Are you kidding?? Myrtle Beach cancels both bike weeks

[a8nsk8]

http://myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com/message.html   

[Panzer]

Not surprised one iota.
There was talk of this last year and like a lot here have said, I'll (we) take my $$ where they appreciate it.
This is the city councils decision not the store owners, don't down the stores owners.
I saw a sign in the front of one store that said "city council sucks".
At 08 bike week in May, I saw a few motels and business' alike out of business, like in "vacant" and that was on the main drag.
This ought to put the cap on others there too.
Isn't this the land where the peoples (store owners) voices are heard and rule?
Don't tell me, I know!
Myrtle Beach will only be good for the golf buffs.
A shame that a given few can hurt so many!!

There are better places, much better.
Just my .02

[a8nsk8]

Yeah they can have it.  I will go to Leesburg, FL in April instead. It is smaller and more fun.

[willymax4]

i only do one rally a year (sturgis) and that little town bends over backwards to accomidate bikers.
a town of about six thousand people swells to at any one point to,who knows, maybe a hundred thousand?
they'll keep getting my business as long as they don't start pulling crap like MB has started.

[topcat3815]

I am glad they banned them  maybe now they will move it to the outer banks of N.C.

[Bigs]

Topcat-
They already have one in the outer banks.
   Bigs

[BaggerRed]

Did a search for "City of Myrtle Beach" and "John Rhodes Mayor"............Both searches resulted in direction to an error page......seems they don't want to hear from us or want our money.......Everybody knows biker money is dirty and tainted(at least as far as myrtle beach is concerned)

[1JITSU1]

   GOOD Now I will bring my money where its want   

[apes]

Out here on the Left Coast A few years back, the City counsel of Hollster shut down the big historic July rally. In protest....all of the bikers just went anyway, as long as you aren't making trouble who could complain.  For the following year the Council, rally organizers, business representatives and the Popo got together and asked "how can we make it work better" and as a result  changes to traffic flow, location  of venders and oddly enough....more porta potties and now it is back on the calendar and everyone is happy........I think it was the rice rocket rally  that blew it for MB

[Panzer]

I agree....

[Blazing Saddles]

Regarding the "rice rocket rally" comment: It has been my observation that the rice rocket crowd sometimes thinks it has to act "bad" to be just like the "real Harley bikers". Too bad they often get it so wrong because they have no history, no roots so to speak. Just MHO of course.

Blazin'

[RK101]

I also agree I think it was the rocket rally brought it to and end. I also think three weeks of motorcycle rallies is allot to ask from any community though. Like they said it just got to big and that caused things to get out of control. Then with all the law suits against them they just decided to say no more, it's just not worth the B/S. There responsibility is to there community, residents, and there tax payers. For those who like bike weeks in those parts of the country, I believe Charleston has one.

[egstandard]

I was only there once a few years ago. It didn't appeal to me as much as Sturgis or Daytona. I won't miss it.

[Dennis The Menace]

Well, I can understand their side a bit, but there are better ways to deal with these situations IMO.

Anyway, outside of the bike weeks, is this a good place to visit on a bike, otherwise?  Or, do they harass anyone coming into city limits on a motorcycle?   I would like to do a east coast trip before too long, just want to know if I should stay away from there.

menace

[blk-betty]

Dennis

I'm about 75 miles south of MB and have ridden up for the day during each of last few rallys.  Rallys are not my thing, I enjoy rididing much more than hanging out, and MB would not be on my list of places to go with or without the rally.  But depends on one's perspective and what their looking for.   

[Ape_do]

Rallies and even group rides were never my thing either. It kind-of defeated the purpose of one of the main reasons that I love to ride - the solitude.

Plus, for some reason, I'm always the one that cops tend to watch in a crowd... It must by my pleasant disposition  .

I rode up through the Blue Ridge mountains last year during bike week. I'm thinking about just wandering thru country roads in a southwesterly direction this year.

[WideBoy04]

`I expect an unorganized rice rocket rally there regardless of the city council.

[HDFAT2001]

Expect an organized Sportbike Rally anyway.  It's never been sponsered by the City of Myrtle Beach ( now has the Harley Rally ) it's sponsored by Atlantic Beach and will happen anyway.  The new laws are ONLY for the City of Myrtle Beach which runs East of the Waterway and North to about 48th Street North and South to 200 yards north of the dealership.  I'm going to the Bikeweek ( Harley, of course ) and just won't spend a DIME on the city limits.

[1JITSU1]

I know this is not part of the post but  The government should only allowed
so many rice burners in the country   Now I know free trade and all that
but just like the cars (look at US car companes now) look what this country
has come to this   Does US really need another rice burner
soon you will not be allowed to drive an American car in myrtle beach
I have seen cops throw bikes in back of a truck on top of each other thats
what they can do

[Tsani]

Truth be told, you could see this coming. And it not the last one either. Sure, the rocket rally crowd gets outta of control, but the good ol' HD crew ain't angels either. We have our share of posers, wannbe's and plain ol jackasses too.

[Panzer]

Ape_do,
Your quote: Plus, for some reason, I'm always the one that cops tend to watch in a crowd... It must by my pleasant disposition.
Well, look at your pic, it might be because you're purple??    I betch ya!!
 

[76shuvlinoff]

We have our share of posers, wannbe's and plain ol jackasses too.

Agreed.   Been to Myrtle twice in the last 3 years, took this year off and really didn't miss it... but I will admit I did have a good time when I was there.

[Panzer]

Just ran across this via Google.
http://bikersmag.com/html/black_bike_week.html

[onemchog]

I would not spend a dime in MB nor would I recomend anyone to go there if we are not wanted there.It's their loss they will find out how much money bikers really spend.[just my .02]

[Memnar]

I have not been to MB bike week since '89, but is was a blast and we made a lot of trouble back then on our rice rockets. I did a smiley face right in the middle of it on my GSXR750, wearing justa tshirt and sandles - typical dumb kid I was back then.

I can only imagine how its gotten since then.

However 2 weeks a year for the bikes to go crazy is ok I think.

But I don't like governments banning motorcycle activities.

[Flat Dog]

Organizers of Myrtle Beach Black Bike Week invite all people regardless of race or the type of motorcycle you ride, “providing you respect us”.

Kind of like the respect a caucasian biker would get in da hood?

[carolinayarddog]

"Kind of like the respect a caucasian biker would get in da hood?"

If you go to Daytona, go over to the Bethune area; in over ten years of attendance, I've only seen them welcomed and have never heard of a single reverse incident.

[texaskatfish]

Pocket all that rally cash folks and go RIDE out in the country!

(you can thank me later........)

[Dennis The Menace]

"Kind of like the respect a caucasian biker would get in da hood?"

If you go to Daytona, go over to the Bethune area; in over ten years of attendance, I've only seen them welcomed and have never heard of a single reverse incident.

Yepp, there are places where we all get along.  But I have been in my share of places in Georgia where I was told I wasnt welcomed.  And, its wasnt because I was a biker either.  Those who live there know what I am talkin bout.

Anyhow, the towns that turn away rallies and groups of bikers in general have a right to do so.  However, if I were to run through a town while riding/toruing/vacationing and was harrassed or pulled over or just treated rudely because I was a motorcycle rider, I would definitely stay out of there.  I like watching the old time westerns, I dont want to live in one.  lol

Just wondering if MB harrassed anyone on a bike for just riding a bike, or if their attitude is merely against the rallies and large bike groups in general.  If they generally dont like people on bikes, then I will stay the hell away.  But, if I can ride thru, or even stop for a bit without getting harassed, I will do so.  I dont hold a grudge.

menace

[blk-betty]

Dennis

I'd bet you could ride thorugh without the any fear of being hassled for one second.  Highway 17 that runs from south FL up to the Northeast runs right through MB, cars, trucks bikes and everything else go by there evey day with no problem.  It's the rallys and congregations that they are trying to prevent, not bike riders.

[eojav]

I'm still going.  I plan on spending more time out of town anyways, such as Darlington for the race, and Charleston.

[Dennis The Menace]

Mark, that was kinda what I figured.  Good to know some form of southern hospitality is still alive down there towards bike riders.

My pals in Milwaukee and I are trying to figure out where to go this summer.  An east coast tour would be fun, as long as we do it before too much heat/humidity sets in, and the touristy crowds get out of hand.  lol

Thanks for the input!

menace

[buzzurd]

I'm only 4 hours from MB.I enjoyed the spring rally up until about 98.Then the law presense was so great you couldn't turn your head without seeing a cop.Took a break for a few years and was finally coaxed into the fall rally.The fall rally was much more laid back and police presence wasn't half as bad.Last fall we stayed in North Myrtle and avoided the city limits altogether, but just knowing your somewhere your not welcome and having to worry if you were in the city limits just wasn't the same.Me and the other half decided that this was the end,next year it's the Great Smokie Mountains where we always have a great time and are welcomed every where.
Buzzurd

[Bakon]

The rally will continue. The site linked is the one trying to shut it down. Trying.

It will continue south and north of town, where it has been for years. The town itself has only provided hotels, restaurants, a few cool bars and one parts place. The vendors moved years ago. All these rules have done is concentrated the bikers thinking into spending the money outside town limits.

See the link for more information
http://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com/

[Bulit]

Actually, I would like to see the rally continue with the same amount of bikers. Although, all the bikers should stay out of every establishment (Hotels, rest., gas stations, food markets, etc.) in the City of MB. If this happens, they will lose a boatload of money. Non-riders, such as families, golfers, tourists will not go to MB knowing that a bike raly is still going on. The City will hopefully be empty.

[1JITSU1]

Bulit   You are right and the best lessen would be for no Harley owner to spend
a dime in that town  I dont know anything about black bike week but I thing that is
the real problamo   I also think it was NOT one man that made this decision
That why I think on one should go "I dont like going were im not wanted"
What do you think

[Skip1Dale]

I remember when the Mayor of York,Pa. tried to put a stop to the NSRA Street Rod Nationals that is held in June every year,this got the business people in an uproar. With the threat of him and members of his council losing their jobs they CHANGED their minds fast . Still going strong in York !
They welcome the Street rodders with open arms !

[1JITSU1]

 Skip1Dale That what should happen here  It dont sound like the business people are complaning
I think this is what they want

[Bulit]

Well, if the business owners are with this, how fast will they change their minds when they see 200K+ bikers passing MB on the by-pass and their city is empty.
Hit the city in the wallet and patronize the other towns in Horry County. Let's see how MB turns this around and blames the bikers for preventing families from coming to their great city.

[Bakon]

Was down there in the fall. The business owners are not for this. They are fighting council with lawsuits. Selling T shirts against the idea and handind out maps showing the borders of the city limits. They organized rides circling the town.

[1JITSU1]

SHOStreetglide & Bulit Thats good news But if you pass through town
                             I bet there will be hell to pay with the local cops
                              

[Big Dan]

The big rallies are all a big pain in the arse. Give me a good old fashioned "OFOPOS National" gathering anytime. Good friends, good rides, good times, no hassles.

[1JITSU1]

 I never went Big Dan I dont know if im allowed

[Panzer]

Like I said gentlemen, the business owners are not at fault, don't put them down.
I was treated well at all hotels, shops, bars and eatery's.
A shame the business' will suffer, for some ignorant idiots.

[Big Dan]

Jitsu,
As far as I know, everyone is welcome. I've made a lot of great friends over the years.

[1JITSU1]

Big Dan  Yea I herd of them on the old site but I dont know anybody
              or were to go Im sure they are great bunch of people Big Dan
                if you know them