Boise, Idaho, is an atypical location for a national-caliber bike show, but even more unusual is the setting. As the name implies, Party At The Pen takes place in the Old Idaho State Penitentiary, which was built in 1870 during Idaho’s Wild West era and housed prisoners for 101 years.

PATP is billed as the “Northwest’s largest vintage motorcycle show” and blipped our radar for a couple of years, so we were excited to have photographer Josh Bell pitch us this story. Making it even more interesting is that these images were all shot on film, not with digital pixels. We hope you enjoy the analog experience! – Ed. 


Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Nothing like a good ride-out! Prior to the bike show, there was a pre-party group ride from Boise to Idaho City. Devin Corbit and Tommy Gonzales are seen here enjoying a scenic ride along State Route 21. (Photos by the author)

Party At The Pen was back for its third year, and it’s one of my favorite events on the bike-show calendar. I hope these film photos will convey the vintage vibe of the experience.

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Unknown soldiers rolling into Idaho City for a gathering at Harley’s Pub.

The excitement this year was palpable, as the event promoted a larger layout, more invited builders, and an expanded vendor area with local food trucks. The 2024 event also included the spellbinding Ives Brothers’ Wall of Death. 

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Here we have some of the 75-plus bikes that traveled to Idaho City.

General admission cost $20 per day, while a VIP pass was $75 and included show entry on both days and some event swag. The $100 Ultimate VIP pass added pre-party and after-party access. 

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Mirk Kirkland, Scotty Dettwiler, and crew rolling out from Idaho City to head south to Boise for the pre-party at the Shrine Social Club.

The event kicked off Friday with the annual pre-party ride, which was led by Matt Whitlock of Wrecked Metals. The route took us along scenic State Route 21 over to Harley’s Pub in Idaho City, where everyone congregated to share stories about our motorcycle adventures. Friday night’s party was held at the Shrine Social Club in downtown Boise, with live music from The Outbound Train and Lulu and the Black Sheep. 

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Film always provides a feeling of nostalgia when photographing old bikes, as this light-leaked photo of Nic Krake’s Shovelhead exemplifies.

As I walked through the prison gates on Saturday, the feeling of gritty history hit me like a ton of bricks. Many of the state’s worst criminals spent time behind these walls, including Harry Orchard, who in 1905 assassinated Governor Frank Steunenberg. Several prisoners were executed on these grounds. Like me, you may experience goosebumps as you stroll the facility. 

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Award-winning bikes are everywhere at PATP, including a Honda CB chopper (left) that earned its own magazine feature once upon a time.

During PATP, the area is filled with more than 150 unique chopper builds from all over North America, which were situated within the cells and scattered across the grounds. Inside the prison walls, attendees are permitted to venture through all areas of the penitentiary, including Death Row and the infamous solitary confinement building once known as “Siberia.” 

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Nathan Sykes is known for being one of the best painters in the chopper realm, and his Knucklehead is a testament to his craft.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
A close look at the patina-infused paintwork laid down by Nathan Sykes.

The Death Row area had a handful bikes in the upper quarters but served primarily as the location where tattooers such as Tony Medellin and Stevie Randallyn cranked out show tats by the dozens. Additionally, photographer Joseph Wyman captured portraits on tin-type photos within the prison cells. 

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
A pair of Knucks placed nonchalantly on the lawn at the Pen.

The PATP organizers stepped up from past years with a big lawn area for enjoying barbecued meats, smashburgers, street corn, and hand-crafted lemonades, as well as alcoholic oofferings, making up for limited food and beer in previous years. There was an extensive amount of effort dedicated to the 2024 show, and attendees owe huge thanks to Luke Morris and his team for organizing such an amazing experience.  

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
The Rose Garden quickly fills with spectators in awe of the mesmeric details on the show bikes. In macabre irony, the area was formerly used to execute prisoners by hanging.

If you haven’t attended PATP yet, you are missing one of the most unique motorcycle show layouts – and that’s coming from someone who hit 23 events this year. Many of us are already committed to making the pilgrimage back to Boise for 2025, and we hope you’ll join us there. 

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Vintage Technologies’ Hawke Lawshe is always a heavy hitter at the Pen. This year he rolled out his iconic Knucklehead called “Hades.”

For more info, visit the Party At The Pen website.

Enjoy more photos from the 2024 Party At The Pen below.

Find more moto-events at American Rider‘s Events Calendar

Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Anthony Robinson’s 1973 Shovelhead is dubbed “The Naked Truth.”
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Party At The Pen began as a choppers-only event, but this year it included a variety of rad new bike builds. Portland’s Mike Aldridge spared no expense on this Twin-Cam custom dubbed “Darla the Dyna.”
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Lindsey Voorhees adds some heat to the Rose Garden.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Father-daughter duo Brian and Taylor Deiongh pose with their builds in the Rose Garden.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Japanese chops aren’t prevalent at PATP, but the ones that show up are a delight to see. This Yamaha XS650 chop is no exception.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
The infamous “Pretty in Kink” bike built by Masaya Kosaka at Temple Choppers for Jamie Nelson.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
“Pretty in Kink” features a hidden compartment in the seat. Presumably, the little mirror is for checking Nelson’s makeup, but we’re not sure what that hotdog-shaped thing is.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Luke Morris, who founded PATP in 2022, outdid himself with this Panhead he built this year.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Chris DeSanty handcrafted the one-of-a-kind award trophies for the event and also brought his eye-catching chopper powered by a Shovel/Ironhead combo powerplant.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Aside from the main corral of bikes, there are plenty more bangers scattered all over the premises. This lineup starts with SLC Joe’s beautiful Knucklehead.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
The lineup of bikes in the Pen’s Rose Garden was an entrancing sight.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Seth Neefus’ chromed 1953 pre-unit Triumph was one of many amazing British builds at PATP. If chrome gets you home, Neefus will never be stranded.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Gary Royal of Beware Choppers built this unique Knucklehead that will roll across the Mooneyes stage at the prestigious Yokohama Hot Rod Show in Japan this December.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
As if one fabled build at the show wasn’t enough, Gary Royal also brought his 1951 Harley EL.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
PATP showcased this amazing Panhead that was raffled off to raise money for veterans through Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS.org).
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
More shenanigans from chopper boys Devin Corbit and Tommy Gonzalez before they hit the river for a cool-down plunge.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Scotty Dettwiler (Junior’s Handmade) shows off one of his insane custom Shovelheads during the builder’s roll-in.
Party at the Pen 2024 Josh Bell
Former pro-snowboarder and current tattoo ace Nick Dirks with his beautiful Panhead.

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