17th annual Rocky Point Motorcycle Rally
Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, Nov. 9–12—Motorcycle enthusiasts took advantage of the beautiful warm, mid-80s weather as they headed South to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, for the 17th annual Rocky Point Motorcycle Rally. The rally began in 2001 and has brought in more than $150,000 to several charities. Proceeds are raised by registration fees, poker runs and bike shows.
Many elderly depend on Jose Davalos Valdivia Casa Hogar-Home for the Elderly. They provide vitamins, toiletries, food vouchers and clothing. Visitors and donations are welcome throughout the year.
The Mexican Red Cross-Puerto Peñasco Delegation doesn’t receive any government funding and is sustained through donations. It has 45 volunteer EMTs, six ambulances and one rescue vehicle. They help accident victims, provide urgent care services and ambulance services, and the principal fundamentals of International Red Cross. And the services are free!
Integral Family Development, founded in 1964, addresses, coordinates and plans for the needs within the community. One need that they are currently trying to establish is a hemodialysis unit in town so that people won’t have to travel out of town. They also run a children’s home, rehabilitation therapy unit, and projects that assist with school meals, senior services, community development, and educational training.
The Puerto Peñasco Fire Department was founded in 1974 and has 30 professional staff members, six paramedics and a fire department corps of 25 volunteers. They provide support services in combating fires, pre-hospital medical attention, and search and rescue. They also provide drill simulations at schools and businesses.
Rally registration began on Thursday, as many riders rode in from the Arizona border. There was live music and vendors at the registration point. The registration fee includes an official wristband, free boarding on the pirate boat, official rally pin, patch, official items from sponsors, a calendar and a map. The coolest item was the passport which contains all of the sponsors.
There were so many options for things to do, such as Matt Farris performing concerts at the Playa Bonita Resort all weekend. Playa Bonita held the annual beach fiesta on Friday and that is when the poker run winners were announced. The spots for the run were the Sonoran Sun, Banditos, Colin’s Cantina, Islas del Mar, and La Cantina. There were three different winners all from different locations, Alaska, La Luz and Arizona.
Saturday seemed to be the busiest day, commencing with the locals filling in the streets to view the annual parade. There was a bike show, bike wash, fiesta and concerts at various locations. There were many beautiful bikes and a variety of makes and models but the loud pipes from the Harley-Davidsons seemed to outnumber the others.
During the daytime, most bikers chose to relax at the Malecón, where most of the action took place. Many riders viewed the action from the top story buildings along the streets. The air was filled with the scent of burning rubber as some riders competed in burnouts. Other riders chose to shop at the lower-level merchants.
The night life had several options as well. Most riders enjoyed hanging out on Calle 13, where there was also live music and delicious food to keep you going throughout the weekend.
For the ones preferring a quiet atmosphere there was also lots to do. The options included a quiet walk along the beach, horseback riding, watching the sunset, fishing or just a siesta.
If you were in the more daring category there was also parasailing or taking a ride in a banana boat. If that still left you with energy then you could have climbed aboard the sunset cruise which included a live band, food and beverages.
Sunday morning there was a bike blessing, last breakfast and a biker farewell.
Four days was definitely not enough time to see and do it all. This is a rally that everyone should experience at least once. I know many are leery about crossing into Mexico but the locals are so welcoming and love the tourists.
Book your accommodations early due to scarce availability and price increase as the event approaches. Next year’s dates are scheduled for November 8–11. I hope to see you there.
