It’s time to rev those engines and set course for the winding, open road as the 13th annual Cafe Racer Magazine Reader’s Ride-In Bike Show rolls into Sewickley War Memorial Park. On Aug. 15, motorcycle enthusiasts from across the U.S. and Canada will have the opportunity to show off their cafe racers — a niche type of high performance motorcycle built to look and operate like racing bikes, but designed to be driven on main roads. The bikes first rose to prominence in post-World War II England, as young people pieced together spare parts to transform mechanical bikes into motorcycles, frequently racing each other from one cafe to another. "(The name) came from both the type of bike and the type of race,” Discovery Channel host and Cafe Racer Magazine publisher Mike Seate said. Seate said cafe racers have remained a unique hobby in the motorcycle world, frequently drawing attention from big-name collectors such as rock legend Billy Joel. The shared love for cafe racers has forged a tight-knit, yet worldwide, community. "It’s funny because we all sort of know each other,” Seate said. "It’s become a global cult.” While events like the Cafe Racer Readers’ Ride-In provide a place to show off these highly coveted bikes, Seate said the effects of these gatherings go far beyond showmanship. He said the world of cafe racers is constantly evolving. At shows, hobbyists have the opportunity to swap design ideas with other enthusiasts. "You’ll see a bike that someone spent a year building, and the next year someone has copied their design,” Seate said. This year, Turtle Creek resident and Moto PGH owner Adam Bowser plans to unveil the latest game changer in the cafe racing world: a partially 3D printed bike. "The whole genre is about experimenting,” Seate said. According to Bowser, the potential for 3D printing in the motorcycle could be game-changing — especially for small businesses and custom shops like his. "It just makes it a lot easier for smaller shops to take the design and print it,” Bowser said. With 3D printing, shops are able to print individual, specific parts without having to track down suppliers and paying for shipping, making custom work and vintage restoration more accessible. Bowser said it is this combination of new technology and nostalgia that draws hobbyists to cafe racers decade after decade. "It’s never really lost its luster,” Bowser said. "I don’t see that going away.” Although there is a large draw from the national and international community, Seate said the Pittsburgh area has a special connection to the world of cafe racers. In addition to being home to Seate’s workshop, he said the twisting, curvy, hillside roads are optimal for riding one of the bikes. And the local industry only continues to grow. Currently, there are four shops in the Pittsburgh area that cater to the unique needs of cafe racers. Another highlight of the Ride-In is the upcoming re-launch of Seate’s Discovery show "Cafe Racers TV.” Camera crews will be present at the event, and racers have the opportunity to have their bike features on Seate’s show. This sixth season will be available in November on the new Xcelerate streaming network. The event will also include local Pittsburgh food trucks, a live book reading from cafe racer author Peter Jones, specialty part vendors — including Bowser’s Moto PGH shop— and, of course, the show competition. Visitors will also have the chance to test out their bikes on the winding roads of Pittsburgh in a group ride. Seate reminded event participants that masks are optional, since the event is outdoors. He also urged visitors to "leave firearms behind” and "ride respectfully.” Given that Sewickley is a smaller, more residential neighborhood, Seate encouraged all riders to be cautious of their surroundings. "Save your speed for the race track,” Seate said. Sewickley War Memorial Park is at 811 Blackburn Road. For more, see CafeRacerMag.com/bike-shows. Colleen Hammond is a Tribune-Review intern through the Pittsburgh Media Partnership.