For many years, in the US, likeminded people have gathered
together in order to celebrate their favorite sport or activity. As early as
1825, fur trappers and mountain men came together in a pre-designated spot in
the American West for an event called The Rendezvous.
These fur trappers and mountain men would stay together for a week or more,
trading their goods, drinking and participating in all kinds of contests.
Into The Future
Much like those mountain men of yesteryear, motorcyclists
from all over the world come together once a year at an event simply called “Sturgis.”
It is named for the small town in which it takes place: Sturgis, South Dakota.
This larger than life motorcycle rally has been taking place every August since
1938.
Sturgis is probably the biggest motorcycle rally in the
world. Every year more than 500,000 motorcyclists are welcomed with open arms
as they converge on this little town of less than 7000 residents. And no
wonder. The small town’s main street becomes a large parking lot for all the
motorcycles, their riders in town for a week of partying, games and
sightseeing. The town of Sturgis rakes in an estimated $800 million dollars
yearly.
Not So Much a Festival
Now, while Sturgis is definitely number one on everybody’s
list. This next event actually came in at number five, but I feel that I should
mention it now being as it just took place this past Memorial Day weekend in
Washington DC.
The event is called Rolling Thunder.
It is not so much a party as the others. This rally is dedicated to veterans of
the Vietnam war. Founded by Ray Manzo, a former Marine, the members of Rolling
Thunder felt strongly that American Servicemen had been abandoned as prisoners
of war at the end of the Vietnam conflict. Today, thousands of former military
personnel gather at our nation’s capital on Memorial Day to honor their fallen
brethren.
Next Up!
Number two on the list just has to be Daytona
Bike Week. This event started in 1937 as a motorcycle race along a
sand and road course. The American Motorcycle Association was forced to cancel
the race in 1942 because of the war in Europe and Japan.
Even though the race was cancelled, motorcyclists continued
to show up for a party that eventually morphed into The Daytona Bike Week of
today. The event attracts about 500,000 bikers every year for a party lasting
ten days. It has even hosted some weddings over the years.
The Oldest of the Motorcycle Weeks
Number three on our list takes place in a small New
Hampshire town. Overall it is a bit smaller in size than Sturgis and Daytona.
But Laconia Motorcycle Week
is the oldest motorcycle rally in the United States.
The fact that it is along Lake Winnipesaukee with its scenic
views is probably enough to attract most bikers. But this rally offers many
unique events such as the largest beer belly contest.
And if that isn’t entertainment enough, there are plenty of
motorcycle races and scenic roads to ride your motorcycle along. The ride along
the Mount Washington Auto Road up to a peak of 6,288 feet is a very popular
event at Laconia.
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
Last but certainly not least is the ROT
Biker Rally. Although the youngest of the rallies, only being around
for the last 18 years. This event is so big that the city of Austin, Texas
closes off 50 blocks downtown for a massive parade and party that take place
the second weekend in June. Not just really cool motorcycles are attracted to
this event, many famous musicians have made the scene at the ROT over the
years.
Suit Up and Get Out There Already
I’m sure that you are just “itching” to get out to at least
one of these events this year. And this is only a short list of motorcycle
rallies across the nation.
And if you are considering attending Daytona
or another warm weather event like Myrtle Beach Bike Week,
you might want to head on over to Wicked
Stock and check out the Mesh biker
jackets, or perhaps a 4 Season
Motorcycle Jacket to keep you comfortable
and safe on your trip.
For the cooler weather excursions, perhaps Leather
motorcycle jackets or Men leather
motorcycle pants may be on your radar.
Whichever you choose and wherever you go, make sure you are
equipped with the safest and most comfortable motorcycle gear around. We have a
nice selection over at Wicked Stock.
Come on over!
Happy Riding
Content is originally
posted at https://wickedstock.com/blog/top-5-motorcycle-events-in-the-us
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