Vegas, Thunder Beach and Lake Of The Ozarks cap off 2019, and make us hungry for 2020!
By Staff
Photos courtesy of Lake of the Ozarks BikeFest, Vegas BikeFest and Elegant Angels Photography
Thousands upon thousands of bikers cruised into a handful of quality, end-of-season events during September and October, tattooing a big, nasty exclamation point on 2019 and setting the stage for a renewed two-wheeled party in 2020 that’ll kick off during Daytona Bike Week in March.
It all started with the 13th annual Lake of the Ozarks BikeFest on September 11-15, which melded breathtaking motorcycle rides, plenty of great food and beverages, a vendor village, lots of music and a whole lotta cool two-wheelers into five days of fun. The 2020 BikeFest happens September 16-20, 2020, and if you’re in that part of the country next fall (or you’re just looking for a cool event), best check this one out at lakebikefest.com.
Next came the 19th annual Vegas BikeFest on October 3-6, which treated many thousands of biker brethren to a very special Sin City spectacle at the Las Vegas Events Center. Attractions included plenty of live music (Moonshine Bandits, Steel Panther, and more), Hooligan dirt track racing, a handful of cool bike shows (including an all-female-owned show), vendors galore, cash and motorcycle giveaways, tattoo contests, the always-popular Miss Vegas contest and a whole lot more.
“This year’s rally was all about bringing more experiences to attendees,” said Event Manager Mindi Cherry. “With Hooligan flat track racing, the Bell Brawl at Red Rock Harley-Davidson and the return of the Artistry In Iron custom bike show, a new type of energy was felt.” Indeed. Be sure to catch next year’s Vegas BikeFest October 1-4, 2020 and for updates at lasvegasbikefest.com.
Late October brought the Autumn version of the annual Thunder Beach Rally, and despite Ma Nature’s best tropical-storm intentions, a great time was had by all who attended.
“The Buck Wild Band put on their always-enjoyable performance,” said Elegant Angels photographer Bill Tomerlin, “and the first round of Miss Thunder Beach Fall 2019 started off the festivities. With the first round over and the parties just getting started, we were off on a rollercoaster of fun!” Over the next few days, bikers got to experience amazing performances by the likes of Jasmine Cain, White Tie Rock Ensemble and, of course, John Michael Montgomery. There were bike shows, bikini bike washes, sound-off competitions, a tattoo contest and the Miss Thunder Beach preliminaries … not to mention plenty of food and drinks.
“One of the reasons I love this event is the life-long friendships it generates,” says Tomerlin. “People from totally different backgrounds, financial status, bike preferences and social status get together with a common bond for the open road with a mutual respect for one another, and no judgment.” Thunder Beach rallies happen again next year April 29-May 3 (Spring) and October 21-25 (Fall), so get on board sooner rather than later at Thunderbeachproductions.com.
