One of the best things about riding motorcycles is meeting up with other people who also have a passion for two wheels and the open road. Everyone knows about Sturgis and Bike Week, but where else can you get together to ogle other bikes, show off yours, swap ride stories and generally have a good time? Here are a few rallies, swap meets, shows and other motorcycle events that you don’t want to miss:
Beartooth Rally
Red Lodge, MT
Three jam-packed days featuring two poker runs, a golf tournament and culminating in the Iron Horse rodeo, which includes a Slow Race, Barrel Race, Obstacle Course, Keg Roll, Beer Chug and Weenie Bite. Based in Red Lodge, Montana, the rally encompasses stunning mountain scenery along the Beartooth Pass over to Cooke City, MT and the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Great food, live music and dancing in the street, and be sure not to miss the pig races!
Staten Island March of Dimes Bikers for Babies & Classic Car Show
40 sponsors, 50 vendors, over 4000 in attendance, over 300 classic cars, over 1200 motorcycles, and over $105,000 raised for March of Dimes. What more do you need to say? March of Dimes and bikers have been pairing up for more than 15 years to raise money for premature births and birth defects. See the Bikers for Babies website for a full list of affiliated events in other locations.
National Bikers Roundup
The largest camping rally in the US, the National Bikers Roundup dates back to 1977 and travels around the Midwest, Rockies and South, returning to Kansas City, MO every 10 years. This year the 34th annual NBR is sure to be an exciting one, as it’s taking place in Las Vegas!
“Art on Wheels” Ultimate Bike, Auto & Art Show
Lake Charles, LA
Art isn’t just found on a canvas or in a museum – it’s also a custom paint job on a motorcycle or hot rod, handcrafted jewelry or pottery, or a wrought-iron sign… “Art on Wheels” brings all these together to admire in one place while benefitting the Special Olympics of Southwest Louisiana, Buddy Ball and Arts.
Progressive International Motorcycle Shows (touring show)
Drool over the motorcycles on display – whether you’re a fan of cruisers, racing, touring, vintage or off-road bikes – feel your heart pound during the stunt shows, or learn even more about bikes at the educational seminars. Also includes the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, a 12-round competition that finishes up in Daytona during Bike Week, as well as a Women’s Center, featuring everything for the female bike enthusiast, from female-specific riding tips to gear and apparel. Upcoming locations this year, starting in November, include San Mateo, CA, Dallas, TX, Long Beach, CA, and Seattle, WA. Check out the website for more 2012 dates and locations.
Street Vibrations is not listed Reno, Nevada..biggest and best EVER!
What about the Gypsy’s Halloween Run at the KOA Lake Corpus Christi by Mathis, Tx. This annual event is a lot of fun and is family orientated.
This is a great rally!!!! At a great place. Have been attending ever since my “baby” was 6 weeks old–and he is now 24 years old! It is a great family motorcycle rally.
The motorcycle emphasis is GREAT! I look forward to seeing more riders at KOA’s. Did you know that there’s a website specifically for motorcycle camping equipment (www.fullthrottlecamping.com) and it even recommends KOA Kampgrounds in an introductory essay (“Motorcycle Camping” under the About Us tab).
Don’t forget Cruising the Coast in mid May in Myrtle Beach area South Carolina. Its really south of Myrtle from Surfside to Murrells Inlet because Myrtle does not like bikers. Its a great time for bikers though.
What about Sturgis?!?! It’s so awesome, scenery gorgeous, great people watching, concerts, camping, you name it! Add it to your to-go list; several beautiful KOA’s are located in the Black Hills area.