There were many impressive motorcycles at the 11th annual Tejon Street Bike Fest on Sunday, but the one that got the most attention wasn’t the biggest, fastest or loudest.

It was the most Toy-Story-est.

“You know I’ve always loved Toy Story, and Harleys are considered toys so I thought ‘Why not? Let’s just make it into a big old toy box,’” said Colorado Springs resident Mark Keenan, whose Big Twin motorcycle is decorated with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the green three-eyed rubber aliens from the popular movie series. The motorcycle, which was navy blue until last year, rested on two Toy Story mats, and a large Woody plush doll sat next to the bike. The Woody decal on the bike even had “Mark” with a backwards “R” on the bottom of the boot.

Four blocks of downtown Tejon Street, from Platte to Colorado avenues, were filled with roaring motors, leather vests, grizzly beards and dark shades, and those who gathered came to have fun.

“It doesn’t matter what they’re riding,” said Opey Hilton, a rider who was helping with the event. “They’re coming and having a good time.”

An estimated 1,500 motorcycles packed Tejon and side streets throughout the hot summer day, lining both sides and center of the streets. Motorcycle enthusiasts milled about, admiring bikes and snapping photos with their phones. Riders weaved their way though the crowded streets, revving their engines at every opportunity.

The all-day event included live music, a tattoo competition, bikini contest and multiple vendors.

A bike rodeo was planned in which competitors would performs stunts such as grabbing a hot dog off a string with their mouths while riding past on a motorcycle. But only two entered from the estimated 30,000 people in attendance.

That’s because the focus of the day isn’t to compete, Hilton said, it’s to gather.

For Gimli Chapman, the bike fest creates an environment that reflects the biker culture, one he’s identified with since he got his first motorcycle as a 13-year-old.

“Something inside of me said I needed to go get a motorcycle,” Chapman said. “It’s about freedom, being yourself.”

Being yourself is definitely a statement Keenan, 31, made with his bike. Even though some spectators who admired it said they would never be seen riding it, Keenan is happy with it.

“A lot of people wonder why I did it,” Keenan said. “I’m just a big kid at heart.”

Audi Hopper takes in a bike decorated in a Toy Story theme Sunday during the Tejon Street Bike Fest all-day event on Tejon Street. The bike, owned by Mark Keenan, was one of hundreds downtown for an event that included competitions, live music and plenty of opportunities to mingle with other bikers. Photo by GENNA ORD/The Gazette