What’s on the U.S Motorcycling Calendar this year?
For most people, the idea of motorcyclists gathering in one place invokes the specter of biker gangs, complete with bearded riders in leather jackets. However, this movies induced image is not necessarily the correct one. Motorcycle rallies are, in fact, a great way through which you can interact with fellow enthusiasts from across the country. So, which are some of the top motorcycle rallies that you can attend in the USA?
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The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
We have previously written a great article on the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which you can read if you are interested in attending this landmark event on the motorcycling calendar. Needless to say here that it is the biggest motorcycling rally that takes place in the United States in any given year.
Think we are exaggerating? Just consider the fact that attendance for the annual Sturgis rally reached a peak of 700 000 in 2015. There is every reason to believe this figure will be surpassed some time in the near future.
Where does the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally take Place?
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally takes place in the town of Sturgis, an otherwise sleepy town in South Dakota. Each year, this place of less than 8000 people becomes a veritable hive of activity as bikers congregate from all over the globe.
Transporting your bike to rallies
If you have been reading our blog, you will know that transporting your motorcycle from one place to the other is not without problems. There are a number of things that can go wrong, with the result that your ride may arrive in place with varying degrees of damage.
That is why it is important for you to make sure that, whatever the rally that you decide to attend, your motorcycle is only handled by professionals. AA Motorcycle Shipping is a good example of a company that is dedicated to the safe transportation of any motorcycle from one part of the country to the other.
The great thing is that you are guaranteed that your ride will arrive without suffering any damage. Another great thing about us is that you can use the tool that is provided on our website to get an instant quote for your motorcycle’s shipping.
You can also rest assured that the quote that you get will not change. AA Motorcycle Shipping is the only motorcycle shipping company that guarantees its online quote. That is great, if you are worried about up-selling.
- The Rolling Thunder Ride
The Rolling Thunder Ride is another spectacular motorcycle event that is held annually in Washington, DC, in the United States. The rally is sponsored by the Rolling Thunder organization, a group that seeks to raise awareness of prisoners of war and missing in action from all the wars that the United States has been involved in.
The event, which is held during Memorial Day weekend, has, over the past few years, grown to attract up to an estimated 350 000 motorcyclists in 2008. Considering its patriotic theme, it is not surprising that the event has attracted politicians on a number of occasions over the past few years. United States President, Donald Trump, spoke at the event in the year 2016, when he was still running for the top post.
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Daytona Bike Week
The Daytona Bike Week represents another important date on the motorcycling calendar in the United States. If you are looking for a place where you can get away from it all while interacting with like-minded people, then this is the event for you.
Location
The Daytona Bike week is held annually in Daytona Beach, a city that is in Florida, in the United States.
Attendance
The annual attendance for the Daytona Beach Bike Week follows closely on the heels of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. With an estimated 500 000 people attending the 10 day event, this represents a perfect opportunity for motorcyclists to unwind while taking part in events that include motorcycle racing, parties and other festivities.
Date
The Daytona Beach Bike Rally is usually held during the first week of March. Begun as far back as 1937, this amazing event has steadily gained popularity over the years.
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The Bike Week in Myrtle Beach
The Bike Week in Myrtle Beach, also referred to as the Harley Bike Week, is another notable event on the United States’ biking calendar. The 2017 edition of this event took place from the 12th to the 21st of May 2017. Attendees were entertained with rides, tours, racing and other forms of entertainment during the 10 day event.
Location
Myrtle Beach is located in South Carolina, which is the perfect place to be, particularly in Spring when the warm subtropical weather is at its best.
History
The Myrtle Beach rally was launched in 1940 and attracts an estimated 200 000 people on an annual basis. This makes it probably the third largest rally of its kind in the United States, after the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the Rolling Thunder Ride.
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The Republic of Texas Biker Rally
If you are from Texas and the surrounding areas, then you won’t have to worry about missing out on the rallies that take place elsewhere in the USA. The Republic of Texas Biker Rally (ROT Biker Rally), was first launched in 1995, making it the youngest motorcycle gathering on our list.
In spite of this fact, the Rally has steadily grown over the years, at an attendance of around 200 000, to become one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the United States.
If you think the event is just a gathering of bikers and bikers with no tangible economic impact, then you couldn’t be further from the truth. The R.O.T. Rally contributes an estimated $35 000 000 to the Texas economy on a yearly basis.
Dates
The Republic of Texas Biker Rally is held during the course of four days on the first, second or third week after Memorial Day. It is held at the Travis County Exposition in Austin, Texas.
A Rally for Everyone
Several other motorcycle rally events are held across the United States each year. Based on what we have talked about in the foregoing, it is clear that you will be able to find a gathering that suites your taste, should you ever set your heart on getting together with other bikers.
You forgot Bikes Blues and BBQ in Arkansas. It had over 400,000 bikers making it one of the largest in the nation.
You forgot the Lone Star Rally. The largest 4 day event in the country. 500k attendees and you don’t even mention it. Ridiculous