News Flash... every month we get a few emails from readers asking if we can list their poker run or bike show in the calendar. We always say, Yes, send over the info and we would be glad to. However, there is a catch: to make the newsstand in time for your event, we need to get the info at least three months ahead of time. So if you want us to post your event info, we need time to do so. Email any info to ernie.lopez@sorc.com
May 7
27th Annual Peotone Motorcycle Show and Parts Expo
Peotone, IL
This get-together takes place at Will County Fairgrounds where thousands of bikers will be buying, selling and/or trading all kinds of motorcycle goodies. There will be vendors from all over, motorcycles of all brands, new and used parts, leather, motorcycle-related novelties, door prizes, food, beer, and lot more.
For more information, visit paragonspromotion.com.
May 15
Frank’s Ride for Children
Longmont, CO
Frank’s Ride is one of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado’s largest and longest-running fundraisers. This event has raised enough money to grant wishes for nearly 100 children in Colorado. The fun kicks off with breakfast and registration at the American Legion Post #32, followed by a 100-mile road trip through northern Colorado with stops in small towns along the way to collect a poker hand. Its last stop is Anderson Farms, where you’ll be treated to a pig roast, BBQ beef, sides, and beverages. If that isn’t enough for you, there’ll also be live entertainment, drawings, and door prizes.
For more information, visit franksrideforchildren.org.
May 13-22
Myrtle Beach Bike Week
Murrell’s Inlet, SC
Myrtle Beach Bike Week should be pretty fun so long as you, um, avoid Myrtle Beach. If that sounds snarky, bear in mind, the event’s website says pretty much the same thing: Many of the people made reservations outside the city of Myrtle Beach and discovered better rates, friendlier places, and how much easier it was to get around the Grand Strand and out to the surround areas. They discovered all the ordinances the city of Myrtle Beach passed really didn’t bother anything because they never went into the city of MB. So, feel free to visit Myrtle Beach, but don’t actually stay there.
For more information (and clarification), visit myrtlebeachbikeweek.com.
May 21-22
AHDRA Liberty Nitro Nationals
Catawissa, PA
Numidia Drag Way plays host to AHDRA round four. Pre-registration ends May 11.
For more information, visit ahdra.com.
May 28-30
Gulfport Memorial Day Blowout
Gulfport, MS
This annual party enters its 29th year with a big to-do at the Gulfport Racetrack. Come on out for three days of live music, food, a bike show, bikini contest, tattoo contest, and more.
For more information, visit gulfportmemorialdayblowout.com.
June 7-11
Americade
Lake George, NY
Guided mini-tours, BBQ, fireworks, and hot-air balloon rides are just some of the fun to be had on the shores of Lake George during this year’s Americade. It’s a weeklong touring rally that draws more than 50,000 people each year. If you’re in the area and you haven’t been, this event is worth a look.
For more information, visit americade.com.
June 9-12
Republic of Texas Rally
Austin, TX
This four-day orgy of motorcycling always kicks off the second Thursday in June each year and is held at the Travis County Exposition Center in northeast Austin. The ROT Rally is proud to be a part of Austin and bring top-named entertainment to the event each year. Past year’s headliners include names like Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson, Bret Michaels, Joan Jett, Paul Rogers, Steppenwolf, David Allen Coe, and Charlie Daniels, to name a few. Friday night, June 10, the city of Austin cooperates by closing off 54 square blocks of the downtown area for a huge party on Congress Ave. It is considered the largest biker party in a downtown area of a metropolitan city, expecting more than 50,000 participants in 2011, and will draw more than 200,000 spectators to the downtown streets. The attractions include a ride-in bike show, custom bike builders, the World Famous Wall of Death, comedians, national named bands, the Paradise Bar, a tattoo expo, contests for the ladies, stunt riders, 350 vendors and distributors, the ROT Rally Friday night parade, and more.
For more information, visit rotrally.com.
June 11-19
Laconia Motorcycle Week
Laconia, NH
While Americade is winding down, Laconia is revving up. If one week of two-wheeled fun in the Northeast just isn’t enough, you can make your way over to New Hampshire to keep the party going. There’ll be lots to do, ranging from food and music to vendors and demos, including demo rides on Polaris ATVs.
For more information, visit laconiamcweek.com.
June 18-25
High Seas Rally 3rd Voyage: Alaska
Vancouver, BC
High Seas Rally and the HOHS Dialysis Fund has hit the one million dollar mark in funds raised. Now, you can enjoy the trip as the rally travels into the seas of Alaska. It’s been described as a little-known biker rally with a worldwide reputationa reputation of being the most unique, fun, and most generous group of bikers to sail the seven seas. The unique part is that the rally takes place on a cruise ship. The fun part is all the outrageous fun, games, parties, and camaraderie. The generous part is raising an average of $150,000 per seven-day cruise to provide a vacation of a lifetime for bikers or friends of bikers that require kidney dialysis treatments to join the cruise free of charge. The free part includes paying for all the medical staff and medical equipment to be brought onboard the ship to perform the dialysis treatments, pay for the dialysis patient’s airfare, balcony cabin, and give them each $400 to spend during the cruise.
For more information, visit highseasrally.com.