For a true motorcycle lover, there’s nothing like the rush of the open road. Whether fueled simply by the open air or the thundering rumble of the engine beneath them, bikers are a proud and enthusiastic group of people who like to gather at biker rallies across the country. This passion carries over into the lives and families of bikers everywhere, creating a true lifestyle. Bikers travel far and wide to show off their pride and joy and enjoy the company of fellow riders at rallies all over the country and the world.
Rallies are more popular than ever, with some dating back more than 70 years, and some still in their youth. For casual riders and die-hards alike, these are the top 6 best biker rallies in America courtesy of uShip:
1. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally:
The quintessential rally known the world over, this gathering has been around since 1938. Every August, the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota, plays host to one of the largest biker rallies in American history. Riders from all across the globe make their way to the small western town to partake in multiple events. The rally originated as a celebration with roughly two dozen racers participating in a few functions, including a half-mile race and various ramp jumps, the South Dakota Office of Tourism says. The gathering has grown exponentially since then, with more than 730,000 riders in attendance in 2015, an all-time high; the rally typically sees around 500,000 people each year. Hidden in the northern quadrant of the South Dakota Black Hills, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has a picturesque backdrop and miles of open roads in close proximity for riders to explore. Normally a town of under 7,000 residents, Sturgis happily hosts the throngs of bikers that entertain the senses with growling engines and the smell of exhaust, and brings in an estimated $800 million yearly.
Photo courtesy of Pediment.com
2. Daytona Bike Week:
Similar to its northern counterpart, Daytona Bike Week has been running for almost 70 consecutive years. The event was first held in 1937 as a motorcycle race held on a sand and road course. This tradition lasted until 1942 when the American Motorcycle Association canceled the event due to Word War II. Although the race was canceled, people still showed up for an unofficial party that became Daytona Bike Week. The rally attracts 500,000 bikers over a 10-day stretch and includes a number of parties, various forms of entertainment, camping and even weddings. With warm weather and proximity to tourist attractions like the Kennedy Space Center, Silver Springs state park and themed water parks, Daytona Bike Week provides an avenue of entertainment for every biker in town.
Photo courtesy of Daytona Bike Week
3. Laconia Motorcycle Week:
In terms of overall size, Laconia Motorcycle Week is slightly below the likes of Daytona and Sturgis, but the small-town New Hampshire gathering is actually the oldest bike rally in the country. The quaint New England scene on Lake Winnipesaukee would be enough to put this rally on our list, but its fun and unique events like the largest beer belly contest make this festival a must-see. Thrill-seekers can participate in the rally’s many races, while others can just cruise the tree-lined roadways along the state’s largest lake. If you attend, don’t miss out on riding the Mount Washington Auto Road, ascending the highest peak in the northeast at 6,288 feet.
Photo courtesy of Laconia Motorcycle Week
4. Myrtle Beach Bike Week:
If there’s a recurring theme here, it’s that all of these biker rallies are at the grandfather stages of their respective lives. Myrtle Beach Bike Week is also in its 70s, and the scenery along South Carolina’s eastern coastline would be enough to attract any non-bike enthusiast for a visit. The traditional racing and events are planned at Myrtle Beach, as well as custom motorcycle shows and a vibrant live music scene. Moreover, there are a number of attractions within hours’ driving distance, including wildlife reserves, a former USS Battleship, and a couple of castles for the history buffs.
Photo courtesy of SBB
5. Rolling Thunder:
Although Rolling Thunder hasn’t been around quite as long as the other bike festivals, its purpose may be the most important. Held each year in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day weekend, the rally is dedicated to the veterans of the Vietnam war. Founder Ray Manzo, a former Marine, also wanted to bring attention to the fact that American servicemen had been abandoned as prisoners of war at the end of the struggle – a fact he found out in 1987 while visiting the Vietnam Memorial. Rolling Thunder started in 1988 in New Jersey, but it has since gathered thousands of former military service members who congregate in the nation’s capital to pay homage to the fallen. The event isn’t just for bikers either, thousands attend simply with the goal of displaying and celebrating their patriotism. The rally isn’t exclusive to Washington, as smaller events occur in various parts of the country. However, the best annual turnout is in D.C. because rally-goers attend the Vietnam Memorial each year.
Photo courtesy of Rolling Thunder
6. ROT Biker Rally:
Although its just 18 years old, the Republic of Texas Biker Rally in the state’s capital is the largest ticketed motorcycle rally in the nation, according to the ROT website. The event is so large that the City of Austin has joined forces with ROT Biker Rally by closing off about 50 blocks downtown for a massive parade and party that is typically held the second weekend in June – one that’s expected to draw more than 200,000 people. This year’s ROT Rally is scheduled for June 12 to 14 and will use the Travis Co. Expo Center as its headquarters. The mass gathering isn’t just known for the congregation of cool and unique bikes, either. Austin’s self-proclamation as the “music capital of the world” has seen great musicians pass through central Texas, and the ROT rally is just another reason to attract great acts. Past rally headliners have included Willie Nelson, Joan Jett, Eddie Money, Twisted Sister, Charlie Daniels, and Hank Williams Jr. This June, ZZ Top headlined the rally’s entertainment.
Photo courtesy of ROT Rally
Heading to one of these biker rallies soon?
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Editor’s note: This article was first published in 2014 before being updated for current publishing.
