Article & Photos By Missi Shoemaker
Published March 2020 Issue
The Third Annual Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival and BC Moto Invitational started off with several early birds arriving on Wednesday, including me, the staff, many of the builders, and several attendees, who were all ready to get a head start on the weekend. The BC Moto Invitational is a big part of the weekend; several builders were on hand with their custom motorcycles on display.
I set up camp next to the quaint little creek that runs through the campground of the beautiful 3500-acre property that is Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. I unloaded my bike, yes I had it in the trailer, but in my defense, this event was the first stop in my month and half long journey that eventually will lead me across the country, and I needed to haul a lot of gear with me. The campgrounds are set up for all types of camping… there are full hook-ups for those with RVs; there is even room for those big ole’ diesel pushers! There are places for tent camping, with and without electric, there are cabins available to rent and there is even GLAMPING. that’s right, you can rent a big tent, and just ride your bike into the rally carrying nothing but your clothes for the weekend and have everything right there set up for you, ready to go!
Wednesday night, we were pretty much on our own for entertainment, several campfires could be seen around the property, and everyone was socializing and catching up. Thursday brought the official start of the event and the campground started to fill up and the remainder of the BC Moto Invitational builders showed up and put their bikes to bed in the barn. Vendors opened, the Food Trucks were serving, and the bartenders were hard at work slinging drinks and the sound of music filled the air.
THE MUSIC! Music is in the title for a reason. The property is owned and operated by the legendary country music artist Loretta Lynn and her family. It is only natural that music is a huge part of this event. There are three separate stages, featuring 25 different bands performing throughout the weekend. The main stage is located in the 10,000 square foot pavilion, in the area known as Loretta’s Roadhouse. Thursday night kicked off with the Chopper Jam, hosted by Donnie Reis, and it was as cool as it sounds. Several artists performed together in an old-fashioned jam session, including Loretta’s Granddaughter, Tayla Lynn. This year’s main stage hosted several notable acts, including The Cadillac Three, Tim Montana, Stone Senate, BattleMe, Sweet Tea Trio, and more. After the party settled down in the pavilion each night, it moved over to the Waterin’ Hole, a quaint bar set up creekside where the Barnyard Stompers performed bluegrass music while everyone gathered around the large bonfire. The Speed Shack was another bar set up near the dirt flat track and hosted several artists throughout the day.
Hillbilly Hooligan Racing was, as always, a big hit with everyone! Loretta Lynn’s Ranch is most famous for hosting the AMA Championship races, and it just wouldn’t be an event at the ranch if there wasn’t some type of racing involved. The dirt flat track was the perfect spot for everyone to test their racing skills on minibikes, choppers, street bikes, and dirt bikes. The track was open daily, and you could ride your own bike or borrow a minibike provided by Hawk Brothers Cycles. The entire event is family-friendly, and the kids especially enjoyed riding minibikes on the track. Danger Dan’s youngest son was spotted doing tricks on his dirt bike, riding side-saddle and standing on the pegs as he went around the track. Apparently, the little guy was inspired after watching Rhett Rotten perform his Wall of Death Show. I personally can’t wait to see what tricks Danger Jr is doing next year!! Speaking of Rhett Rhotten, his Wall of Death Show happened several times a day throughout the weekend, if you have never seen a Wall of Death Show, you need to! Rhett is one of about 5 that are still traveling the United States.
Each year Sunday is known as Military Tribute Sunday and is dedicated to those who have served or are currently serving in our Nation’s Military. Again this year, Appleton Harley-Davidson presented a disabled veteran with a motorcycle they customized to fit that veteran’s needs. Riders ride in from several locations and were treated to lunch, and Navy Seal Veteran Pete Scobell performed with his band. The Lynn Family closed out the day on the stage with a wonderful performance as well.
Of course, I can’t forget the riding! The area around the ranch is beautiful and makes for great day trips to neighboring towns for lunch, or if you want to take the time, it’s only an hour to Nashville!
Be sure to follow The Tennessee Motorcycle and Music Revival, and Tayla Lynn Finger for updates on the 2020 Event and they are always throwing special pricing out there!
