The “Legends of Route 66” Bike Build-Off rolled to a stop on Sunday, where motorcyclists brought their custom-built bikes to Lake Havasu City to see whose was the best at Lake Havasu State Park over the weekend.
“The challenge went out to individual-owned bike shops to build a motorbike from the ground up,” said organizer Frankie Lyons, a member of Veterans United.
Lyons said there were about 20 bikes in the competition on Saturday alone, most of which were from local shops. The event saw approximately 1,700 visitors, served by 55 vendors. Eight local live bands performed at the event, including “Sidewinder,” “Cross-Cut,” “The Kevin Jackson Band,” “Chuck E. Bump” and country musician Matt Farris.
It wasn’t all about the bikers, however. Representatives from veterans associations throughout the region gathered to raise money and awareness for homeless and at-risk veterans.
“It’s a fundraiser to raise money for homeless vets in Havasu,” Lyons said. “We want to provide food, clothing, and whatever veterans need to be self-sustaining.”
Joe Little, of the Department of Veterans Affairs, was at the event on Sunday.
“It’s been pretty good,” he said. “Lots of people have stopped by, wanting info on veterans’ benefits. A lot of people are concerned about their loved ones. We’re here to provide outreach, basically letting people know we exist.”
Department of Veterans Affairs helps returning veterans to readjust to civilian life, and hopes to improve veterans’ quality of life as they return home. “Lake Havasu City has been very accommodating,” Little said. “There are a lot of vets here, a lot of organizations, and we work together, making sure that vets are taken care of.”
Diane Carroll, of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA), was also at the event. This was the AVVA’s first year attending the Bike Build-Off, and it hopes to attend more in the future. “This helps all vets, the homeless, and anyone who might need help. That’s what we’re here for,” Carroll said.
