What could be more fun than saddling up your bike, hitting the road, and joining a few thousand of your closest friends at a major bike event? To simplify life for our readers, we have listed the national rallies of many of the major clubs and organizations, with a brief description and contact information. Many of these events feature organized rides, vendors, live entertainment, seminars, bike shows, demo rides from the major manufacturers and much more. Please check the website before hitting the road, as details can change.
Ride for Kids
37 Rides all over the U.S.
The Ride for Kids program is a national series of motorcycle rides that supports the work of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Its mission is to eliminate the challenges of childhood brain tumors by funding medical research and family support programs. The ride program begins in April and lasts through October. Log on to find details on a full slate of rides.
(800) 253-6530
rideforkids.org
pbtfus.org
Progressive International Motorcycle Shows
November 20-22: Long Beach, California, December 11-13: New York, New York, January 8-10: Miami, Florida, January 22-24: Dallas, Texas, January 29-31: Cleveland, Ohio, February 5-7: Minneapolis, Minnesota, February 12–14: Chicago, Illinois
See all the latest new models, riding gear and accessories at these huge shows. At some it’s possible to take demo rides and enjoy stunt-riding exhibitions. You may even meet some famous motorcycling personalities there. They start in late fall and continue into early 2016.
(800) 331-5706
motorcycleshows.com
33rd Annual Laughlin River Run
April 22-26: Laughlin, Nevada
The West’s biggest motorcycle rally takes place on the river in Laughlin, Nevada, and features not only riding on old Route 66 but also casino gambling and major shows. And speaking of shows, the rally concert series includes performances by Slaughter, Foghat and Burton Cummings.
laughlinriverrun.com
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 10-12.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally
May 8-17: Myrtle Beach area, South Carolina
The biggest spring event in the Carolinas, this 76th edition features rides up the coast (also known as the Grand Strand) along with guided tours and vendors. In concert at the Speedway you’ll get to see Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band and The Outlaws.
(336) 643-1367
myrtlebeachbikeweek.com
Run for the Wall XXVII
May 13-22: Cross-country ride to Washington, D.C.
This organized cross-country ride is intended to promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel worldwide. Riders from every part of the country will converge on Washington, D.C., for the Memorial Day weekend.
(925) 890-3478 • rftw.org
AspenCash Motorcycle Rally
May 14-17: Ruidoso, New Mexico
Now in its 18th year, this rally in scenic New Mexico is an AMA Premier Touring Series National Rally and features live music, demo rides, a $10,000 poker run, and a four-day trade show with 33,000 square feet of vendors.
(575) 973-4977 • motorcyclerally.com
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering
May 16: Carmel, California
This 7th annual event celebrates the past, present and future of motorcycling by honoring both pre- and post-war eras of the world’s finest sport and racing bikes. Categories include: A Tribute to Military Motorcycles, Formula 750 Group, the Chopper, Antique, Custom/Modified, Competition, Scooter, and various national classes. The event also features a gourmet barbeque lunch, live entertainment, leading motorcycle manufacturers and lifestyle vendors.
(831) 620-8879
http://signatureevents.peninsula.com/en/Motorcycle/Motorcycle.html
Riding into History
May 22-23: Jacksonville, Florida
This two-day event starts with a vintage ride Friday through Florida’s backroads to Corky Bells in Palatka, led by former racer Dave Aldana. It is strictly for vintage bikes and their riders, and pre-registration is required. Then Saturday is a concours d’elegance, preceded by a K9s for Warriors charity ride to the event. There is free entry for qualified vintage bikes, or it’s $10 for spectators.
(904) 677-9452
ridingintohistory.org
Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle Rally
May 22-24: Winnemucca, Nevada.
This 14th Annual rally will offer free live concerts, a $1,000 poker run, stunt shows, barbecue and The Burning Bike. Also enjoy the vendors, tattoo contest, bike raffle, casino action, and enter your bike in the bike show.
(775) 623-5071
runamucca.com
The 20th Annual Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club Swap Meet & Show
May 29-30: Gold Country Fairgrounds, Auburn, California
Bring or ride your classic Japanese bike, parts to swap or sell, or just come to ride around the local scenic area. There are Peoples Choice awards, and the featured bike this year is the Honda Gold Wing, all years and models.
Allen Siekman, allen@ebold.com
(831) 566-3381
cjmc.org
Americade
June 1-6: Lake George, New York
The East’s largest touring rally offers stunt shows, rodeos, barbecues, parades, a new concert series, guided and unguided tours, comedy shows and free rider education. There will also be boat cruises, a huge vendor area and demos from most manufacturers. Rider’s own Clement Salvadori will be one of the featured speakers, and Rider magazine will sponsor the Opening Celebration.
(518) 798-7888
americade.com
Mother Road Ride Rally
June 10-21: Chicago to Los Angeles
This rolling 12-day rally follows the 2,448-mile course of historic old Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. The rally group will ride across the Mississippi River on the Chain of Rocks Bridge, hit the Ozark Trail, ride some of Route 66’s original red brick pavement and experience a breakfast stop in the ghost town of Oatman, Arizona. Upon completion, there’s an awards dinner in Santa Monica.
(352) 684-5293
(304) 422-0478
ridert66.com
Laconia Motorcycle Week
June 13-21: Laconia, New Hampshire
Held in scenic Weirs Beach, this event incorporates a great street scene, demo rides, bike build-off and paint-off competitions, boat cruises, scenic rides and a ride up 6,288-foot Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. There’s also fireworks, a stunt show, ride-in bike show and the 92nd annual Loudon Classic motorcycle race.
(603) 366-2000
laconiamcweek.com
The Meet takes place at America’s Car Museum near Seattle, Washington, August 22.
Concours Owners Group “Concours in the Corners” National Rally
June 15-19: Cortez, Colorado
Fans and owners of the Kawasaki Concours can hang around the rally site for the vendors, seminars, bike show and banquet. Then they can go riding to the Four Corners National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park, Anasazi Heritage Center and to many other national and state parks in and around the Rockies.
cog-online.org
Reno Rendezvous
June 18-20: Reno, Nevada
Headquartered at the Grand Sierra Resort, this first-annual touring rally will feature a kickoff party, trade show, demo rides, seminars and stunt shows. In addition to scenic rides be sure to stick around for the comedy show, and a concert by CCR.
(623) 581-2500
renorendezvous.org
44th Moto Guzzi National Owners Club Rally
June 18-21: Swanzey, New Hampshire
This rally will be held at the Cheshire Fairgrounds and will offer tent camping and RV hookups, three dinners and local rides to the covered bridge, Hogback Mountain, and the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. There will be local Moto Guzzi dealer support, and a visit from custom bike builder Walt Siegl.
(603) 355-9373 • (603) 903-0140
mgnoc.com
Motorcycle Sport Touring Association Rally (STAR)
June 21-24: Springdale, Arkansas
Not only will attendees be able to go riding on scenic backroads, but members of the MSTA will also be able to request raffle tickets for the grand prize Yamaha FJR1300. Other events associated with the rally will be a lunch at the BMW dealership in Bentonville, and the opportunity to take a track day at the Hallett Motor Racing Circuit near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
(479) 824-5738
ridemsta.com
26th Annual American Voyager Association International Rally
June 22-25: Estes Park, Colorado
It was originally started to bring together owners of the Kawasaki Voyager tourer, but the AVA has since evolved into an all-brands club for those who like to “voyage” on their motorcycles. The rally will feature guided and self-guided rides around the area, bike games, a parade, bike show and an awards banquet.
amervoyassoc.org
MTA Gathering
June 22-26: Dillard, Georgia
The Motorcycle Touring Association is an all-brands club, and its national rally will feature a poker run, field events, a bike show, light show, bingo, 50/50 drawings, grand prizes and a banquet. Local rides will go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Deals Gap, Cherohala Skyway, Tallulah Gorge, Devil’s Triangle and scenic Helen, Georgia.
(970) 663-2044
mtariders.com
Thunder in the Valley
June 25-28: Johnstown, Pennsylvania
This rally began in 1998, and is located about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh. In addition to vendors, scenic rides and live music, take advantage of displays and demo rides. And don’t forget the Johnstown Flood Museum that tells the tragic tale of this town’s history.
(800) 237-8590
johnstownthunder.com
Women on Wheels 29th Annual International Ride-In
July 7-9: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Women on Wheels (WOW) is a club for women who ride, and its annual Ride-In is held at a different location each year. One must be a member to attend the rally, and this year’s edition will feature food, vendors and a chance to reconnect with old friends while making new ones.
womenonwheels.org
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
July 10-12: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio
This major event includes vintage motorcycle road racing, motocross, trials, hare scrambles and dirt track. It also incorporates a huge swap meet, seminars, bike shows, and stars from the sport’s past and present. All proceeds benefit the American Motorcyclist Association’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio.
(800) AMA-JOIN
americanmotorcyclist.com
Gold Rush XXVIII
July 13-16: Albuquerque, New Mexico
An annual event sponsored by the Gold Wing Touring Association, the Gold Rush offers bike judging, a light parade, ice-cream social, rider education seminars, entertainment, rides and bike games in and around scenic Albuquerque.
(800) 960-GWTA (4982)
(317) 243-6822
gwta.org
1st Annual Deadwood 3 Wheeler Motorcycle Rally
July 16-19: Deadwood, South Dakota
Ride your trike to this inaugural rally in historic Deadwood and take part in the scavenger hunt, slot tournament and bike show. Also enjoy organized rides to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Devils Tower.
(800) 274-1876 x1105
d3wr.com
ENI FIM World Superbike Round, Laguna Seca
July 17-19: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California
Come see the world’s best Superbike racers on bikes loosely based upon production machines as they challenge each other on Laguna Seca’s hilly, twisting course. Practice is Friday, qualifying Saturday and there are two races Sunday.
(831) 242-8200
mazdaraceway.com
Star Days
July 20-24: Longmont, Colorado
Star Days is devoted to fans of Yamaha’s Star line of cruisers, and this 15th anniversary event will include rides, seminars, vendors, a bike show, food, camaraderie and entertainment. Each year Star Days has a Vets Ride to honor veterans, a Tin Star ride to honor our first responders, a History Ride to learn about the local area, and a Swampazz ride…whatever that is.
(520) 292-0200
stardays.org
43rd Annual BMW Motorcycle Owners Association International Rally
July 23-25: Billings, Montana
Owners and fans of BMW motorcycles will prepare to “Be the Adventure” in Billings for this annual mega-event. In addition to the demo rides, bike judging, seminars and vendors be sure to visit the Rimrocks, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and ride the stunning Beartooth Highway.
(636) 394-7277
bmwmoa.org
Sturgis Rally & Races
August 3-9: Sturgis, South Dakota
This 75th annual event is huge, the quintessential all-brands summer biker bash with bike shows, vendors, big-name bands and demo rides in addition to hillclimbs and racing on the dragstrip, short track and half-mile. Ride into the Black Hills to take in Mt. Rushmore, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, or to Devils Tower or Badlands, then head back into town for the huge street scene.
(605) 720-0800
sturgismotorcyclerally.com
Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP
August 7-9: Indianapolis, Indiana
The Red Bull Indianapolis GP is the second U.S. round of premier MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 competition. Spanish wunderkind Marc Márquez has won the last two years here—along with the championship—dragging not only knees but elbows on the 16-turn, 2.6-mile infield course that utilizes a short section of the legendary Indy track. Come to see him challenge Valentino Rossi and the rest of the best at this historic site. Practice is Friday, qualifying Saturday and they race on Sunday.
(800) 822-INDY
redbullindianapolisgp.com
The Meet at ACM
August 22: Seattle, Washington
The Vintage Motorcycle Show at America’s Car Museum bills itself as the Meet, “the go-to vintage bike event in the Northwest,” and last year hosted more than 2,000 attendees and 300 bikes. This year they are inviting bikes built before 1990, and the event features demo rides, vendor booths, free seminars and a Sunday ride through the Puget Sound in addition to more than a dozen judged classes as part of the motorcycle competition.
(253) 779-8490
(877) 902-8490
vintagemotorcyclefestival.com
Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials
August 29-September 3: Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Formerly known as the Bub Motorcycle Speed Trials, the event has a new owner and is now named for the famed Bonneville Salt Flats. This is the premier motorcycle land speed racing event sanctioned by the AMA and FIM, with contenders in many classes from world-class streamliners to “run whatcha brung” on the historic salt flats. So bring a bike and see what it’ll do.
bonnevillespeedtrials.com
Wing Ding 37
September 3-6: Huntsville, Alabama
The Gold Wing Road Riders Association will once again be sponsoring this major rally that will include GWRRA ceremonies, an indoor trade show, demo rides, seminars and parades, live entertainment, tours and dinners. There will also be prize giveaways, rider education safety courses, CPR classes and more.
(800) 843-9460
(623) 581-2500
wing-ding.org
35th Annual Davis Rally
September 11-12: New Hampton, Iowa
The Davis family began this rally in 1978, their children inherited it some years later, and now the grandchildren will be running the show in 2015. They pledge to update the rally with new contests, bands, games, a bike show, and guided and self-guided tours. Details were limited at press time, so check the website for full details.
(847) 828-2827
davismotorcyclerally.com
Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally
Sept. 16-20: Ruidoso, New Mexico
Now in its 46th year, this AMA National Road Riding Convention features an 86,000-square-foot vendor show, seven poker runs/tours and bike judging. Some meals are included, and Barnett Harley-Davidson sponsors the bike giveaway.
(575) 973-4977
motorcyclerally.com
Bikes Blues & BBQ
September 23-26: Fayetteville, Arkansas
What started as a small rally has grown in 16 years to a major event. Plenty of local and regional bands will offer free concerts and there will be a car show, vintage bike show, the Stokes Air Bike Show, a Miss BBB contest and the Arkansas State BBQ contest. You can participate in the karaoke contest, demo rides and the hundreds of vendors will be delighted to see you. And of course, the local riding is spectacular.
bikesbluesandbbq.org
BMW Riders Association National Rally
October 1-4: Harrison, Arkansas
The BMW RA touts route Route 123 North in Newton County, near Harrison, as one of the great roads in the country. They also state that the locals (and the local constabulary) are friendly, the food will be awesome and the music outstanding. Add in the fact that there’s very little traffic here and it should be a fun time.
(866) 924-7102
(262) 409-2899
bmwra.org/rally
Barber Vintage Festival
October 9-11: Birmingham, Alabama
This 11th annual event says that it will have the second largest motorcycle swap meet in the world, and will feature vintage shows, vendors, stunt shows and access to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. In the “Century Parade,” all bikes participating will be 100 years old or older.
(205) 699-7275
barbervintagefestival.org
44th Annual Griffith Park Sidecar Rally
October 11: Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California
Ride your rig to this one-day family sidecar rally in scenic Griffith Park, where more than 300 sidecar rigs are expected to congregate. Park your hack in the sidecar area, and for $10 you’ll be given a plaque commemorating the event. Spectators (non-sidecars) are free.
(818) 780-5542
sidestrider.com
Biketoberfest
October 15-18: Daytona Beach, Florida
When Daytona Bike Week in March is but a distant memory, Biketoberfest offers a smaller, more intimate version that includes motorcycle shows and rallies, live music, scenic rides along A1A and other historic roadways, a vibrant street scene, demo rides and plenty of vendors. And of course there will be racing on the high banks of the newly repaved Daytona International Speedway.
(386) 255-0415
biketoberfest.org
Love Ride 32
October 18: Ride from Glendale to Castaic Lake, California
Billed as the largest one-day motorcycle fundraising event in the world, the Love Ride raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It features entertainment by major bands (check the website for this year’s featured performers), and that warm glow from knowing you’ve helped those in need.
(818) 246-5618
loveride.org
Christian Motorcyclists Association Changing of the Colors Rally
October 21-25: Iron Mountain, Hatfield, Arkansas
Billed as the largest camp meeting, revival and family-friendly bike gathering, the CMA’s Changing of the Colors Rally is held in scenic west-central Arkansas. It offers riding in the Ouachita National Forest, the breathtaking 54-mile Talimena National Scenic Byway, and 35 miles of off-road riding on trails at Wolf Pen Gap. Enjoy the many campfires and the picnic tables in the Iron Mountain Pavilion, and hear John Ogden Sr., CEO/Chairman share about CMA’s ministry.
(870) 389-6196 x235
cmausa.org
Lone Star Rally
November 5-8: Galveston, Texas
This huge street rally offers bike, car and truck shows, lots of bands, vendors, a bike giveaway, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall and the Miss Lone Star Contest. There are also demo rides, along with plenty of rides up the coast and in the local area.
(386) 676-5683
lonestarrally.com