Biker's paradise

Every Tuesday, Cheeseburger in Paradise transforms into a biker’s paradise.

From 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at Cheeseburger in Paradise, Bike Night offers a chance for the public to learn more about motorcycles and the people who ride them.

This summer event features a wide variety of bikes on display, a merchandise tent from Bloomington Power Sports, interactive games, a “best bike” contest, music and food.

Bike Nights started in Bloomington last summer after having great success at Evansville’s Cheeseburger in Paradise
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“There’s been a lot of loyal customers who started coming in even when it’s not Bike Night,” said Scott Morris, managing partner for the Bloomington location. “All people are welcome to come if they’re just fond of bikes and want to check them out.”

An assortment of motorcycle types line up outside the restaurant while riders share stories and experiences.

“I’ve never seen another electric motorcycle anywhere,” said Terry Sloan, who rides a Zero Electric Motorcycle. “They’re fairly rare — although I was just told about somebody in Bloomington that has a home-built one.”

Bike Night is also a bonding experience.

“It’s a way to meet new people to ride with,” said Brandon Richardson, the rider of a 1999 Suzuki GSX-R 600.
The bikers who go to Bike Night range in their level of experience.

“I’ve been riding motorcycles for 42 years, and the only thing I like more than riding them is talking about them,” Sloan said.

The event featured old bikes, restored bikes, custom-built bikes, Harley-Davidson bikes, electric bikes and cruisers.

Some had extreme paint jobs, personalized decals and even snakeskin seats.

“There’s some typical ones; there’s some crazy ones,” event coordinator Sarah Brown said. “It’s just neat to see what rolls in here because every week there’s a little something different.”

Bloomington Power Sports, a sponsor of the event, displays the newest motorcycle products, from parts and accessories to apparel.

All types of people attended — from Cheeseburger in Paradise patrons to young children — and anyone can choose to watch or compete in games throughout the night. Winners receive a T–shirt or hat from Cheeseburger in Paradise or decals from Bloomington Power Sports.

“Bike Night’s fun because you meet lots of people who are interested in the same things,” Bloomington Power Sports employee Pier Madore said. “You see all ages, from teenagers to guys that are retired and just out living the good life, and it’s neat to meet these people and get to know them.”

And Bike Night’s games are known for their creativity and entertainment value. DJ Brett Anderson, or “The Dance Machine,” is responsible for coming up with these activities.

“We do lots of funny things, whether it’s stacking cups to balancing cups of water on your forehead and trying to walk with it,” Anderson said.

Even the adults sometimes like to act like little kids.

“I like to play games and make a fool of myself in front of everybody,” Travis Abrell, rider of a 2005 Yamaha R1, said. “I’d have to say my favorite game was one where you had to put a cookie on your forehead and wiggle it down your face to your mouth.”

There is also a nightly contest for “Best Bike,” in which anyone can vote for registered bikes.

“Pretty much everyone I know has a bike, so I come here to support them and hope they win,” Jayme Erwin, a regular who doesn’t ride, said.

Winners receive a $25 gift certificate, a plaque shaped like a surfboard and bragging rights.
 
On any given Tuesday, people come from as far as Anderson, Ind., and Terre Haute.

And the attendees want to reiterate that the event is not just for bikers and their friends.

“I think people think you have to have a bike to come, and you definitely don’t,” Brown said.