Myrtle Beach Bike Week - Written by Keith Fudge

Last May, Brian Jackson and the crew from Corbin’s Ride On enjoyed the privilege of attending one of the oldest motorcycle rallies in the country: The 63rd Annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This rally offered just about everything riders could ever want—especially if Harley-Davidson motorcycles were tops on their lists! The event was held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, and after he arrived, Brian spoke with Event Coordinator, Randy Burke who told him some history about the event. Randy said that 63 years ago, the Harley-Davidson dealers of North and South Carolina created the event to show appreciation for their customers. Well, the party has certainly has taken off since that time as there were more than 135,000 in attendance for this year’s rally!

As previously stated, there was something for everyone at Myrtle Beach Bike Week and Randy told Brian about some of the happenings for this year’s event. He stated that there was a Harley-Davidson factory representative offering demo rides on all the 2003 Harley-Davidson 100th anniversary motorcycles, and there was also a Harley-Davidson factory sale where rallyists could purchase Harley-Davidson clothing for 50% off the retail price! Entertainment was available in all sorts of sights and sounds as there live music, indoor motorcycle jumps and stunts, a host of vendors, and even a strongman competition. There were also guided motorcycle tours and poker runs as well that were enjoyed by several riders. By the way, the food was also fantastic and there was plenty of it! In addition, Myrtle Beach is also a renowned resort area known for its outstanding golf courses so many rallyists often hit the links after a day of riding to the beach, or touring the countryside.

Even though there was so much to see and do, the focus of the event was naturally all about bikes and there were some serious examples of some stunning and sweet rides! Brian talked to several of the riders about their bikes and their experiences in Myrtle Beach. In fact, Brian ran onto some folks that love their bikes so much that they even named them! First, Brian found Jim and Janis Baker and their 1997 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic. Named the “Geezer Glide” Jim told us that he had once heard dressers referred to as “geezer glides,” and he decided that since he was a geezer himself, what better name for his bike! It was obvious that Jim and Janis were enjoying themselves as they sported smiles that matched the gleam on their machine! Next, Brian found Louise and her sweet 2000 H-D Road King. Louise told Brian that she named her bike “Swinella” because it was truly a “Lady Hog.” Louise’s bike sported custom paint and is numbered 99/100 of a limited edition run. That’s one great bike—thanks Louise!

Partying was also one of the primary activities of the rally and many riders had a great time riding from one hot spot to the next to enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow riders. One such spot was The Rat Hole that featured a bike rodeo! The party atmosphere was contagious and it was great to see everyone having a good time at one place or another!

Brian and the crew had a great time in Myrtle Beach, and we’re sure that the 64th Annual Myrtle Beach Bike Rally will be even better next year. If you would like more information on this year’s event, or if you would like to see what’s on tap for next year, give them a visit on the web at www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com. So, until our next ride remember, “Keep the shiny side up and Ride On!”

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