Myrtle Beach cancels Bikefest and Spring Rally

[swn5363]

Wow! This is big news and I'm sure will disappoint many people....

Effective 2009, Myrtle Beach will no longer host motorcycle rallies.

Here is Mayor John Rhodes' message:

Dear Visitors,

Myrtle Beach is no longer the location for two long-running motorcycle events. After many years, our residents grew weary of three weeks of noise and traffic congestion each May, and they asked City Council to end the events. As a result, the Harley-Davidson Dealers Association Spring Rally and the Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bikefest will not be held in Myrtle Beach.

This was a difficult decision. Myrtle Beach welcomes visitors year-round, but the giant motorcycle rallies simply grew too large. Our staff, residents and businesses strained to keep up with these huge single-focus events. It may surprise you, but our economy is much healthier with a fully diversified visitor base, instead of a concentration on one or two extremely large events.

Please know that Myrtle Beach is not anti-biker or anti-motorcycle. We want folks to come on the vehicle of their choice and enjoy all of the things Myrtle Beach has to offer. We are ending the motorcycle-related rallies because they grew too big and lasted too long. The huge rallies even kept visitors away from Myrtle Beach, and that's not good.

For everyone's safety and welfare, City Council has added a few new rules and regulations. We believe these new laws will make Myrtle Beach a safer and more friendly destination. For example, with your safety in mind, we now require that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet and eye protection. We also have a 1:00 to 6:00 a.m. curfew for everyone under 18. These and other rule changes are explained on this web site.

Thank you for understanding. As you know, Myrtle Beach is a great place to visit, and we welcome you at any time. I look forward to your next visit and am confident that you will have a great time in Myrtle Beach!

Sincerely,
John Rhodes
Mayor


What do you guys think?
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More info:
Myrtle Beach Biker Info | Laws | Regulations

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[tpm11]

I live here - trust me - it's not canceled. The city of MB never sponsored it in the first place. This is just another lame attempt by the city to mislead folks. The rally is definitely going to happen - the only thing Horry County is debating right now is the "face" that the rally will have (vendors, outdoor activities, etc. - things like that)... Please don't buy into Rhodes' sick attempt to create a retirement community he can be proud of!