Annual Motorcycling Events

  

If you've read one of my earlier posts about motorcycling (http://www.womensoutdoorlife.com/2011/11/womans-guide-to-motorcycling.html), you've seen that it isn't as scary as one might think. It can actually be a lot of fun! If you're wondering where or when you'd use your newfound steel horse, there are plenty of events each year where bikers from all over get together to socialize, 'talk shop' and even raise money for charity.

Each year, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation holds its Ride For Kids in various parts of the country. Along with corporate sponsors such as Honda Riders' Club of America and GEICO Insurance, riders raise money toward research for a cause and cure for childhood brain tumors. The minimum donation to participate is $35, but there are all sorts of premium items (hats, t-shirts, helmets etc) for people who raise more money. Even if you don't want a hat or t-shirt, however, you can take home with you the fact that you've helped fund a cure for brain tumors in children. Since the events are held in areas ranging from south Florida to Los Angeles to Puget Sound, WA, it's easy to find an event near you. For more information, check out http://www.pbtfus.org/rideforkids/.

One annual event that I find particularly interesting is Myrtle Beach Bike Week. I like these events because the Myrtle Beach, SC area is a very nice place to take a vacation. While the name would imply that it only happens once a year at the same time every year, this isn't true. In order to avoid the madhouse that is Myrtle Beach in the summer, they alternate years between having it in the fall and in the spring. It also spans areas from Florence, SC to the NC/SC line, so there are plenty of places to stay outside of the city. There are live bands, specials on accommodations and restaurants, and even a Mothers' Day ride to honor the 'biker moms' in our lives! My father and uncle have ridden in this event a few times; I grew up about an hour away, so it's not much of a trek. Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area is home to some of the best restaurants and hotels you'll ever see, so it's definitely worth your while to visit! For more information, go to http://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com/.

If you've always wanted to see the whole country, there is the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Named after the battle cry of Sioux warrior Crazy Horse, this annual race takes participants through 48 states and some parts of Canada. For example, the 2012 route will go from Las Vegas, NV to New York City. The route is less than 6000 miles, but you can join at any stop if you don't want to go the whole way. There's one rule, though-no speeding! This is not for the faint of heart, but can be a very rewarding experience for those with a strong sense of adventure! For more information and to register participants, visit http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/index.html.

These are just a few of the many annual motorcycle events you can join if you want to get outside with your bike and see the country in the process. If you'd like to find out if there are any rallies or events near you, check out http://www.motorcyclelife.net/ and http://www.lightningcustoms.com/. If you are more interested in a charity ride, visit http://www.travelingbikers.com/charities.html for a list of events and receiving charities. If nothing else, it's a great way to meet people!