SC Motorcycle Rallies Turnout Hard to Predict
May 8, 2009 by Uzi Rider
Filed under Rally News
69th Annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week, Days Away
In the world of motorcycle rallies, the million-dollar question continues to be, "Will they come?" And no one seems to have the crystal ball on this one. Economic woes already were expected to negatively impact turnout to many of this year's scheduled motorcycle rallies, including Myrtle Beach's Bike Week; but with the Horry County council's newly-enacted legislation targeting bikers, while the 69th Myrtle Beach Bike Week event will happen, it's definitely going to be a wait-see as to what the attendance numbers will be. And that goes for other rallies to be held in the Myrtle Beach area throughout the month of May.
Vendors and Businesses Prepare for Motorcycle Rally Crowds
Still several days away from the start of the Myrtle Beach Bike Week, it is reported that there are already far fewer bikers arriving than in previous years. Vendors and business that cater to and thrive on the business that bikers bring to these May rallies, while making some cut-backs on supply orders, are expecting bikers to make their annual pilgrimage and are readying their businesses to welcome those that do show.
Barefoot Landing on the north end and Suck Bang Blow, a biker bar on the south end are already having their vendors set up. Mike Shank, a spokesman for Harley-Davidson, regarding this year's Bike Week stated, "The feel of it's a little different, but people are excited about being at Barefoot in North Myrtle Beach, because they feel welcome up there and we feel like that people will come north and go south so it will be a good location." Todd Price of Suck Bang Blow decided to move most of his vendors indoors, even though it will take up more space. Price has said that many bikers will avoid the city because of the new laws, but hopes more people will be inside and outside. Businesses like Suck Bang Blow and Barefoot Landing rely on the spring and fall motorcycle rallies to sustain them financially year-round and are hoping for a good turnout.
