The sun is warming, the snow banks are melting and the temperatures are finally above freezing. It’s time to change the oil, adjust the valves, bore and stroke your credit cards and go wear out some tires!
Here’s a list of some of the major motorcycle rallies and events this year, along with contact info and a brief description of what’s happening. So mark your calendar, call some riding buddies, top off your tank and get your clutch hand workin’!
Because things may have changed since press time, be sure to check the website for updates shortly before you lift the sidestand and hit the road. And when you get there, tell ’em Rider magazine sent you!
Ride for Kids
37 events in 2014
In 2014, there will be Ride for Kids events in 37 cities across the nation, including a new ride in Jackson, Mississippi. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation sponsors the Ride for Kids to give us the opportunity to ride, and by doing so to help kids beat cancer. These rides raise funds to help find a cure for childhood brain tumors, and to help support families of brain tumor victims. With this many events there’s sure to be a ride in your area.
(828) 665-6891, (800) 253-6530
rideforkids.org
pbtfus.org
Arizona Bike Week/Cyclefest
April 2-6
Scottsdale, Arizona
Held at the WestWorld facility, Bike Week kicks off with pre-event activities March 28-April 1. Then things really get rockin’ with rides, demo rides by major manufacturers, camping, stunt shows, bike shows, trail rides, a charity street ride and live performances by ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and others.
(480) 644-8191
azbikeweek.com
Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas
April 11-13
Austin, Texas
Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the U.S. designed for all classes of racing. In April, riders will battle it out for the MotoGP World Championship on this 20-turn course covering 3.4 miles. Race weekend includes three full days of racing, entertainment, VIP parties and more.
(866) 801-6975
cotaexperiences.com
Laughlin River Run
April 23-27
Laughlin, Nevada
The 32nd annual version of the West Coast’s largest motorcycle event will include a custom bike show, poker runs, rides, vendors, casino action and the Ms. Laughlin River Run contest. Concerts include performances by Great White, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys.
(949) 502-3434
laughlinriverrun.com
Myrtle Beach Bike Week
May 9-18
Myrtle Beach area, South Carolina
This is a riding rally, which this year celebrates its 75th anniversary. It features vendors, a custom bike show, bands and a major street scene, along with a Loop Tour and Treasure Hunt Ride. Ride stops include Medieval Times and the Speedway, a 5/8-mile paved and banked track.
(336) 643-1367
myrtlebeachbikeweek.com
Run for the Wall XXVI
May 14-23
Cross-country ride to Washington, D.C.
To honor veterans, this cross-country ride reaches Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day weekend. Riders can join all along the route, and the ride culminates in the Rolling Thunder Parade to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The mission is to promote healing among veterans and their loved ones, to call for an accounting of all prisoners of war and those missing in action (POW/MIA), and to honor the memory of those killed in action.
rftw.org
AspenCash Motorcycle
Rally and Poker Run
May 15-18
Ruidoso and Mescalero, New Mexico
What’s with the cash? Because there’s a $10,000 poker run, that’s why! Also enjoy the four-day trade show, stunt show, live music and daily scenic rides.
(575) 973-4977
motorcyclerally.com
13th Annual Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle Rally
May 23-25
Winnemucca, Nevada
This rally is held on Memorial Day weekend in northern Nevada. It includes a $1,000 poker run, $1,000 burnout contest, tattoo contest, stunt shows, concerts, bike games, BBQ, ride-in bike show, bike raffle and the burning bike event.
(800) 962-2638
runamucca.com
BMW Riders Association 42nd Annual International Rally
May 29-31
Barber Motorsports Park, near Birmingham, Alabama
The rally at this 740-acre multi-purpose racing facility will feature camping, vendors, seminars and bike judging, along with access to the spectacular Barber Motorsports Museum. The museum has more than 1,200 vintage and modern motorcycles and cars on display.
(866) 924-7102, (937) 339-7100
bmwra.org
Americade
June 2-7
Lake George, New York
Billed as the world’s largest touring rally, Americade takes place in beautiful upstate New York. It will include guided and unguided mini-tours, fireworks, boat cruises, featured speakers, seminars, demo rides from many manufacturers, the huge TourExpo trade show and a parade.
(518) 798-7888
americade.com
Motorcycle Sport Touring Association Star 2014
June 8-11
Rapid City, South Dakota
Not to be confused with Yamaha’s Star event, this club’s rally is dedicated to those who enjoy sport-touring motorcycles. It will be held at the Holiday Inn Rapid City-Rushmore Plaza Hotel. Check the MSTA website for more details.
ridemsta.com
Laconia Motorcycle Week
June 14-22
Weirs Beach, Laconia, New Hampshire
Come celebrate the 91st anniversary of the longest running motorcycle event in North America. It’s huge and includes vendors, demo rides, guided tours, boat cruises, bike shows, a bike build-off, swap meet and a major street scene with live bands. Also enjoy racing, including vintage GP, flat track, motocross, hill climb and the Loudon Classic.
(603) 366-2000
laconiamcweek.com
The Mother Road Ride/Rally
June 14-22
Chicago to Los Angeles
Historic Route 66, known as “The Mother Road,” stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Now in its 20th year, this week-long ride/rally involves hundreds of enthusiasts riding all brands of bikes along the old original route, with an awards dinner upon completion.
(352) 684-5293, (304) 422-0478
ridert66.com
The Concours Owners Group Silver “Dammit” National Rally
June 16-20
Johnson City, Tennessee
If you’re a fan of the Kawasaki Concours, join the fun with the Concours Owners Group for rides, seminars, tech sessions, guest speakers, bike games and a banquet. This 25th anniversary COG rally gets its colorful name from the fact the original Concours came in “Pearl Gentry Gray.” However, the running inside joke one member started was “…it’s not gray, it’s silver, dammit!!”
cog-online.org
MTA Gathering
June 16-19
Montrose, Colorado
Riders of all brands are invited to this Motorcycle Touring Association event. It features guided and self-guided tours, poker runs, field events, bingo, bike and light shows.
(970) 663-2044 (information),
(970) 249-4507 (reservations)
mtariders.com
Christian Motorcyclists Association National Rally
June 17-21
Hatfield, Arkansas
This family camping rally in the Ouachita National Forest features seminars, youth activities, worship services, rides, a parade, bike games and a 5k Fun Run/Walk.
(870) 389-6196 x 235
cmausa.org
Wing Ding 36
July 1-5
Madison, Wisconsin
Ride your Honda Gold Wing—or whatever bike you happen to own—and meet with thousands of enthusiasts and hundreds of exhibitors to enjoy demo rides, more than 40 seminars, entertainment, fireworks, guided tours, a grand parade and many prize giveaways.
(800) 843-9460, (623) 581-2500
gwrra.org, wing-ding.org
25th Annual American Voyager Association International Rally
July 7-10
Asheville, North Carolina
The American Voyager Association is an international Kawasaki Voyager owners group that welcomes riders on all makes and models. Held at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville, the rally will feature tours, a bike show, sock hop, seminars and an awards banquet.
amervoyassoc.org
Women on Wheels 28th Annual International Ride-In
July 8-10
Monroe, Louisiana
Details were limited about the Ride-In, but as in past years it’s likely this active women’s riding group will enjoy scenic rides, vendors and bike games at its rally.
(402) 477-1280
womenonwheels.org
Moto Guzzi National Owners Club Rally
July 10-13
Elkader, Iowa
Owners and fans of the Moto Guzzi marque will gather at the Elkader City Park and campground for camping, four meals, dealer displays, a bike show, poker run and guided tour.
(515) 883-0825, (515) 285-7209
mgnoc.com
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
July 11-13
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course,
Lexington, Ohio
Here’s your chance to see classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and to honor the riders who made them famous. Activities include vintage roadracing and off-road racing, North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, with bike shows and awards, street and off-road demo rides, and seminars by motorcycling experts. Visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame display and Wall of Death exhibition.
(800) AMA-JOIN, tickets (800) MID-OHIO
amavintagemotorcycledays.com
amadirectlink.com
FIM World Superbike Laguna Seca
July 11-13
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,
Monterey, California
This 9th of 14 rounds is the only U.S. appearance of the World Superbike championship series this year. It features world-class riders on loosely stock-based bikes riding this very technical 2.2-mile track. Practice, qualifying and the featured races will provide plenty of action Friday through Sunday. Bring your earplugs!
(831) 242-8201, tickets (800) 327-7322
laguna-seca.com
Gold Rush XXVII
July 21-24
Boyne Falls, Michigan
Held at the Boyne Mountain Resort, this 27th national rally of the Gold Wing Touring Association offers vendors, charity events, a raffle and scenic rides. The GWTA is an international organization of touring motorcyclists who predominantly—but not exclusively—ride Honda Gold Wings.
(800) 960-GWTA (4982), (317) 243-6822
gwta.org
Star Days
July 21-25
St. Charles, Missouri
The Star Touring and Riding Association is devoted to Yamaha’s line of Star cruisers, and Star Days is its national rally. Open to all, Star Days includes bike games and skills tests, a custom bike show, rides and poker runs, seminars, vendors, demo rides and a Feed the Children event.
(520) 292-0200
startouring.org, stardays.org
BMW Motorcycle Owners Association 42nd International Rally
July 24-27
St. Paul, Minnesota
Held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, the BMW MOA “Rollin’ by the River” Rally will offer rides around the area, many vendors, a bike display, tech sessions, seminars and camping.
(636) 394-7277
bmwmoa.org
The 19th Annual Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club Swap Meet & Show
July 26-27
Auburn, California
Billed as the largest exclusively classic Japanese motorcycle swap and show, this event is held at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Ride or bring your older Japanese motorcycle for the two-day swap meet, Saturday night Sunset Ride and Sunday bike show. The signature bike this year is the Honda Interceptor.
Neil_Rodrigues@yahoo.com
(408) 374-6288
cjmc.org
Sturgis Rally
August 4-10
Sturgis, South Dakota
This 74th edition of the Black Hills Classic rally encourages you to ride out to Mount Rushmore and Devil’s Tower, then head back into town for the huge street scene. Sturgis remains the quintessential all-brands summer biker bash with bike shows, vendors, demo rides and music by Motley Crue, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kenny Rogers, Judy Collins and Great White.
(605) 720-0800
sturgismotorcyclerally.com
Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP
August 8-10
Indianapolis, Indiana
The historic Brickyard hosts this U.S. round of the MotoGP with Friday practice, Saturday qualifying and raching on Sunday. See top American riders take on the world’s best
on this 16-turn, 2.6-mile infield course that utilizes a short section of the legendary Indy track.
(800) 822-INDY
redbullindianapolisgp.com
indianapolismotorspeedway.com
Iron Butt Association InterNational Meet
August 19-24
Denver, Colorado
The Iron Butt Association hosts many long-distance riding events, and this meeting will allow members to gather and swap stories while they make plans for future rides. The event will include rides in the Rockies, seminars, banquet dinners and lunches, a T-shirt and swag bag.
ironbutt.com
2014 BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials
August 23-28
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
So, you think your bike’s fast? Explore its top-speed capabilities on the salt under controlled, professional conditions as the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials includes classes for everything from streamliners to “Run Whatcha Brung.” Registration is the 23rd. Here’s your chance to run the Bonneville Salt Flats for national and world speed records, or just bragging rights.
bubspeedtrials.com
36th Annual Davis Rally
September 5-7
New Hampton, Iowa
This family rally (by the Davis family) will feature bike games, live music, dancing, self-guided tours, a dinner ride and sunset cruise. Also enjoy the “Bikin’ For Bucks” poker run, prize drawings, light parade, camping and vendors.
(563) 578-5331
davismotorcyclerally.com
Golden Aspen Rally
September 17-21
Ruidoso and Mescalero, New Mexico
Now in its 45th year, this rally features seven poker runs/tours, bike judging, a huge trade show, and the grand prize is a new motorcycle.
(575) 973-4977
motorcyclerally.com
Bikes Blues & BBQ
September 24-27
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Come celebrate food, music and great riding in addition to bike judging, a parade, demo rides, stunt show, BBQ contest and Miss BBB competition. The poker runs and charity events are set among the twisty roads of the Ozark Mountains.
(479) 527-9993
bikesbluesandbbq.org
43rd Annual Griffith Park Sidecar Rally
October 12
Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California
You can expect to see more than 300 sidecar rigs and thousands of other bikes at this one-day family sidecar rally in scenic Griffith Park. Park your rig in the sidecar area ($10) and get a plaque, but spectators get in free. See some of the best and most unusual sidecar rigs in the country.
(818) 780-5542
sidestrider.com
Christian Motorcyclists Association Changing of the Colors Rally
October 15-19
Iron Mountain, Hatfield, Arkansas
Join thousands on Iron Mountain in Arkansas’ Ouachita National Forest for this family event. It offers camping, seminars, fellowship, youth activities, praise and worship, and an address by CEO/Chairman John Ogden, Sr. Also enjoy the vendors, guided and self-guided tours.
(870) 389-6196 x 235
cmausa.org
Biketoberfest
October 16-19
Daytona Beach, Florida
If you missed Bike Week in Daytona in March, meet its shorter, less frazzled cousin known as Biketoberfest in October. It offers bike shows (including a chopped bagger show), demo rides, vendors, riding on the beach, that infamous street scene and roadracing at the Daytona International Speedway. There’s also a treasure hunt, live music and much more.
(866) 296-8970, (386) 255-0415
biketoberfest.org
Love Ride
October 18
Castaic Lake, California
This year’s 31st Love Ride will raise money for various causes including the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It features bands, bikes and food. Comedian Jay Leno will serve as the Grand Marshal. Check the website for updated information.
(818) 246-5618
loveride.org
Lone Star Rally
November 6-9
Galveston, Texas
This huge rally (about 400,000 attendees) is free to the public (no entry fee) and includes rides, bike shows, bike giveaways, poker runs, demo rides, numerous bands and hundreds of vendors.
(832) 437-2318
lonestarrally.com
If you have a motorcycle event you’d like to let our readers know about, please visit the Events Calendar on our website, click on the red “Post Your Event” tab in the upper right corner, and fill out the form.
(This calendar was published in the Rallies & Clubs section in the May 2014 issue of Rider magazine.)