Meet the team

Mike davis | Founder
grant peterson | Founder

About

The Born-Free Motorcycle Show started back in 2009 when a couple friends, Mike Davis and Grant Peterson, wanted to throw get together of vintage choppers in Orange County, California. Believe it or not, there weren’t really any shows for bikes like ours back then!  Born-Free’s meteoric rise quickly made it “the” place for old and young from all over the world to ride in, see, and talk about old iron for one day. Now over 14 years later it brings together over 25,000 eager spectators and participants and over 200 vendors/sponsors, live music, Ives Brothers Wall of Death, the highly anticipated Invited Builder show, Special Guest Area, AMCA regional swapmeet, and more!

The Born-Free Show is a back to basics show built on this impromptu action of people building and riding their vintage Harleys, Hondas, Indians, Triumphs (and more) into the show which then becomes “the show”. The show is open to all makes and models and is laid back with voluntary registration and a handful of awards and prizes, but Best In Show gets a trip for themselves and their motorcycle to the Mooneyes Hot Rod & Custom show in Yokohama, Japan this December! Inside the show there is a special Invited Builder area where 32 up and coming motorcycle builders from all around the world will be debuting the bikes they’ve been building just for this event over the past year. These builders are not cable TV stars, but craftsmen, small shop owners, and garage builders doing their best to push themselves to build something that is unique, well thought out, and finely finished.

Did we mention we have given away over 30 motorcycles in the history of the show? Yep, that’s right! Each year we giveaway two or three new and old Harley-Davidsons to lucky show attendees that enter our drawing. A poster and ticket combo is for sale online. Must be present to win!

For more info visit our Facebook and Instagram for daily updates, Invited Builder videos, and more. Born-Free is family friendly, but there are no pets, coolers, or club colors allowed.

Thanks for all the years of support and fun!

-Mike and Grant

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Have questions about VENDING at Born-Free? 

Frequently asked questions. | FAQ

What about Covid 19?

We are following all Orange County and CDC guidelines. Currently masks or vaccines are not required.

Do I need a Grass Pass? How do I enter my bike in the show?

-If you want to park your bike inside the show on the grass either or both days you need a “Grass Pass” for the days you want to be there. If you have a passenger they need a Grass Pass as well. You also get in early with a Grass Pass so you can get a great place to park. Get them online from Loser Machine If your bike is on the grass inside the show it is also eligible to win an award including Best in Show!

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

There is no entry ticket or advance sales for walk-in spectators, simply pay at the gate. If you want to enter to win any of the motorcycles being given away at the show please read on.

How do I win a motorcycle?

To have a chance to win any or all of the motorcycles being given away at Born-Free you need to purchase a poster that comes with a free ticket to enter (the same way it’s been done since Born-Free 2 and still the same price) for $25 each and you can buy as many as you’d like to raise your already good odds of winning. Get your poster/ticket combo(s) online from Loser Machine.

Please note, this is not admission to the show, just entering you in the giveaways.

What is not allowed at Born-Free?

You cannot bring coolers, alcohol, pets of any kind, weapons, MC club colors (patches or shirts), and outside food..

Does my bike need to be a chopper or vintage to park inside the show ?

No. You should know by now we love all types of bikes! Everyone is welcome! (Except scooters. Nobody likes scooters.)

If I purchase a Bike Giveaway poster/ ticket combo does that include admission to the show.

NO! Buying a poster/ticket combo only enters you in the give away. General admission is $20 per person, per day at the gate.

Any good Hotels / Campsites around the show?

There are! we have put together a list of some of our favorites. Check our the WHERE TO STAY page.

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