It was a chance to show off a pride and joy, and pig out on some great food.

This weekend, Zylstra Harley-Davidson hosted its eighth annual Fall Hog Roast.

At any time Saturday, the parking lot of Zylstra, 1930 13th St., was a display of more than 30 motorcycles that were ridden to the event.

Kim Johns, an employee of Zylstra, said nearly all 600 visitors already ride, including about 30 students who attended. The festivities included a tattoo contest, discounts on motor clothes, bike accessories and free food.

Visiting riders were also given the chance to show off their motorcycles’ power in a Dyno Shoot Out.”It’s a chance to show [a Harley] off, and they get bragging rights,” said Randy Johns, Zylstra general manager.

Marge Carr of Norwalk and Bill Huffman of Polk City rode Huffman’s Harley to Zylstra to check out the sale, event, and the newest bikes, Carr said.

Carr said she has never driven, but riding along “is a wonderful, clean recreation. It’s a good outlet, and you can see the beautiful country of Iowa.”

Randy Johns said new and experienced riders alike should consider a safety course, and that Zylstra offers a safety course for beginners and advanced riders.

During the classes, riders must have wear boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, protective eye wear and a helmet, Randy Johns said. After the class, wearing a helmet is a personal choice, he said.

“The government tells us to do enough things,” he said. “A helmet can restrict vision, restrict hearing and they’re heavy.”

He said a lot of motorcycle safety is out of the hands of the rider.

“Four-wheeled drivers need to watch out for us. That is more important than wearing a helmet,” Randy Johns said.

At last spring’s annual bike show, about $2,000 was raised for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and after last fall’s Hog Roast, Zylstra contributed $2,200 to the American Red Cross, Randy Johns said. Donations were also collected for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during this year’s Hog Roast.