Divas kick off motorbike expo with well-heeled ride

The Mercury
Published: Thursday, October 8, 2009

By Jesse Reilly, Journal Register News Service

In conjunction with the Philadelphia Motorcycle Show, professional motorcycle racer Peggy Llewellyn will lead a bevy of 50 to 100 other riders on a motorcycle ride from New Jersey to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks this weekend to promote the nonprofit organization Divas for a Cure.

With the Keystone State ranking fourth in the nation for new motorcycles sold and home to 800,000 registered riders, David Mockus believes it’s about time to end the several-year hiatus and bring a show to the bikers.

“For the past few years they’ve had shows in New York and Washington, D.C., but none here,” the show’s producer said.

After a few bumps in the road during previous shows, Philadelphia was taken off the map. Mockus left his job and created D&D Expositions with his mother to bring one back

“During previous shows, thousands of people came out,” he said. “We know there is an interest.”

To kick off what he is hoping will be an annual event, Mockus is bringing in some unlikely riders. Wearing a leather jacket and high heels, professional motorcycle racer Peggy Llewellyn and 50 to 100 other divas will ride from New Jersey to the Greater Philadelphia Expo at Oaks to promote the nonprofit organization Divas for a Cure.

“It’s not every day that you see women on bikes in heels,” she said with a laugh. “But if we’re called divas, I am going to make sure I look like one.”

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to “promoting early detection, education, screenings and supporting research organizations to continue the quest to one day find a cure and eradicate cancer of all kinds,” its Web site said. Proceeds from rides go toward educational material, health fairs, wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy, as well as mobile breast exams, according to the site.

Recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Llewellyn said the opportunity to combine her passion for riding and her goal of spreading awareness to her community was something she couldn’t pass up.

“I live by the rule that knowledge is power and the numbers show that breast cancer affects a large percentage of the Hispanic and black communities,” she said. She said that as a woman of Jamaican and Mexican descent, the cause is close to her heart.

“If women know about early detection, they can protect themselves,” she said. “If they have the information, they won’t become the statistic.”

Even though she’s dolling up for the event, Llewellyn said once she’s done the ride, she can kick off her heels and tell the estimated 10,000 bike lovers what it’s like to go 190 mph around a track.

The divas will also stick around to talk to convention-goers and sign autographs.

After welcoming the women, thousands of bikes will be set up in the center’s three halls, which are set to host the largest collection of motorcycles, ATVs and power sports vehicles in the area in years.

“There will be all different types of bikes,” Mockus said, adding that anyone can register their bike.

With numerous categories including antique and best in show, those who register their motorcycles will have the opportunity to receive cash prizes.

After perusing the bikes, people can make their way over to the rod and customs carnival.

The carnival will feature an auto-rama of select old school, hot rod, Rat Rod, Kustom and specialty show cars and bikes from around the tri-state area and, according to the press release, the event is all about “fun, kool cars and wild ideas.”

Amazing oddities including rubber girls, a two-headed duck, a Fiji mermaid, mummies and shrunken heads are also sure to draw a crowd, Mockus promised.

Professional BMX stunt bicyclists by Dialed Action Sports Team will wow and shock audiences with their death-defying feats, and booths featuring local tattoo artists and custom-made bikes will also be at the show.

Parts and products will be sold for those who are hoping to start, or finish, their own bike project.

The event will also include a toy run for St. Christopher’s Hospital. All show-goers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy with them to receive $3 off admission on Sunday.

Saturday night will be a special treat, with Biker Brawl’s presentation of R.I.E’s Mixed Martial Arts at 8 p.m. There is a separate admission and the cost is discounted for motorcycle show attendees.

“The fights are always broadcast, and when you watch, there is a huge Harley-Davidson ad in the middle of the ring,” Mockus said. “They are a huge sponsor of the event so we thought the combination fit.”

With the weekend full of exciting activities, Mockus said the convention center will definitely be revving with things to do.

“It hasn’t been here in so many years,” he said. “It’s definitely going to be exciting.”

If You Go …

Philadelphia Motorcycle Show, presented by D&D Expositions, will take place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456, Friday – Sunday, Oct. 9 – 11. Admission: $10, adults; $5, 6-11, free, age 5 and under. For more information, call 856-626-3226 or visit www.phillyexpos.com.