3 minute read
FROM THE TEAM
Here we are in the midst of Summer and there are hundreds of rides, rallies, bike nights, and other motorcycle events for us to attend – almost every week. In addition, there are hundreds of just cool ride stops that are worth making the trip to – regardless of any special occasion or event that might be happening. They are just cool places to visit and experience. So how do you decide what events to support or stops to hit?
We also like to support the grass roots organizations as much as we can – both as a business and as riders. Every week there are charitable rides and other events organized and hosted by groups of volunteers. Even some of the largest events of the year are hosted by folks that are simply working to support a cause they believe in. Veterans organizations, Eagles, Moose Riders, and of course ABATE host countless events that they don’t personally benefit from – other than a fun time and feeling of gratification earned from serving and supporting others. We greatly appreciate those efforts and believe that’s what makes the riding community what it is. Then there are the rallies and big events – many of which are certainly hosted by “for-profit” organizations, but are still worth supporting if they are done right. For instance, Ohio Bike Week (OhioBikeWeek.com) – the largest motorcycle event in the Midwest – just had a record breaking year… it was an amazing party, if you weren’t there. This entire rally is hosted by great folks that throw a giant party every year, and there’s always so many places to go and things to do – without spending a dime, if you don’t want to. The major concerts are always free to attend and there’s no cover charge to walk / ride the streets and experience the rally. Of course, the hope is that you’re going to spend money with the vendors or possibly support the rally by purchasing a t-shirt or possibly VIP Badges. It’s a cool business model, that if well done, delivers a great experience for riders. And in our humble opinion, nobody does it better than Ohio Bike Week on such a scale.
There are also the weekend party rallies – some of which are hosted by iconic businesses such as Easyriders (easyridersevents.com) or local promoters such as this month’s Steel Saddles Rally in Fostoria, Michigan (steelsaddlestr.com). These rallies are fun parties and a chance to escape the routine while hanging with brothers and sisters of the open road. There’s a cover charge, but in most cases the wristband also includes camping privileges and plenty of entertainment.
If you’ve never been to such a rally or it’s been years since – we’d encourage you to get out and take part, while you still can. The legendary EASYRIDER RODEOS, Boogie in Indiana, HAZEN in PA, and countless other weekend parties are life changing experiences for many – and not due to craziness or over the top shinanigans everyone talks about for years afterwards. It’s the underlying theme of brotherhood that allows that stuff to happen. And if you just want to focus on the riding – and not into the “partying” – there are rallies for that as well, such as the FlyBy Rally (FlyByWeek.com) held in Southern Ohio every year.
It’s what draws us all to ride together in support of total strangers or a cause that we believe in. It’s what draws us together to bike nights and rallies – and yes, some are even “sleep-overs”.
So – pick the rides and events that you want to support or attend. Let loose and attend a party or two – just be safe (pack the sleeping bag if that’s allowed).
But most importantly, GET OUT AND RIDE. Don’t let the summer and another riding season pass you by without getting out and riding with some total strangers that are destined to become brothers and sisters. RIDE WORTHY!
The RTR Crew
For more information on Reasons To Ride – or how you can join the network, email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com
The iconic Easyriders Rodeo’s return to Fowlerville, MI and Bloomville, OH for old school biker craziness and good times! Don’t miss out on these legendary events!
Kayla, RtR Iron Angels, poses on Jeff Kurtz’s award winning HarleyDavidson Road King. Bike built by Crazy Boar Cycles (CrazyBoars.com) in Ravenna Ohio.