Eureka Springs Rally Ruined by Bikers

[TheSearcher]

This was our fourth consecutive trip to the 4 day Corvette rally in Eureka Springs where a couple of thousand Corvette enthusiasts meet every year.

Unfortunately, the second largest city in Arkansas, Fayetteville (home of Wal-Mart) was having a Bikes/Beer/Blues event for bikers and several thousand more than they could handle showed up. Guess where those thousands decided to go instead, yep, right on top of us.

Now I have owned and ridden motorcycles all of my life and currently own a 2003 Triumph Bonneville T100, so I am not prejudiced against bikes or bikers, but these people behaved like pure scum.

These are not true motorcycle enthusiasts but fantasy posers who never rode a motorcycle before they bought the one they now have. Its always a Harley or a jap clone of a Harley, preferably black, preferably in full dress and it MUST HAVE no mufflers, just straight pipes. They can only wear denim, black leather and a doo-rag on their head and they must travel in packs ranging in size from 4 or 5 to hundreds. They get tattoos and on weekends pretend that they are Hells Angel type bad to the bone bikers. Mostly normal people who just behave badly when in costume.

The main problems are that 1) it seems that 90% of them have virtually no riding skills, many have been riding for less than 40 hours in their life time, 2) they frequently hit other bikes at stops and on turns (we saw 3 wrecks as they happened), 3) they ride 24 hours a day and feel compelled to drink 24 hours a day, 4) they ride as if their group is a single large vehicle (like at a 4 way stop they all go after the lead bike stops) and 5) most are so insecure in their riding ability they rarely exceed 45 mph on the highways.

We arrived at Noon on Thursday and found that at the motel where the 30 or so Corvettes from our club concentrates there were dozens of bikes in parking spaces normally filled only with Corvettes. That first night we listened to open pipes on motorcycles coming and going for miles all night long. We abandoned the Corvette rally and went to Branson, Missouri on Friday to escape the bikers only to find upon returning to our motel that evening that their numbers had doubled.

Saturday, we tried to ignore the bikers and did some shopping and had lunch at one of the local restaurants (going early to miss as many of the hungover bikers as possible). The town merchants were all complaining that bikers only bought beer and burgers and ran everyone else out. By Noon on Staurday we had had enough and left for home a day early, forfeiting our Saturday night premium room charges.

This situation is getting worse every trip we take. Is it the same in other areas?

[yellow_2002_germany]

When I took my cross country drive earlier this year I arrived in South Dakota at the start of Sturgis Bike Week. There were no hotels to be had for a 100 mile radius. Luckily I had a tent and was able to camp at Ellsworth AFB.

The roads were packed driving in the Badlands and in the Black Hills. Mt Rushmore was also packed with bikers. I did see the pack mentality thing at stop signs.

I have never had an experience like you described but for the most part they seemed well behaved during the day. At night I was on base sleeping and did not have any problems with noise except the B-1s taking off on training missions. A B-1 bomber in full AB is one of the loudest things you will ever hear.

[ROCKETBLOCK]

Originally Posted by yellow_2002_germany

When I took my cross country drive earlier this year I arrived in South Dakota at the start of Sturgis Bike Week. There were no hotels to be had for a 100 mile radius. Luckily I had a tent and was able to camp at Ellsworth AFB.

The roads were packed driving in the Badlands and in the Black Hills. Mt Rushmore was also packed with bikers. I did see the pack mentality thing at stop signs.

I have never had an experience like you described but for the most part they seemed well behaved during the day. At night I was on base sleeping and did not have any problems with noise except the B-1s taking off on training missions. A B-1 bomber in full AB is one of the loudest things you will ever hear.

Not hijacking the thread... but, a C5 Galaxy is another one of THE loudest things.

Now, back to our regular progammimg.

[Pro Street]

Originally Posted by TheSearcher

This was our fourth consecutive trip to the 4 day Corvette rally in Eureka Springs where a couple of thousand Corvette enthusiasts meet every year.

Unfortunately, the second largest city in Arkansas, Fayetteville (home of Wal-Mart) was having a Bikes/Beer/Blues event for bikers and several thousand more than they could handle showed up. Guess where those thousands decided to go instead, yep, right on top of us.

Now I have owned and ridden motorcycles all of my life and currently own a 2003 Triumph Bonneville T100, so I am not prejudiced against bikes or bikers, but these people behaved like pure scum.

These are not true motorcycle enthusiasts but fantasy posers who never rode a motorcycle before they bought the one they now have. Its always a Harley or a jap clone of a Harley, preferably black, preferably in full dress and it MUST HAVE no mufflers, just straight pipes. They can only wear denim, black leather and a doo-rag on their head and they must travel in packs ranging in size from 4 or 5 to hundreds. They get tattoos and on weekends pretend that they are Hells Angel type bad to the bone bikers. Mostly normal people who just behave badly when in costume.

The main problems are that 1) it seems that 90% of them have virtually no riding skills, many have been riding for less than 40 hours in their life time, 2) they frequently hit other bikes at stops and on turns (we saw 3 wrecks as they happened), 3) they ride 24 hours a day and feel compelled to drink 24 hours a day, 4) they ride as if their group is a single large vehicle (like at a 4 way stop they all go after the lead bike stops) and 5) most are so insecure in their riding ability they rarely exceed 45 mph on the highways.

We arrived at Noon on Thursday and found that at the motel where the 30 or so Corvettes from our club concentrates there were dozens of bikes in parking spaces normally filled only with Corvettes. That first night we listened to open pipes on motorcycles coming and going for miles all night long. We abandoned the Corvette rally and went to Branson, Missouri on Friday to escape the bikers only to find upon returning to our motel that evening that their numbers had doubled.

Saturday, we tried to ignore the bikers and did some shopping and had lunch at one of the local restaurants (going early to miss as many of the hungover bikers as possible). The town merchants were all complaining that bikers only bought beer and burgers and ran everyone else out. By Noon on Staurday we had had enough and left for home a day early, forfeiting our Saturday night premium room charges.

This situation is getting worse every trip we take. Is it the same in other areas?

Yes it was bad last year! But the bike event has been moved this year so should not be a problem. SeeYa there!
http://www.bikesbluesandbbq.org/

[Yoda]

VJ,

Is this the Corvette Event at Eureka Springs you are thinking about going too??

I'll have to run this one by ma and see what she thinks.
(Any Casino's withing walking distance of the Show)

Bud

[Pro Street]

Originally Posted by Yoda

VJ,

Is this the Corvette Event at Eureka Springs you are thinking about going too??

I'll have to run this one by ma and see what she thinks.
(Any Casino's withing walking distance of the Show)

Bud

Hi Bud!
Yes this is the Corvette Weekend at Eureka Springs. This will be our 4th year to go. Last year there was 800 vettes in the Car Show and I think about 1000 vettes showed up that weekend.Vettes everywhere!
VJ

[Baldie88]

I'm all set to go. We have about 25 cars in our club going again. I made my motel reservations for this year when I was there last year. It was kind of neat to see all the bikers but definitely was too much traffic.

I got to meet CAC's own Tuna at the car show last year. Found out he knows some of the folks in the club.

See you there!

Ron
"Baldie88"

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by TheSearcher

The main problems are that 1) it seems that 90% of them have virtually no riding skills, many have been riding for less than 40 hours in their life time, 2) they frequently hit other bikes at stops and on turns (we saw 3 wrecks as they happened), 3) they ride 24 hours a day and feel compelled to drink 24 hours a day, 4) they ride as if their group is a single large vehicle (like at a 4 way stop they all go after the lead bike stops) and 5) most are so insecure in their riding ability they rarely exceed 45 mph on the highways.

I'm continually astonished by the number of people who get a bike for the image value owning a motorcycle gives you, and yet have never had a basic motorcycle riding safety course. Seriously, I've met several people who've claimed that they were taught how to ride "safely" by a family member, neighbor or co-worker.


Yeah, they're usually two and half day courses, and they cost upwards of $100. But considering the amount of money people sink into aftermarket accessories for a bike, riding leathers and clothes, spending a c-note to train yourself to be a better rider (and usually get an insurance break in the bargain) seems like a no-brainer to me. But then I think wearing a helmet when you're on a bike is a no-brainer, too, so what do I know?

-Patrick

[Pro Street]

Originally Posted by Baldie88

I'm all set to go. We have about 25 cars in our club going again. I made my motel reservations for this year when I was there last year. It was kind of neat to see all the bikers but definitely was too much traffic.

I got to meet CAC's own Tuna at the car show last year. Found out he knows some of the folks in the club.

See you there!

Ron
"Baldie88"

What motel are you staying at?
I need one sensor to come in that I have on order and my car is ready. Just need to pack and go!

[Baldie88]

Pro Street, most of the club is staying at the Best Western Eureka Inn. Couldn't get in there last year so some of us stayed at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks. The only reason we got in there is one couple was mistakenly registered for 2 rooms instead of 1. We're staying there again this year. Our hotel is where the registration was last year. Don't have the schedule handy to see where it is this year.

You could try seeing if anything opened up yet but typically there are no hotels available for this weekend that aren't already reserved a year in advance. You might also try some of the bed and breakfast places near by. Some are staying there also.

Good luck!

Ron
"Baldie88"

[Baldie88]

Just looked at some other forums and ran across this. Might give them a try. This place was being renovated last year. Corvette Event!!! Eureka Springs,AR.

Ron
"Baldie88"

[Pro Street]

[quote=Baldie88;919511]Pro Street, most of the club is staying at the Best Western Eureka Inn. Couldn't get in there last year so some of us stayed at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks. The only reason we got in there is one couple was mistakenly registered for 2 rooms instead of 1. We're staying there again this year. Our hotel is where the registration was last year. Don't have the schedule handy to see where it is this year.

You could try seeing if anything opened up yet but typically there are no hotels available for this weekend that aren't already reserved a year in advance. You might also try some of the bed and breakfast places near by. Some are staying there also.

Good luck!

Ron

I have a room at the 1876 Inn. We have had our room for 6 months but I am sure someone else will need rooms!
SeeYa There!

[Tom73]

Originally Posted by TheSearcher

....Unfortunately, the second largest city in Arkansas, Fayetteville (home of Wal-Mart) was having a Bikes/Beer/Blues event for bikers and several thousand more than they could handle showed up....

Just a small thing but the home of Wal-Mart is Bentonville, not Fayetteville.

tom...

[NORTY]

Originally Posted by TheSearcher

The main problems are that 1) it seems that 90% of them have virtually no riding skills,

I think you're being kind here.

many have been riding for less than 40 hours in their life time,

Probably true.

2) they frequently hit other bikes at stops and on turns (we saw 3 wrecks as they happened),

See "inexperienced."

3) they ride 24 hours a day and feel compelled to drink 24 hours a day,

Yes, they are foolish.

4) they ride as if their group is a single large vehicle (like at a 4 way stop they all go after the lead bike stops)

Yes, group mentality gives an emotional feeling "of belonging."

and 5) most are so insecure in their riding ability they rarely exceed 45 mph on the highways.

True, and they still crash!

This situation is getting worse every trip we take. Is it the same in other areas?

It is exactly how you described, exactly.

I have a Corvette and a Harley (and a NINJA), and I'm ashamed at the "prowess" of fellow riders that feel compelled to ride in large groups when they have no business on the road...