Bikes, Beer & Bikinis: Summer 2018 Motorcycle Events
Plan a trip to these not-to-be-missed events featuring cool rides, rockin’ concerts, and enough bikini contests to make summer really sizzle.
Spring has sprung, and motorcycle season is finally here. It is time to hop on the Harley and take in some of the best motorcycle events of the season. We’ve put together a calendar of the best events that offer something for every Harley fan. We gathered an array of good times, from wild parties to chilling on a scenic ride; cruising for a great cause, to some seriously good head-bangin’ live music. And of course, there are lots of amazing and badass bikes to see and to show off. There’s something to inspire everyone to get out and get on their hog.
Laughlin River Run: 36th Annual Motorcycle Rally (April 25-28)
The annual Laughlin River Run and motorcycle rally in Laughlin, Nevada, has a lot to offer in a very fun location at the Riverside Resort & Casino and surrounding areas, which are nestled right in the thick of many casinos.
Harley-Davidson dealer Dale Marschke launched the Laughlin River Run in 1983, when it drew a crowd of about 500 motorcyclists and enthusiasts. It has since grown to become one of the biggest motorcycle events in the state. The event’s name reflects the key focus of the laughlin River Run: a motorcycle ride out to the Colorado River.
The April 25-28 event marks the 36th year for the popular event, and on the schedule is a huge custom bike show, plenty of live music, an Early Bird Poker Run, and the American Heroes Charity Poker Run on April 26, which supports American military veterans services and programs.
Plus, there will be an opportunity to win a 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob and catch some great live heavy metal music from tribute bands like L.A.’s Hollywood Roses covering classic Guns N’ Roses and Whitesnaked cranking out timeless hits from, of course, Whitesnake. And you;re not gonna wanna miss the famous Ms Laughlin River Run contest, which is guaranteed to get your motor runnin’. So, stop by, ride the run, rock out, and roll them bones.
Thunder Beach Spring Rally (May 2-6)
The Thunder Beach Spring Rally in Panama City, Florida packs in a ton of fun in four days. As always, you can expect big crowds on the 20th anniversary of this annual rally. It’s a great event in you are in need of some sun, fun, and very cool motorcycles. The event features the Harley-Davidson Beach shack with lots of Harley bikes and gear as well as demonstrations and H-D related activities. Thunder Beach has plenty of bike runs, bike shows, charity runs, Miss Thunder Beach contest, vendors, and more. And don’t miss rock legend Lita Ford performing live on May 5.
Ride For Ronnie (May 6)
The 4th Annual Ride For Ronnie Motorcycle Ride and Concert in Glendale, California, benefits the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
The charity is in honor of the late, great rock God Ronnie James Dio, and the ride starts at Harley-Davidson of Glendale and heads to Encino. The afternoon concert in the park will feature live music from various artists, including Guns N’ Roses’ original drummer Steven Adler’s all-star band and Dio Disciples, which is comprised of musicians who have recorded with Dio.
The Ride for Ronnie Motorcycle Ride and Concert begins with participants meeting for a continental breakfast at Harley-Davidson of Glendale, with kickstands up at 11 a.m. The ride will travel through the streets of Los Angeles County to Encino’s Los Encinos Park, where riders will be treated to an afternoon of live music, raffles, live auction, food trucks, and much more. Last year’s Ride for Ronnie Motorcycle Ride and Concert event reportedly raised over $50,000 for the cancer charity. Now, that’s something we give a two-handed devil’s horns salute to. Get more details on the Ride for Ronnie event here.
