By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Feb 09, 2024 at 12:31 PM

This article is written in partnership with the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Mama Tried, the homegrown motorcycle show that attracts builders, racers and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

The fun starts – and continues – at the Harley-Davidson Museum with the official Mama Tried Pre-Party taking over the entire campus on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 5 to 9 p.m.

“It’ll give party-goers the chance to hang with the racers, builders and fans that provide that magic Mama Tried elixir,” says Tim McCormick, the Public Relations/Project Manager for the museum.

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During the pre-party, guests can check out the boonie bike races in The Motorcycle Plaza. In between races, Rumble (above MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant) will host the H-D® Factory Outlet Sale with DJ Joey Hollywood and on-site tattoos from The Skin Museum. Plus, the Harley-Davidson® Shop will hawk custom Mama Tried T-shirts. 

The Museum exhibits and displays are specially curated for Mama Tried guests and open throughout the weekend with extended hours. A few not-to-miss exhibits include:

  • “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together” special exhibit focuses on the builders, the racers and the fans who attend the event along with their custom bikes that range from outrageous to lovingly restored.
  • “1972 Custom Sprint 350 Single,” J. Shia's unconventional 1972 350cc Sprint custom, just went on display at the museum. Inspired by Tchaikovsky's famous ballet "Swan Lake," Shia designed a dual bike project to reflect both the contrast and parallels of the black and white swans. This amazing build is a symbol of ingenuity in moto customization.
  • “My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto” is the museum’s first-ever bilingual family-friendly exhibit. Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a tale of family bonds strengthened by riding motorcycles.
  • “Experience Gallery” showcases inspiring stories and photo of Harley-Davidson riders and their epic journeys.
  • “The H-D Museum @ 15” celebrates the museum’s construction process in 2008 after 100 years in the making.
  • “Long-Time Riders: Lee & Pearl” is a heartwarming display inside the museum’s entrance featuring memorabilia of two long-time Wisconsin riders, Lee and Pearl Christopherson.
  • The “Clubs & Competition” gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s including full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, all customized by the owners.
  • “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.

The museum will also provide complimentary shuttles to and from Mama Tried on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

H-D ® Factory Outlet Sale Hours take place during the pre-party, but also all weekend long. The items for sale include discontinued men’s and women’s Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® merchandise and select official licensed products. The hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Mama Tried takes place Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25 at The Rave. Flat-Out Friday revs up Fiserv Forum on Friday, Feb. 23.

“The Harley-Davidson Museum provides the ideal starting point for Mama Tried and continues all weekend long,” says McCormick.

For more information about the H-D Museum and its offerings, go here.

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Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.