One hot Rock Rockingham, N.C., June 15–16—The warm, humid night air resonated with the deep southern high-energy sound of Rebel Son. Politically incorrect lyrics laden with expletives brought huge cheers from a tough-looking crowd in front of the main stage, many sitting on motorcycles. The surreal scene was compounded by a steady stream of motorcycles and mini bikes snaking their ...

New face of the Republic Austin, Texas, June 7–10—The Republic of Texas Biker Rally touts being the largest “turn-stile” motorcycle event in the nation (paid admittance). But you are only as relevant as your last event so the ROT promoters are constantly researching new attractions that would appeal to an ever-evolving audience. For their 23rd annual rally, they dropped the ...

Sturgis, South Dakota, Aug. 27—Jason Sims, owner of the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, has announced that the fifth iteration of the world-famous transcontinental endurance run for vintage motorcycles is set. On September 7, riders from around the world will line up to take the green flag from Portland, Maine and finish 16 days later in Portland, Oregon. The Motorcycle Cannonball Run ...

Bikes roar and emotions soar Washington, D.C., May 25–27—For many, Memorial Day weekend is a time for barbe-ques, family vacations or just a long weekend away from work. In the motorcycling community, it’s an opportunity to honor our veterans and missing in action by attending The Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom in Washington, D.C., now in its 31st year. We ...

A good-time gathering Waynesboro, Tenn., May 31–June 3—Tropical Storm Alberto tried to damped the spirits of the American Rebel Rendezvous, but was unsuccessful! With the rain that moved through the area Wednesday night, the night before the rally started, some were scared off and those that chose not to make the trip really missed out on a good time. Promotor ...

Customs at the capital Austin, Texas, Apr. 19–22—Alan Stulberg is co-founder of Revival Cycles, an Austin-based shop that believes a motorcycle is not only a useful means of transport but that it should have an aesthetic expression—a “motorcycle is art” sorta mantra. With this concept firmly in place, Revival founded the Handbuilt Show, an invitational bike show held annually in the ...

Spring rally brings liquid sunshine Grand Strand, S.C., May 11–20—My girl and I have been going to the Myrtle Beach Bike Week spring and fall rallies for the last 23 years without missing a single week of the fun and madness that is our party on the Grand Strand. A lot has changed over the years, but the smiles across ...

Little something for everyone Leesburg, Fla., Apr. 27–29—This was the 22nd year for the Leesburg Bikefest and it hasn’t slowed down a bit. In my opinion the reason for its popularity and success is that Leesburg Partnership knows how to treat us bikers. They welcome us and do their best to make it a fun weekend. And while the drink ...

Party on the Panhandle Panama City Beach, Fla., May 2–6—It had been several years since I’d been Panama City’s Thunder Beach Spring Rally and I wasn’t prepared for all the growth that had taken place in that area. The Panhandle has always been one of my favorite places in Florida with its beautiful beaches and scenic views of the Gulf ...

Rocking on River Road New Braunfels, Texas., Mar. 31—The Giddy Up Vintage Chopper Show is without a doubt one of the most energetic and robust motorcycle events currently in existence in the American South. The vibe of the attendees, the quality of the bike builds, the history of an offbeat culture shared between grey beards and hipsters and some of ...