MOTOBLOT 2014 Photos and Video

It was killer. It was happening. The inaugural MOTOBLOT in Chicago was a success. The guys behind the event simply recognized the organic evolution of Mods vs Rockers Chicago and tailored the new venue accordingly. Here’s a look through our lens for just a taste of what MOTOBLOT was like…

Steel Toe Press has been building motorcycle entertainment in Chicago for years. In this new direction the ‘rocker’ persona is still alive and well, but the infusion of American rockabilly and vintage culture has eclipsed the homage to the British mods and rockers.

The venue was located outside the Cobra Lounge at the corner of Ashland and Fulton and stretched for several closed-to-the-public blocks. The streets were filled with tons of bikes and a nice selection of vendor and food booths.

Tattoo artists, pinstripers and other artisans were on hand to add to the many moving parts of MOTOBLOT. For us, we’re all about the overall scene and vibe that’s created during a show or gathering. In other words, the people-watching can be just as entertaining, or more so, as the bikes and hot rods that attend.

The Miss MOTOBLOT Pin Up Contest helped add a vibrant splash of color to the event, where gals dressed in period attire with hair ‘n make-up that looked straight outta the 50s (there was a $1000 prize for the winner!)

We’re bike guys, yes. But as kids, we often drew hot rods and muscle cars to make time in the classroom bearable. We admire rat rods and have a penchant for slammed, chopped customs. The line-up of cars was varied and stellar.

A big part of MOTOBLOT’s draw was the music they brought in. A constant stream of live music flowed from the Rockabilly Rumble Outdoor Stage. Acts like School of Rock Chicago, The Bama Lamas, Detroit Cobras, Krank Daddies and many more made appearances over the 3-day weekend.

As seen in the video, vintage-bike vixen and songstress Julia Haltigan filled the Isle of Man and Cobra Lounge with her rich vocals before performing on the outdoor stage (you may have seen her feature on Café Racer TV).

The guys at British Customs added a build-off element to the show, pitting area Triumph dealerships against each other doing on-site customization of new Triumph models. Click on over to the Iron Moto Challenge site for more details about the bikes and competitors.

There’s a lot that goes into these events to dial ‘em in just right and Larry Fletcher and Martin Cimek are already at work toward building an even better 2015 show. They’ve turned the corner from Mods vs Rockers and left a big ol’ black burnout mark toward building the best Midwestern summer event for vintage-minded motorcyclists.

If you’re teetering on whether to attend this event in the future, our post should provide a window into the world of MOTOBLOT. It’s just a mere sampling of the music, cars, bikes and people we encountered at the new direction of Chicago’s biggest annual vintage motorcycle rally. Check out the event’s site for more info on the whos, whats, whens and wheres. www.MOTOBLOT.com

Above: Cristy Lee was MC for the weekend along with Kevin Dunworth of Loaded Gun Customs.

 

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Royal Enfield brought their new models out, including a half-dozen Continental GTs.

See even more event photos in our Facebook gallery.