The organizers of the nation’s leading consumer motorcycle tour announced the official dates and locations of its inaugural Progressive IMS Outdoors tour.
Developed in partnership with the powersports industry’s leading OEMs, the 2021 IMS Outdoors tour will span five months, taking place between June and October, stopping in nine cities throughout the U.S. The reimagined, festival-like outdoor tour combines the familiar aspects of the IMS brand that has kept enthusiasts returning for the past 40 years by showcasing the latest in motorcycles and powersports while broadening the event experience for attendees to learn and immerse themselves into brand-new market products including electric mobility (eBikes, eScooters, etc.), RVing, and much more to bring the thrill of powersports and beyond for both enthusiasts and interested riders.
The new completely-outdoors experience will feature more two- and four-wheel demo opportunities on motorcycles, ATVs, eBikes, eMotorcycles and other powersports vehicles for attendees than ever before spanning both on- and off-road tracks. IMS Outdoors is an evolution of the IMS brand that brings more qualified riders into the industry – the largest and only industry-wide effort to do-so – by introducing existing riders to alternative forms of entertainment and transportation that naturally compliments the motorcycle lifestyle and enabling new riders to test their balance on electric bikes, four-wheeled machines and more in a welcoming and safe environment.
The 2021 Progressive IMS Outdoor dates and cities are as follows:
- DENVER
JUNE 18-20, 2021
Loveland, CO
- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
JULY 9-11, 2021
Irvine, CA
- NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
JULY 16-18, 2021
Sonoma, CA
- CHICAGO
AUGUST 20-22, 2021
Elgin, IL
- NEW YORK CITY
SEPTEMBER 3–5, 2021
Brooklyn, NY
- PENNSYLVANIA
SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2021
Carlisle, PA
- NASHVILLE
OCTOBER 8-10, 2021
Lebanon, TN
- CENTRAL FLORIDA
OCTOBER 15-17, 2021
Lakeland, FL
- ATLANTA
OCTOBER 29-31, 2021
Conyers, GA
City venues will be announced early-2021. The latest updates can be found here.
“The Progressive IMS Outdoors tour signifies not just a physical expansion for the event itself but the continued growth and evolution of the IMS brand to connect enthusiasts with the ever-evolving world of transportation/mobility and new lifestyles that riders may not have previously considered. Expect a larger and more interactive event than ever before with lots of new and familiar activities and attractions planned to entertain and inspire more riders of various forms,” said Tracy Harris, senior vice president, IMS. “Whether you want to see the latest bike models, introduce your friends and family to experience two- and four-wheels in a safe and approachable manner, or check out the future of RVing and electric mobility—it’s all possible at IMS Outdoors. Our IMS family looks forward to seeing you at a future event very soon.”
IMS Outdoors Introduces Electric Mobility and RV Products, Expands Demo Opportunities
IMS Outdoors represents a shift from the traditional IMS format to an outdoors experience highlighting new transportation lifestyles and more demo opportunities. The new outdoors format will notably introduce market adjacent products into the event from electric mobility products such as electric bicycles, which is seeing increased popularity across the U.S., and electric scooters, skateboards, and motorcycles. Moreover, as the adventure tourism market is expected to grow in the next decade, IMS Outdoors will introduce more RV products at each market stop for attendees to engage with to see what fits their adventurer lifestyle. The inclusion of new market-adjacent industries into the event will bring more qualified riders to support the powersports industry.
More than ever before, the new larger venues for the 2021 IMS Outdoors will support more demo ride opportunities for attendees to test the latest motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, SxS and electric mobility products (eBikes, eMotorcycles), and much more. Demo opportunities will vary per market stop and will have options for both licensed and non-licensed attendees.
Progressive’s multi-year support of IMS as title sponsor has enhanced the event experience for enthusiasts for ten years to-date. “Supporting riders as the #1 motorcycle insurer in the U.S. is our top priority at Progressive, and since 2010 we’ve partnered with IMS as the title sponsor to continue to reach current and new riders,” said Eric Doubler, recreational vehicle business leader at Progressive. “With this refreshing launch of Progressive IMS Outdoors tour, we are excited to continue to connect with more riders across the U.S. to support the growth of the powersports community.”
Fan-Favorite Attractions Return to IMS Outdoors
Alongside new products, at each IMS Outdoors stop, attendees can expect to be entertained all weekend-long with local artisans and musicians planned to perform each day at the event while checking out the various options for craft food and drinks to re-energize their time on the various demo opportunities and attractions.
IMS Outdoors will confirm the return and expansion of several fan-favorite attractions from the traditional IMS tour format including the feature and display of the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, ATVs, gear and aftermarket accessories. Other returning attractions include the Marketplace for attendees to purchase the latest gear, an expanded Adventure Out! area featuring more RV products for the adventurer, stunt shows, SHIFT, IMS Vintage, an expanded Discover The Ride program and the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.
This 2021 IMS Outdoors schedule represents just the beginning of the IMS brand evolution to reach new riders across the country and riders that have been attending IMS for years. IMS is working towards expanding the tour schedule in 2022 and beyond to re-visit past IMS markets and new markets that work best for attendees, participating OEMS and brands, venue operators and event staff.
Industry professionals and enthusiasts can stay informed and connected on all things two-wheeled conveyance on ContinueTheRide.com. To subscribe to the industry and consumer e-newsletters and learn more about the IMS digital products, please visit ContinueTheRide.com.
