest, and I suspect this ride will return next year."

On Friday, 1 Wheel Revolution motorcycle stunt team brought downtown lunch crowds to Fayetteville Street for a special preview. The Kick-Start Parade brought customers from the dealership to downtown for bands and performance groups, including the award-winning Wolfpack Clogging Team. The 595th AFROTC Color Guard from NC State University presented the colors while Robert J. White, United States Army, Special Forces, Sgt. First Class (Ret) performed the bag pipes, followed by the National Anthem with American Idol finalist, Adam Lee Decker. Saturday, the festivities were in full-swing downtown and at the dealership, with live music, entertainment, vendors, shows and more. Sunday morning brought hundreds of people to the dealership for the Freedom Biker Church worship rally.

Ray Price Harley-Davidson and Triumph thank all Bikefest sponsors: presenting sponsor Nationwide Insurance; founding partners 96.1 Radio, 94.7 QDR and the Raleigh Convention Center; official sponsors Gregory Poole Equipment Company, Raleigh HOG, Gary Pool Motorcycle Attorney, WebEFX, NC Governor's Highway Safety Program, Boom Magazine, the NC Education Lottery, and Sheetz; element sponsors: Custom Dynamics - Parade of Lights, Team Powersports - Metric Alley, Warlock's Tattoo - Tattoo Fest, The Meat House Raleigh - Patriot Ride, Hooters - Bike Show & Shine, The Oxford - Circus Una Motorcycle Thrill Show, and World Tabernacle Church - 1 Wheel Revolution Stunt Show.

For more details on the 2012 Capital City Bikefest, and future Bikefest updates, go to http://www.CapitalCityBikefest.com or http://www.facebook.com/CapitalCityBikefest.

About Ray Price, Inc.
Founded in 1972, Ray Price, Inc. in Raleigh, N.C. celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Originally named Precision Cycle, Ray Price, Inc. became a Harley-Davidson franchise in 1982. Today, the dealership specializes in Harley-Davidson and Triumph Motorcycles. Owned and operated by drag racing legend Ray Price, the dealership is one of the largest and most widely recognized in the southeast with a mission that continues to inspire others to experience the joys of riding. With a 60,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Drag Racing Museum, The Rider's Edge Academy of Motorcycling, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, Ray Price, Inc., offers more than just parts and service. It introduces others to the world of riding through people who are passionate about the open road. For more information, please call 919-832-2261 or visit http://rayprice.com/.