The Four Major Rallies are:
* Daytona Bikeweek
* Myrtle Beach Bikeweek
* Laconia Bikeweek
* Sturgis Bikeweek
Daytona Bikeweek
The Daytona Rally, in and around Daytona Beach, Florida, is the first major event of the year. It is held in the first full week in March each year. The official dates for most rallies are Sunday to Sunday. The festivities for most rallies start on Friday evening, so sometimes these first week rallies actually begin in the previous month. Daytona and Sturgis are probably the best known of the major rallies.
Florida is flat land with primarily straight roads. While other areas provide more challenging riding the timing of the Daytona event makes it a major attraction. Many riders have had limited opportunity to ride for several months. They come to Daytona to be able to ride in relative comfort. Orlando and its attractions and the space coast are short rides away, so there is plenty to do while visiting Florida.
Myrtle Beach Bikeweek
The Myrtle Beach Rally, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is held in the middle of May each year. The weather in Myrtle Beach is often beautiful at this time of year, although it can cool off at night. There are many sights to see and many stops on the agenda. As a purely subjective observation, I think that the percentage of bikes with decorative paint is highest at the Myrtle Beach Rally.
Laconia Bikeweek
The annual rally held in Laconia, New Hampshire has the distinction of being the oldest rally on the circuit. The dates for this rally are toward the middle of June and traditionally the rally ends on Fathers Day. The New England location in the hills around Lake Winnipesaukee in the heart of the lakes region of New Hampshire provides some great riding. Many of the roads are based on the old trails and follow the contours of the land. The rally centers around Weirs Beach and the surrounding area. There are many places to go within an easy ride and the ride is half the fun in the Laconia area.
Sturgis Bikeweek
The Blackhills Rally may be the most famous of the rallies. It is centered around Sturgis, South Dakota and takes place in the first full week of August. This is in the foothills of the Rockies and about 35 miles from the national monument at Mt. Rushmore. Sturgis is a town of about 5000 people 50 weeks of the year and a half million the other two.
The old west gambling town of Deadwood is only about 10 miles down a scenic winding road. The Badlands of South Dakota and Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming are available day trips from Sturgis. In fact, one of the traditions of the Sturgis Rally is the Wednesday ride to Hulett, Wyoming, the nearest town to the tower.
In addition to the major rallies listed there are hundreds in not thousands of shorter events held around the country. Through the season there are multiple events on most weekends. Some of the smaller events are closer to the roots of the old rallies. Big or small the rallies are all great parties. People gathered together to celebrate life and the ride.
The Motorcycle rallies offer a lot to see, both people and machines, and a lot of entertainment. I have often said that bikeweek is a time that you will hear live music played in places where there are not even places the rest of the year. You can have a lot of fun at a rally, so check out an event near you or plan a vacation to include one of the major rallies.
