Myrtle Beach officials have passed ordinances to restrict both the spring and fall events.  See their official website at www.myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com/ordinances.html. ; The city acted after a Coastal Carolina University student was shot and killed last year during one of the rallies in a dispute over a parking space.

Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson sent out a press release a few days later informing rally goers that although bikers were not welcome in the city limits of Myrtle Beach they were still welcome outside the city limits.

“Many tourists wrongly believe that Myrtle Beach is synonymous with the 60-mile-long ‘Grand Strip’ that is visited by more than 14 million tourists annually,”  Mike Shank, marketing director for Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson said.  “In reality, the city of Myrtle Beach is just a small town inside Horry County.  It only has 25,000 residents.  To the north, and south and west of Myrtle Beach is the much-longer Grand Strand community where there are many restaurants, bars, recreational falities and accommodations.  Horry County has more than 250,000 residents and they are preparing their business to welcome bikers.”

Now that Myrtle Beach Bike Week has been disbanded the die hards have named the new event “Cruisin’ The Coast,” and will take place May 8-17, all along the Grand Strand, except for the Myrtle Beach part of course.  For more information on this reformed event please visit their official website at www.mbbikeweek.com.

We asked long time attendies Ghost Riders Leather of Johnson City, Tn. if they were going to return to this years event.  The question drew a quick response from owner James Moody.  “No way. Ii has been obvious to us for years that the city of Myrtle Beach no longer wants bikers or vendors.  We quit doing a sales display when the city raised the sales permits to the outrageous fee of $800.  Unfortunately the only way the citizens of Myrtle Beach can shop with us now is through our website at www.GhostRidersLeather.com.“

The city of Hollister tried to kill the Hollister Motorcycle Rally a few years ago.  The bikers showed up anyway.  They just avoided the city limits.  Let’s see if the “Cruisin’ The Coast will do the same?

Hacienda Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, Arizona will open up the festivities with a Kickstart Party beginning at 3PM and running until midnight.  There will be vendors displaying various wares and goods, lots of food, a beer garden and live bands.

Another first weekend kick off party is Chester’s All American Rally and the event occurs March 27-29, 2009.  Located at Chester’s Harley-Davidson, 922 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa, Az. you can see live music entertainment from local band Mogollon and headliner Charlie Daniels.  There is a burn out pit, antique bike show and Miss Arizona Bike Week pagent.  For more information on this event call 1-800-831-0404 or visit their website at www.chestershd.com.

The opening kick off party for WestWorld is Pre-Rally Day Parties And Rides which runs March 27-31, 2009.  Visit WestWorld at 16601 N. Pima Road for more exciting parties and rides.  You can get more information at www.azbikeweek.com

The big celebration begins April 1-5, 2009 and is called Cyclefest At WestWorld.  Admission  for a five day pass is $38 or a daily pass is available at $18 per day.  Located at 16601 N. Pima Road there will be all kinds of attractions like demo rides from most major motorcycle manufacturers, manufacturer displays, custom builders, a bike show, bike games, auction, vendors and concerts.  Concerts are April 2 - Blackfoot,  April 3 - Eddie Money,  April 4 - Cheap Trick.

While visiting Arizona Bike Week take a day to just get away from the hustle and bustle and visit some of the nearby local attractions.  The historic town of Tombstone is three hours southeast.  While there enjoy recreations of historic gunfights and authentic saloons.  Or ride out to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park which is approximately four hours to the north.  Also, don’t forget about the all year round cool found in Kartchner Caverns State Park, two and a half hours southeast.

All the folks at www.GhostRidersLeather.com would like to remind you to drink and ride responsibly.  It’s all fun until someone gets hurt.  If your not from Arizona here are some of their standered motorcycle laws to pay attention to…

1. Helmet Usage – Required for ages under 18.
2. Eye Protection – Required by law unless equipped with windscreen.
3. Daylight Headlights – Modulating headlight permitted.
4. Passanger Seat – Required if carrying a passenger.
5. Passenger Footrests – Required if carrying a passenger.
6. Mirrors – Required.
7. Turn Signals – Not required.
8. Mufflers – Muffler required; no cutout, bypass or similar device.
9. Max Noise Level – Yes
10. Handlebar Height – Maximum of 15″ above seat.
11. Riding Two Abreast – Yes.