The annual Hot Springs Motorcycle Rally held each year in September in the Spa City of Hot Springs, Arkansas will take place this weekend. With a theme "Let's Ride Together", that's just what many Shreveport area motorcycle enthusiasts, including myself, are planning. Just about three hours ride or 187 miles from the Shreveport area, and drawing almost 20,000 riders, it is a prime event for many locals. This event is in full swing, and will continue through Saturday night, with most riders departing for home early Sunday morning. Full access weekend passes cost $50 for those who choose to register for the planned events, and includes entry into the concerts, vendor mall and bike show. For those not interested in the concerts, a $35 weekend pass can be purchased. Day passes are available for Friday or Saturday and include the concerts and vendor hall entry; they are $25 for Friday and $35 for Saturday. New this year, rally goers can purchase a vendor area day pass for just $5. Kids under the age of 16 are free with a paid adult admission.
The rally will feature a parade on Friday at 6 pm which will stage at Oaklawn and travel down Central Avenue through downtown and along Gulpha Gorge Rd to Hwy 70 and to Convention Street, ending at the Convention center. Expect thousands of bikes to participate and just as many on lookers. In Mardi Gras fashion, riders often throw beads and trinkets to the crowd.
On Friday, September 9, Mustang Sally will entertain rally goers. "When you attend a Mustang Sally show, you are transported away from everyday life and into the world that Mustang Sally inhabits: a world where dancing on the bar is encouraged, and spontaneity is king", reads the official Hot Springs Motorcycle Rally Webmaster. On Saturday night, September 10, Foreigner, one of the most popular rock and roll headline acts in the world will perform.
Tips for rally goers, especially those experiencing the rally for the first time:
The place to party in the evenings is the Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa. Even if you're not a guest there, you're welcome to hang out in the lounge and sit on the wrap around porch. They will have live music and for your convenience, they open up portable bars outside. The action on the Main Street (Central Avenue) is in full view when hanging out at the Arlington. If you've made reservations there, even better, but if you haven't, it's probably too late. The hotel fills up early each year for the rally.
In my opinion, the best biker bar in town is Terry Martin Lounge. They also have live music and plenty of vendors. It's a short distance to Terry Martins, but will take some time to get there from the Arlington or the rally site as there are a lot of stop lights and plenty of motorcycles traveling up and down the main thoroughfare. Amy Irene White, author and good friend of mine, will be at Terry Martins most of the day Saturday starting at noon. Stop by and meet this real biker and listen to her stories. Two other fun biker bars are Tequilla Willies and Pop-A-Top Tavern.
If you're there for the rides, you won't be disappointed. "With its sweeping vistas, natural wonders and local color, National Scenic 7 Byway awaits you, to uprise and delight at every turn. Widely know as one of the 10 most beautiful drives in the U.S., Scenic 7 is recognized nationally for its charm and natural splendor. Extending from Camden, through Arkadelphia, historic Hot Springs, and Russellville, Scenic 7 winds gracefully through the beautiful Ouachita and Ozark Mountains to Harrison, joining Highway 62 to Eureka Springs and Highway 65 to Branson, MO", the Arkansas tourism bureau touts. If time permits, a ride to Petit Jean Mountain is worth the trip. It's about 95 miles on Arkansas 7 North. Or, you might enjoy a longer ride, 214 miles, to the quaint town of Eureka Springs.
Take the twisty road with challenging switchbacks to the top of Hot Springs mountain where the view is exhilarating and photo opportunities await you. You'll find yourself 1,256 feet above sea level and overlooking 140 miles of beautiful Arkansas countryside. Be sure to visit the gift shop for souvenirs.
The fourth Annual Antique Motorcycles In the Park presented by Antique Motorcycle Club of America is a must see event. Located adjacent to the Arlington Hotel and Spa, the club has plenty of antique bikes on display, and it is free.
For breakfast try the Pancake Shop where the locals hang out; it's on Central Avenue in the historic district near the Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa. For lunch or dinner, one of my favorites is the Fisherman's Wharf located on Lake Hamilton. "The essential to budget travel is to plan onward. When it happens to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved holidays and/or going to see new destinations we have never been before, the truth of expense and budgeting is often in the back of our mind. Planning and expending our travel budget carefully is a consideration for most families. Curbing spending and fees, while still delighting your vacation to its fullest, is the key to confirmed achievement and fiscal liability. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking regarding economizing money while vacationing is simple: Even if your personal funds is extremely small, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also keeping in mind that while traveling, whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a big vacation or travel bill!..". With everything from fried catfish to Alaskan Snow Crab, and a delicious chicken salad croissant, I promise you won't be disappointed.
Landers Harley-Davidson - Hang out at the dealership for LIVE MUSIC and a great party atmosphere with food and activities for everyone. All bikes welcome!
If you're not interested in the concerts or other "paid" events, save some money, and don't register. As you can see, there's plenty to do in the town of Hot Springs, and the townspeople are biker friendly! There will be plenty of vendors all over town, too. Whatever choice you make, enjoy yourself, and ride safe!
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Visit Pinky's Motorcycle Passion for more information and rides in the Shreveport area
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