Cycle World has released the dates for the 29th Annual International Motorcycle Shows. I've attended 8 (I think) IMS events in Philly, NYC and D.C. and prefer the D.C. venue 'cuz I'm only about 1.5 hrs. from a Metro station, and from there it's a short ride to the stop underneath the Convention Center -- I never even have to go outside. If you've never been to an IMS, not only will you see over 500 of the current models on display from most of the OEMs (including smaller European and Asian makers), but you'll also see custom and antique bikes, race bikes and oddities. Also out in force will be vendors of various motorcycling products (helmets seem to be a particularly popular purchase), motorcycling organizations & clubs, tour companies, chambers of commerce/resorts, racers & stunters, rider programs and moto-magazines. The IMS is simply a must for motorcycle nuts of every type; particularly so if it comes around your neck of the woods in the dead of Winter like it does mine. I try to sit on as many bikes as possible and say vrooom vrooom while twisting the throttle. Below is the schedule, but visit the IMS website for more info.

November 13-15, 2009
Dallas Convention Center
Dallas, TX

November 20-22, 2009
San Mateo County Event Center
San Mateo, CA

December 4-6, 2009
Long Beach Convention Center
Long Beach, CA

December 11-13, 2009
Qwest Field Event Center
Seattle, WA

January 1-3, 2010
Rock Financial Showplace
Novi, MI

January 8-10, 2010
Carolina First Center
Greenville, SC

January 15-17, 2010
Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.

January 22-24, 2010
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York, NY

January 29-31, 2010
I-X Center
Cleveland, OH

February 5-7, 2010
Minneapolis Convention Center
Minneapolis, MN

February 19-21, 2010
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Chicago, IL