Last May, the crew from Corbin’s Ride On had the opportunity to travel to Gator Country in Southwest Louisiana for the 2nd Annual Blazin’ Bikes Motorcycle Rally.  Held in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and in conjunction with Contraband Days (the second largest festival in the state), this event has just about anything that anyone could want.  After we arrived, we spoke with Patricia Philmon, Co-Director of the festival who told us that the show was a non-profit event benefiting the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club, the Southwest Louisiana Autism Chapter, and the Women’s Shelter.  Megan Monsour, Media Manager for the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau, said that holding the rally in conjunction with Contraband Days was a great combination.  She went on to tell us a bit about Contraband Days saying that 2005 marked the 48th year for the event and it is the celebration of the legend that pirate Jean Lafitte buried his treasure somewhere in the Lake Charles area!

Concerning the riding that was available, Megan told us that there were two feature rides for Blazin’ Bikes.  The first was on the Creole Nature Trail on the All-American Road where some rallyists had to give some alligators the right-of-way, and the second was a ride through the North Piney Woods where enthusiasts could stop and visit a railroad museum.  Megan also added that there were a number of other activities to experience such as air boat rides, a ride on the Cameron Ferry, and indoor flat-track races—on concrete!  She noted that there was something here for everyone as Contraband Days is truly a family-oriented festival!

Another attraction to the show was legendary Houston bike builder, “Wild Bill,” who was on hand to show some of his latest creations such as “Insomnia,” a 2001 Harley-Davidson FXST that by his own description had been “cut, stretched, raked and slammed.”  He also had a great time signing autographs for the fans and seeing some old friends, because Lake Charles is Wild Bill’s hometown.  He told us that he envisions this festival as becoming one of the top bike destinations in the country.  “The area has casinos, water, and good food.  I like it—it’s good people.”  Billy Doherty, Rally Co-Coordinator, seconded that sentiment by adding, “This is Louisiana at its finest: fantastic food, an outstanding atmosphere, and great hospitality.”

The Blazin’ Bikes Rally at Lake Charles, Louisiana was certainly a grand experience!  Who knows?  Next year, if you attend you may be able to find Jean Lafitte’s hidden treasure, but you better watch out for those gators on the road, or you might wind up like Captain Hook!  This year’s rally and festival are set for May 12th and 13th and if you would like more information just give them a visit on the web at www.blazinbikesinlakecharles.com.  That’s it from Southwest Louisiana, so until our next ride, “keep the shiny side up and Ride On!”

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