Ride CT & Ride New England Serving New England, NYC and The Hudson Valley!
WINDSOR LOCKS, CT – A planned second annual motorcycle show at the New England Air Museum has now been scrapped following an apparent branding dispute between the museum and the Murdercycles Motorcycle Club of Manchester, CT, which organized the first show.
After getting a splendid response to the inaugural show in April 2014, NEAM announced last month that another show would be staged this spring on April 18. However, a recent meeting between museum’s new executive director, Jerry Roberts, and Murdercycle members resulted in the club grounding the event.
“The new manager didn’t want to use the name of our club in any promotion, so we decided not to do the show,” said Ray Luce of Murdercycles when reached today by RIDE-CT / RIDE-NewEngland.
In written statement, Roberts confirmed the cancellation of the show. “We had every intention of producing another show this year working closely with Murdercycles, and others, to create a sustainable annual event. After a preliminary meeting, we were disappointed that Murdercycles decided to cancel the show. We will respect this decision and we will not proceed this year,” the statement said.
Last year, promotion and advertisements for the show prominently displayed the Murdercycles name, including an ad (pictured) that appeared on this website.
In a brief phone conversation, Luce declined to elaborate on the situation, but a Jan. 19 post appearing on the club’s Facebook page reported that, “We were told the ‘Murdercycles MC’ name was too dangerous. We’d rather stick to what we do best rather than compromise.” The post also contained an extensive list of the charitable activities that the club’s involved in.
Roberts was likewise tight-lipped when reached, but said, “They surprised us by pulling out. We thought we were still discussing issues.”
Roberts wouldn’t go into details, allowing only “we were talking about issues that included branding.”
The handout statement also said,”The New England Air Museum respects and appreciates the great job done by Murdercycle(s) MC last year in bringing a successful show to the museum. There is an obvious synergy between aircraft and motorcycles and the passionate communities involved with both.”
Looking to the future, the statement concluded, “We will take this opportunity to step back and consider a future event that would include broad-based representation within the motorcycling community, which we certainly hope would include Murdercycles with their passion and energy.”
Last year’s show featured primarily vintage motorcycles of all makes. Entries were displayed in three hangers at the museum. The oldest this year was a 1909 Shaw (pictured below) owned by Buzz Kanter, publisher of the Stamford, CT-based magazines “American Iron” and “Motorcycle.” The NEAM show provided a memorable kickoff for the riding season.
– By Bud Wilkinson
What you suggest would involve work; something I abhor. Seriously, it takes many hands to do such a show, and I’m not equipped to organize one. I do hope NEAM revives the show next year because it was fantastic, and I hope Murdercycles MC steps back and reassesses its position. As I understand it, NEAM never said it the club couldn’t promote itself at the show and had no problem with members wearing colors at the event. The museum’s main concern was the name being used in broad-based publicity, which is thoroughly understandable. The club did a great job with the initial show.
I’ve been a biker for over 30 years. It was a terrific event last year, however, even though Murdercycles MC is comprised of great members, associating the word “Murder” with the mainstream community of the NEAM is a bad idea. Shame on Murdercycles for demanding recognition in advertisement. I wish the NEAM took it upon themselves to host the event instead of relying on a club. I would’ve brought my bikes to display. C’mon Ride-CT.com, you could organize the event 😉 😉
I just found your site. I’m a New Haven HOG Road Captain, I’m always looking for interesting destinations, and things to do. Thanks for a few ideas. ,and some interesting information. Mike B.
This was a great event last year. We were a vendor there last year and promoted it thru our Facebook page. It was great advertisement for the museum and now they are blowing it. You have a great venue there and you should be looking for ways to bring the community into the museum – not turning an entire segment of the local community away. Bad move.
Thats to bad. Bad call by the directer. This an event that had potential to grow and bring a lot of people to the museum who never would have come or didn’t know it was there.
this is ridiculous. last year was a great show.
I know the club in question. total gears heads. this new director is a fool.
I have confirmed that the motorcycle show is off the calendar, but need more on the record details before writing anything.
This is the first that I’ve heard of this. I’ve contacted the New England Air Museum and Murdercycles for confirmation and comment.
Unfortunately the museum’s new director decided to cancel the show just due to the name of the club that coordinates the show. Please contact them and express your dissapointment
Thanks for the kind words. I’m always looking for story ideas, so if you ever have one let me know. And please help spread the word about the website!
I have really enjoyed reading RIDE CT this past year or so since I’ve moved back to New England. Your articles and photos are both informative and entertaining. Not having ridden in the northeast much in the last 25 years, I have learned much from RIDE CT and look forward to the next issue. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Love it will bring some more bikes this year