The couple that rides together … shops together?
That's the plan for Harley-Davidson-riding Marana couple Connie and Phill Coons, who cruise the parking lot of Harley-Davidson of Tucson during its annual Tucson Harley Swap Meet, looking to find deals to spruce up their rides.
The Coonses, who are both 50 years old, take day trips together on their Harleys. They use the shopping event, in which vendors buy and sell motorcycle accessories and paraphernalia, to score good buys and unload items they don't need.
"It's actually a lot of fun out there," said Connie, who works in retail sales. "People come from all over the place to either sell or buy, mostly, used parts taken off your bike or stuff you bought that didn't work for your bike."
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the dealership, 7355 N. Frontage Road, the store will not only allow vendors to set up shop in the parking lot, but it'll turn the event into a party, complete with a live band and music.
Staffers cook up free burgers and hot dogs and raffle off prizes as a live band plays. This year's musical group, Trade Secrets, plays classic rock and other oldies.
"It's a great way to make room in your garage and get some extra cash - everybody can use some extra cash, right?" Danny Loewer, the dealership's parts manager, said by email.
"Also, it's a great way to find stuff for your older bike without having to search all over for it."
Regional marketing manager Michelle Hains said the dealership places few restrictions on what participants can sell. New parts, helmets and motorcycles are off limits, but artisans who make items that appeal to biker culture can sell their wares. Sellers, who must RSVP with Hains (mhains@ridenow.com) to secure space, get to keep all their revenue.
"You see a lot of things like clothing and things like that," Hains said. "It has to be motorcycle-related. Enthusiasts come and look at different used parts and old T-shirts. There are chaps. There's a lot of leather."
The event helps the local Harley community bond, as well as find some reasonably priced goods and clear out things they can't use.
"It draws people. January tends to be kind of a slower month, and this is a great way to kick off the new year," Hains said. "People clean out their garages and closets and get rid of stuff. We only do it once a year, and we tend to look forward to it."
If you go
• What: Tucson Harley Swap Meet.
• When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: 7355 N. Frontage Road.
• Admission: Free.
• For more information: Email mhains@ridenow.com
Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or pvillarreal@azstarnet.com
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