Indianapolis is known as the “Crossroads of America,” and it’s one of the best places to have a great event like the Indiana Motorcycle Expo. Indianapolis is used to hosting visitors each May with the Indianapolis 500, as well as numerous conventions and gatherings around the year. Indy itself has tons to offer folks who come in for the Motorcycle Expo.

Not that the Expo itself isn’t enough, of course. Here are some of the events highlighted at this year’s Indiana Motorcycle Expo, held February 25^th to the 28^th, 2010 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds:

• Motorcycle license skills test. ABATE of Indiana offers the test necessary to become licensed to drive a motorcycle in the State of Indiana. If you don’t already have your permit, though, you’re going to be out of luck: there’s a 30-day waiting period after getting your permit before you can get your license. In addition, ABATE will be holding motorcycle classes so that folks interested in learning to ride a motorcycle can get the licensing process started right here at the expo.
• Tiny Tots Test Track. It isn’t just grown-ups who get to test at the expo. This track is build for first time motorcycle riders, and is a safe, fun environment for you to take your child to have her first motorcycle ride. There’s also the ABATE Children’s Motorcycle Adventure, a series of hands-on activities aimed at the little ones.
• Vintage Motorcycle Display. The Indy Vin Moto group is a vintage motorcycle enthusiast club in Indianapolis. They feature bikes from as far back as the early 1900s up to the 1980s. This year, they’re showcasing a number of vintage racing bikes including a 1937 Rudge Ulster.
• Bikers Showcase Bike Contest. This contest, sponsored by Lucas Oil (the company that now also sponsors Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts) is one of the coolest in the nation. Bikes entered in the contest will be judged in a number of qualities, including originality, condition, detail, finish, design and workmanship. There will be trophies for several bike types, including American Big Twins, Euro/Asian bikes, Touring bikes, Vintage bikes and Chopper/Radical bikes, as well as a Best of Show.
• Motorcycle Fashion Showcase. Sponsored by Hardee’s, models will strut the latest motorcycle wear on the runway. Get ready to have your engine get revved up for this one.
• Motorcycle vendors. You’ll find everything you need from helmets to motorcycle insurance at the expo, as well.

Photo via quinet