Rallies and Events Worth Going To or Avoiding
01-21-2005, 06:47 AM
#1
Biker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Posts: 37
Rallies and Events Worth Going To or Avoiding
Ok Chessie lets start a thread for good and bad events.
Lets start with Four corners.
Name was Frour Corners Rally now called Rally in the Rockies.
When: Labor Dat weekend.
Where: Durango (Ignasio) Colorado
Web Site: http://www.rallyintherockies.com/
Cost: $45 for weekend pass or $55 with camping
Rateing: Very Good
New organizers as of 2 years ago due to a dispute between the old ones and the Tribe. The event was cancelled 3 years ago just days before the start.
The new rally is very good, well organized, with good vendors and bands. This area has some of the most beautiful riding in the country. The police presence is there but not intrusive. Last year was attended by 40,000 plus bikes but because of the largea area to ride and stay it did not seem that big.
You need all your riding gear warm weather, rain and cold weather. Always seem to get rain at least one day and last year we got caught in snow on one of the passes.
Lets start with Four corners.
Name was Frour Corners Rally now called Rally in the Rockies.
When: Labor Dat weekend.
Where: Durango (Ignasio) Colorado
Web Site: http://www.rallyintherockies.com/
Cost: $45 for weekend pass or $55 with camping
Rateing: Very Good
New organizers as of 2 years ago due to a dispute between the old ones and the Tribe. The event was cancelled 3 years ago just days before the start.
The new rally is very good, well organized, with good vendors and bands. This area has some of the most beautiful riding in the country. The police presence is there but not intrusive. Last year was attended by 40,000 plus bikes but because of the largea area to ride and stay it did not seem that big.
You need all your riding gear warm weather, rain and cold weather. Always seem to get rain at least one day and last year we got caught in snow on one of the passes.
01-21-2005, 07:02 AM
#2
Biker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Posts: 37
Yuma Prison Run
Name: Yuma Prison Run
When: April of every year April 15, 16, 17, 2005
Where: Yuma AZ
Web Site: http://www.yumaprisonrun.com/
Cost: $25 includes camping
Rateing: Good.
This is an old style rally and has been going on since 1961. Good games, drawings, and music. Vendors are not over priced.
When: April of every year April 15, 16, 17, 2005
Where: Yuma AZ
Web Site: http://www.yumaprisonrun.com/
Cost: $25 includes camping
Rateing: Good.
This is an old style rally and has been going on since 1961. Good games, drawings, and music. Vendors are not over priced.
01-21-2005, 07:14 AM
#3
Biker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Posts: 37
Arizona Bike Week
Name: Arizona Bike Week or as I call it Arizona Bike Joke
When: April 1 to 10 2005
Where: Scottsdale AZ
Web Site: http://www.azbikeweek.com/
Cost: Not posted but think last year was $45
Rateing: Poor
My take from last year:
My overall impression of the new and improved Arizona Bike Week, is that it still needs improvement and a new location.
The reason people attend a rally is to ride and socialize, hang out with friends make new friends, check out some cool and not so cool bikes, check out the guys and gals, and see generally let down their hair and have a good time. I think most people expect to pay a little higher prices for stuff but once in a while find a deal also.
As far as rides, Arizona has some very beautiful places to ride this time of year, especially after the rains of a few weeks ago and the desert green and blooming. The dealers and others put on some good rides from the feed back I have gotten from people. A few of us did Joeta’s scavenger hunt Tues and it was different and fun, it was an inexpensive ride (only $5) and included a buffet at the end and Mogollon playing at end of run at Victory bar. Now the bar did provide a small buffet but the drinks were pricy, I don’t drink and expect to be charged for each coke or what ever I have to help pay the over head and don’t have a problem with that….. but $2.50 for each glass of iced tea and the second one the hot tea had melted the ice and I asked for and got another glas of ice for it and they charged me $1 for it and the Joeta paid for the band so it was not to cover the cost of the band. That seemed to be the prevailing theme all over the place during bike week.
Overall, good riding though with a couple of days of rain and cooler weather the last weekend.
As far as the venue at Rawhide goes:
Rawhide was open the whole time for business as usual and the area set aside for bike week was open to everyone that was there so you had snowbirds and families wondering around anytime you did not have a paid event like a concert.
Until Cyclefest started you could park in back on the track which was monitored at the gate, the bikes that were stolen were stolen out front in general parking. During Cyclefest the parking was in the south lot exclusive to bikes but not monitored well. This is a problem that needs to be addressed at all large rallies because bike theft is growing each year.
Cyclefest where to start? How about charging to go in and look at the vendors, now $8 is not a lot of money and includes what ever entertainment is going on like bull riding, boxing and bands, but the vendors paid a premium to set up out there so that they would get the crowds and I know I saw quite a few turn around and leave because they were charging to get in. If I was a vendor that would really **** me off. As far as riders most I talked with felt it was a rip off to have to pay to get in to the vendor area to see mostly the same old stuff.
Sunday at Cyclefest 2 runs ended there and you had a pretty good crowd at the Handlebar Saloon hanging out and talking and waiting for Mogollon to start.. There were a couple of bars set up and a food large vendor. But again it was high priced, $5.75 for a hot dog ( it was large), $3.00 for a coke. And my biggest complaint was the amount of small children running around inside. If people want to bring their kids to the event that is ok but I don’t think they should bring them inside the bar area and management should not have allowed it.
As I started out saying, people attend a rally to ride and socialize, hang out with friends make new friends and the Rawhide set up is not conducive to that. The building where they set up the Handlebar Saloon is huge and non-inviting. You have snowbirds wondering around, families with kids in and out and nothing to make you want to be there except the entertainment when it is going. I know this is a for profit operation and you don’t want to turn back people but some guidelines like where kids are and are not allowed in the end will bring more people or at least have them stay longer. I know even though we love Mogollon and were looking forward to the concert we left after the first set because of the kids everywhere, running around the seating area and out on the dance floor, it just set the wrong tone.
Will I go back next year, probably just to see a couple of people I haven’t seen in a while, maybe meet a couple of others I like or with the hope of seeing that one cool bike that raises my blood pressure and check out the ladies and maybe see a good band. And then get to leave there and bitch all over again.
Did I have a good time during bike week………… you bet I got to hang out with friends, do some riding with people I haven’t seen in a while, help put on a run, meet a few people from other states. So yea I had a good time.
When: April 1 to 10 2005
Where: Scottsdale AZ
Web Site: http://www.azbikeweek.com/
Cost: Not posted but think last year was $45
Rateing: Poor
My take from last year:
My overall impression of the new and improved Arizona Bike Week, is that it still needs improvement and a new location.
The reason people attend a rally is to ride and socialize, hang out with friends make new friends, check out some cool and not so cool bikes, check out the guys and gals, and see generally let down their hair and have a good time. I think most people expect to pay a little higher prices for stuff but once in a while find a deal also.
As far as rides, Arizona has some very beautiful places to ride this time of year, especially after the rains of a few weeks ago and the desert green and blooming. The dealers and others put on some good rides from the feed back I have gotten from people. A few of us did Joeta’s scavenger hunt Tues and it was different and fun, it was an inexpensive ride (only $5) and included a buffet at the end and Mogollon playing at end of run at Victory bar. Now the bar did provide a small buffet but the drinks were pricy, I don’t drink and expect to be charged for each coke or what ever I have to help pay the over head and don’t have a problem with that….. but $2.50 for each glass of iced tea and the second one the hot tea had melted the ice and I asked for and got another glas of ice for it and they charged me $1 for it and the Joeta paid for the band so it was not to cover the cost of the band. That seemed to be the prevailing theme all over the place during bike week.
Overall, good riding though with a couple of days of rain and cooler weather the last weekend.
As far as the venue at Rawhide goes:
Rawhide was open the whole time for business as usual and the area set aside for bike week was open to everyone that was there so you had snowbirds and families wondering around anytime you did not have a paid event like a concert.
Until Cyclefest started you could park in back on the track which was monitored at the gate, the bikes that were stolen were stolen out front in general parking. During Cyclefest the parking was in the south lot exclusive to bikes but not monitored well. This is a problem that needs to be addressed at all large rallies because bike theft is growing each year.
Cyclefest where to start? How about charging to go in and look at the vendors, now $8 is not a lot of money and includes what ever entertainment is going on like bull riding, boxing and bands, but the vendors paid a premium to set up out there so that they would get the crowds and I know I saw quite a few turn around and leave because they were charging to get in. If I was a vendor that would really **** me off. As far as riders most I talked with felt it was a rip off to have to pay to get in to the vendor area to see mostly the same old stuff.
Sunday at Cyclefest 2 runs ended there and you had a pretty good crowd at the Handlebar Saloon hanging out and talking and waiting for Mogollon to start.. There were a couple of bars set up and a food large vendor. But again it was high priced, $5.75 for a hot dog ( it was large), $3.00 for a coke. And my biggest complaint was the amount of small children running around inside. If people want to bring their kids to the event that is ok but I don’t think they should bring them inside the bar area and management should not have allowed it.
As I started out saying, people attend a rally to ride and socialize, hang out with friends make new friends and the Rawhide set up is not conducive to that. The building where they set up the Handlebar Saloon is huge and non-inviting. You have snowbirds wondering around, families with kids in and out and nothing to make you want to be there except the entertainment when it is going. I know this is a for profit operation and you don’t want to turn back people but some guidelines like where kids are and are not allowed in the end will bring more people or at least have them stay longer. I know even though we love Mogollon and were looking forward to the concert we left after the first set because of the kids everywhere, running around the seating area and out on the dance floor, it just set the wrong tone.
Will I go back next year, probably just to see a couple of people I haven’t seen in a while, maybe meet a couple of others I like or with the hope of seeing that one cool bike that raises my blood pressure and check out the ladies and maybe see a good band. And then get to leave there and bitch all over again.
Did I have a good time during bike week………… you bet I got to hang out with friends, do some riding with people I haven’t seen in a while, help put on a run, meet a few people from other states. So yea I had a good time.
01-21-2005, 07:53 AM
#4
Biker
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Somewhere in Fl.
Posts: 132
Rally in the Rockies
Hardbite, I met the rally promotor of the Rockies rally a couple of years ago, (2003.) He came down to Daytona with a few of his board members... stayed at Biker's Paridise a couple of rigs down from me. We became decent travel buddies, and he invites me every year to come cover his event. Seems this year he is not in need of the extra coverage... as all I have heard is great things about him, his board members, the way they handle the local media, the way his fair dealings with the Native Americans whose tribal lands is rally central, his fair dealings with vendors, the meticulous year-round planning and thought given to all the odd problems or just the common ones that crop up every year, only lend more credibility to a man that I already thought of as awsome.
My bags will be packed for this year, let's give each other a shout while out there, and raise a glass or two for the man who makes this event one to remember year after year.... Dan Bradshaw.
Regards,
Chesshie
My bags will be packed for this year, let's give each other a shout while out there, and raise a glass or two for the man who makes this event one to remember year after year.... Dan Bradshaw.
Regards,
Chesshie
01-21-2005, 08:42 AM
#5
Biker
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tomah, WI
Posts: 171
I attended AZ bike week while I was out there for school in 2002-04. I hated living in PHX because it seemed like every other month one of my friends had either their car or bike stolen. Someone even tried to steel my bike but were unsuccesful. Anyway, during bike week I liked try and go on as many poker runs as I could. I really liked the runs that Ram Jet Racing put on and you didn't have to worry about any kids running around at those.
02-03-2005, 07:07 AM
#6
Biker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Posts: 37
Rallies and Events Worth Going To or Avoiding
Well not much responce here. Maybe noone rides to events or they just don't want to share the experience. If you have a favorite event or one you would never attend again let the rest of us know. Hell I am always up to ride to a good event.
02-03-2005, 07:38 AM
#7
Biker
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Somewhere in Fl.
Posts: 132
I spoke too soon
I just heard from Dan... seems like we are working out a deal... so if yall make it to the Rally in the Rockies... look for me... give me a shout here and let me know your coming... we'll work out a meeting place.
Chessie
Chessie
02-03-2005, 05:19 PM
#8
Biker
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 69
Myrtle Beach Bike Week
Myrtle Beach. South Carolina
May 13-22, 2005
http://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com/
Rating :Good
Good : Massive crowds, especially toward the weekend, Lots of events, Plenty of bands, Long roads to travel between North Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet.
Bad : Congested traffic, Law enforcement's EVERYWHERE regardless of whether you see them or not! Accomendations... you better make them in advance. Take extra precautions watching your bike... the criminal element dosen't mind seperating it from you. Also, beware of cagers with cell phones.
Lots to do here if you plan ahead and give yourself time to get there. Partys galore. Good people and good times are to be found but remember this is a resort area and prices are above the average for the surrounding area.
Myrtle Beach. South Carolina
May 13-22, 2005
http://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com/
Rating :Good
Good : Massive crowds, especially toward the weekend, Lots of events, Plenty of bands, Long roads to travel between North Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet.
Bad : Congested traffic, Law enforcement's EVERYWHERE regardless of whether you see them or not! Accomendations... you better make them in advance. Take extra precautions watching your bike... the criminal element dosen't mind seperating it from you. Also, beware of cagers with cell phones.
Lots to do here if you plan ahead and give yourself time to get there. Partys galore. Good people and good times are to be found but remember this is a resort area and prices are above the average for the surrounding area.
02-04-2005, 06:32 AM
#9
Biker
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tomah, WI
Posts: 171
I always enjoy Sturgis. The crowds suck but there is a lot of good rides through the Black Hills. Good concerts are always happening too. I especialy like to ride to Spearfish and ride through the Badlands. But I think what I like most of all is the ride there and back with my friends. It's always an adventure. 
It's true what they say: it's not the destination, it's the journey.
It's true what they say: it's not the destination, it's the journey.
07-03-2005, 03:14 PM
#10
Biker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: East Bay
Posts: 24
Name: Hollister Independence Rally
When: 3 Days Every July 4th Weekend
Where: Hollister CA
Website: Official Website
Cost: FREE
Rating: Very Good
I've went to this event last year for the first time, and again this year. It's a spectacular site with both sides, and the center of the main street packed with thousands bikes. This year marks the 58th anniversary for this rally, with an estimated 120,000+ people expected to attend from as far away as Canada. Last years attendance was at just over 100,000. Talking with some of the other riders there I learned that more than just a few of them have been going to this rally every year for 20 or more years. The main street gets very crowded and makes it hard to get around so I try to stay on the sidestreets adjacent to the main drag & come in the back way. Lots of things to see and do, bike show, poker run, live music, vendors booths, beer gardens, hundreds of millions of dollars worth of factory and custom built bikes, and lots of scantily clad women.
If you ride, this is a must attend event at least one time.
B.
When: 3 Days Every July 4th Weekend
Where: Hollister CA
Website: Official Website
Cost: FREE
Rating: Very Good
I've went to this event last year for the first time, and again this year. It's a spectacular site with both sides, and the center of the main street packed with thousands bikes. This year marks the 58th anniversary for this rally, with an estimated 120,000+ people expected to attend from as far away as Canada. Last years attendance was at just over 100,000. Talking with some of the other riders there I learned that more than just a few of them have been going to this rally every year for 20 or more years. The main street gets very crowded and makes it hard to get around so I try to stay on the sidestreets adjacent to the main drag & come in the back way. Lots of things to see and do, bike show, poker run, live music, vendors booths, beer gardens, hundreds of millions of dollars worth of factory and custom built bikes, and lots of scantily clad women.
If you ride, this is a must attend event at least one time.
B.
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