Motorcycling isn’t only about braving the open road — it’s also about camaraderie. And what better way to immerse yourself in the motorcycle community spirit than going to a rally?
The thing is, beginner riders can find motorcycle track days and rallies a tad unnerving. And no wonder: The huge crowds and the noise of hundreds of rumbling engines can be intimidating if you’re not used to the experience.
The good news is you have nothing to worry about if you follow a few rules of thumb. Check out these field-tested tips on attending motorcycle rallies if you’re a newbie motorcycle rider.
Prepare for Crowds and Noise
Popular motorcycle rallies draw in droves of riders, spectators, and vendors. Keep that in mind and consider whether you’d be better off going to a smaller event if you have crowd anxiety or just don’t enjoy riding shoulder-to-shoulder.
Smaller rallies are also a good idea for families with youngsters. To protect your children’s ears — or your own, if you’re sensitive to loud noise — invest in high-quality sound-blocking earmuffs. In a pinch you can easily pick up over-the-counter earplugs, as well.
Stock Up on Sunscreen and Water
Motorcycle rallies take place out in the open. Sure, you may have booked a hotel room for the night, but the majority of the daytime events will be outdoors. With rallies lasting anywhere between a few days to a couple of days, that makes for a lot of sun time.
To protect yourself from sunburn and dehydration, bring enough sunscreen and bottled water to last you for the duration of the rally. While vendors will be selling both sunblock and water at the event, the prices will be steep.
Remember to also reapply your sunscreen throughout the day and always carry water in your backpack or saddlebags — it’s of no use if it stays in your tent or hotel room.
Book Lodging Well in Advance
Old-timers who have been attending motorcycle rallies for years know that finding a hotel room in the weeks and days leading up to a rally can be a mission impossible, especially in smaller towns.
Even smaller rallies attract bikers not just from out of town but from out of state. Nearby hotels are often fully booked weeks and even months in advance. So, if you’re planning to attend a couple of rallies by the end of the year, book your lodging now.
Keep in mind that even if there are rooms available closer to the rally, hotels will likely drive up the prices a fair bit. To keep your motorcycle adventures budget friendly, book as early as possible.
Bring Cash
Rallies can be a great way to stock up on merch and gear from your favorite motorcycle dealership, but not all vendors take credit or debit cards. Some places will have an ATM or bank nearby, but others won’t — or if they do, they might charge exorbitant withdrawal fees.
With this in mind, ensure you have enough cash on you coming in.
Vendors Will Lower Prices Toward the End
Ideally, vendors want to sell everything they bring. That’s why many will start lowering their prices toward the end of the event. If you wait, you can snatch some fantastic deals. But if you really want something, it’s better to buy it early in case it sells out.
Trouble on the Road? Call Law Tigers
Attending motorcycle rallies is a lot of fun, but accidents can still happen. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, call Law Tigers at +1 (888) 863-7216. We’ll connect you to a motorcycle accident lawyer in your area.
