The State of Texas likes to do things on a large scale to match its might so it’s no wonder that Galveston is home to The Lone Star Rally – the largest motorcycle event in Texas and the second largest weekend motorcycle event in the country. “The event has become so rich and diverse with activity, manufacturers and vendors that you feel like you’re at a major bike week like Daytona or Sturgis,” said Melissa Penland of The Lone Star Rally.
From November 4th – 7th Galveston Island will roar with hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists riding The Strand and honoring the military with an appreciation themed event for 2010. The honorary Post 911 Foundation Follow the Flag Ride for Heroes gathers Friday at 4pm at The Spot, on the Seawall, and weaves its way down the Strand to Pier 21 where the Navy’s Full Steam Brass Band will serenade. All riders are invited to participate. On Saturday at 1pm the Coast Guard will do a search and rescue demonstration off Pier 21. Military displays from various branches will be on display throughout the weekend.
This year the Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show will make its debut Texas appearance. The Rat’s Hole Show is a 30 year tradition founded by Karl Smith, Sr., aka Big Daddy Rat. If you’ve got what it takes to win the Rat’s Hole Show, show up at the Pier on Saturday morning and flaunt your bike!
Radio personality Outlaw Dave will be broadcasting live from his World Headquarters at Eagle Cycles Saloon overlooking Saengerfest Park. The Outlaw Dave Ranch Ride to benefit the Stevens & Pruett Ranch departs Stubbs Harley-Davidson on Saturday morning at 11am, ending with a celebration along the Strand. A silent auction will follow.
Live concerts on three stages (Pier 21, Saengerfest Park and the Limpnickie Lot’s The Pit Bar on the Strand) will rock the rally with a variety of continuous music Thursday through Sunday. And the Baker Drive Train burn out ramp will be the place to show off your burn out skills in head-to-head competition. The Baker Drive Train crew will be on hand to judge the events and Jay Allen of the World’s Biggest Biker Bar, The Broken Spoke Saloon will emcee.
House of Blues will be jammin’ along the Strand featuring a satellite version of their hot house in Houston. Also on the Strand will be the Limpnickie Lot’s The Pit Bar, meet the next generation of cool, with host Chris Callen, co-founder of Limpnickie Lot and editor-in-chief of Cycle Source Magazine. The Limpnickie Lot is not only a force of thirty-five next generation bike builders and indie manufacturers it’s a movement featuring the most outrageous and innovative designs and unusual fabrication. Alternative Rock, Rockabilly, Punk and Power 80s music Thursday – Sunday. Jasmine Cain headlines Friday – Saturday at The Pit Bar, with Nick and the Octanes, The Ghost Storys, Melovine, Raging Apathy, Elysian, Ground Zero, Crank-Case and other top regional acts.
Other Lone Star Rally events include:
Meet and greet with television personalities and celebrity bike builders Paul Yaffe; Rick Fairless of Strokers Dallas and star of TruTVs’ Ma’s Road House; Michael Ballard of TruTV’s Full Throttle Saloon; Strip Club Choppers Johnny Lange and Jay Barbieri of Discovery HD’s Two Wheel Thunder; the Martin Bros. Bikes, Dave and Jody Perewitz, Limpnickie Lot, and more announcements to be made!
Visit super star tattoo artists at Tattoo Lounge at Harbor House Hotel near Pier 21 and The Traveling Tattoo Show on the Strand featuring international award winning, all-star tattoo artists from around the country. Contests and prizes daily.
“Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind” exhibit on The Strand features the photography of world famous motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter. Michael will also be photographing this year’s event for top motorcycle publications.
Comedian Carlos Mencia is Grand Marshall of the annual Biker’s Promenade, Saturday, 4pm. Winner of the best decorated riders and bike gets $500. Sign up is Thursday through Saturday at the Heaven’s Saints booth on 20th north.
The Island wide poker run registration is at the Soldiers for Jesus booth. This is a three-day poker run Thursday through Saturday. Prizes awarded.
The Lone Star Rally has been instrumental in bringing back the once vibrant island after Hurricane Ike rolled through causing massive damage. The Texas state motto is “friendship” and this friendly rally attracts motorcyclists far and wide who come to celebrate their passion for motorcycles and making rally memories on the Texas island. This year is the ninth annual event. Always free to the public.
“Sometimes the soul of a city really can make a rally and that rally can make all the difference to a small town’s revenue. The event is a hand in hand experience and the City of Galveston and its residents have been wonderful and so friendly to work with. We really enjoy having the Lone Star Rally on this beautiful island and look forward to a long relationship,” said Melissa Penland.
With a deep passion for the motorcycle culture, a desire to give back to a big hearted small town, and the goal to provide the best that the motorcycle industry has to offer to its loyal customers, The Lone Star Rally, with its new ownership, has all the ingredients for reigning success long into the future. More information is available at: www.lonestarrally.com. Images available upon request.
