Celebrate the Independence Day with Your Harley-Davidson
Looking for something fun to do with your bike to celebrate America's birthday? Or something on July 1st, or 2nd? Here's a list of ten events happening in various places all over the country.
1. Hollister Independence Rally - Hollister, CA - June, 30th-July 2nd
You have seen the Wild One, with Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin right? Well, the events that the film is based on took place in Hollister at the first ever Independence Rally in 1947. These days it is still the family friendly bike rally it was always meant to be, and the town has made peace with the bikers that descend onto it yearly.
2. ABATE Iowa Freedom Rally - Algona, IA - June 29th-July 1st
Are you looking for an old school biker rally, where chicks on the back of bikes ride by in a thong, or maybe less, and the beer flows like water, and the water is mostly just for wet T-shirt contests? Then you want to head for the Iowa Freedom Rally for three days of camping, live music, and just general misbehavior. ABATE is a motorcyclist right organization, with chapters in pretty much every state, but the one in Iowa seems to be the most fun.
3. Newport Motorcycle Rally - Newport, KY - July 1st-4th
If you live near Newport, KY, which is right across the river from Cincinnati, OH, you should check out this fun, family friendly, and free event. The Newport Motorcycle Rally runs all weekend and culminates with fireworks over the river on the 4th of July.
4. Gold Star Ride - Stillwater, MN - July 3rd
The Gold Star Ride goes around the entire country collecting money and bringing joy to the families of wounded and fallen service members. July 3rd they will be in Sweetwater, MN, and you can join them to show support, ride with them, or donate money.
5. Red, White, and Bang - Myrtle Beach, SC - July 1st
For a decidedly not kid friendly good time, head over to the Suck Squeeze Bang bar in Myrtle Beach, SC for the annual Red, White, and Bang party. There you will find lots of drinks, great food, live music, a pinup contest, hot rods, bike show, and everything else that makes America great.
6. July 4th Bikes 4 Stripes Motorcycle Parade and Rally - Mountain Top, PA
If you are in North Eastern Pennsylvania, in the vicinity of Mountaintop, PA and are looking for something to do on the 4th, the Wyoming Valley MC has you covered. Meet up at the 1st Keystone Bank on Rt. 309 for free coffee, donuts and flag pins at 8:30 am. Head out at 9:45, after having your bike blessed, and parade up the road to the Wright Township Municipal Building. There it's time for a Biker Get Together, with hot dogs, soft drinks, and prizes. Get all the info here.
7. Adventure Church Bike Blessing, Ride, and Cookout - Bradley, IL
I'm not one for going to church often, but if you want to bless my bike, say a few words for our fallen friends, lead a ride and host a free BBQ, then I have no problem sitting through a sermon. Sunday, after the second service (which starts at 10:30) you can stop by for a bike blessing at noon, then head out on a ride. The end of the ride is the beginning, and the church is cooking up a mess of food. All of the info is on their Facebook page.
8. Alligator Alley Pancake Breakfast and Ride - Sunrise, FL
From 8 am till 10 am at Alligator Alley Harley-Davidson you can eat your fill of free pancakes and all the trimmings. Then at 10 am it is kickstands up and heading out to Captain Hiram's in Sebastian for drinks and afternoon relaxation.
9. Ride for Independence - Maryville, TN - July 1st
If you live near the Smoky Mountains, head out on the Ride for Independence with the Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson's Dragon Chapter Road Captains for a charity ride to benefit seniors. The ride leaves promptly at 10 am from the dealer, and rolls out to The Shed for live music, food and drinks. Goody bag to all participants and most of the $20 entry goes to charity.
10. AMCA Grand National Meet - Rhinebeck, NY - June 30th-July1st
This show is perhaps the most prestigious of them all if you are into the really old stuff. The Antique Motorcycle Club of America put this on every year, at the beautiful Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY, not far from the Hudson River. It is a great ride there from Manhattan, Connecticut, or even New Jersey, and you will see bikes that you didn't even know existed, and many of them will be seen riding around the fairgrounds.
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