Is Today's Motorcycle Owner Nothing More Than Biker Trash?

Since so many bikers visit this blog, here is the latest on the North Texas Rock Rally -- the offical press release is below.

I am in a unique position to actually know why the Rally has moved from McKinney (30 miles north of Dallas) to Alvarado (30 miles southwest of Dallas). Initially the Rally had found a nice location in McKinney and the Mayor, Chamber of Commerce, etc., were all enthusiastically supporting it.

Unfortunately, the Commissioners Court needed to authorize the issuance of the Mass Gathering Permit and opted to vote against it. I was at the meeting the Court held and I must say, in my personal opinion and NOT one that is in an official capacity, some of the people that stood before the Court to give their opinion on why the Rally should not be held in McKinney, made the event sound like it was going to be a repeat of the 1969 Rolling Stones' Altamont concert.

Out of the 9 reasons as stipulated by the State of Texas as to why a permit can be denied, the Rally had addressed all of them so there was NO reason to have denied the permit. I think it would fair to note that the Judge for the Court was up for relection 2 weeks later -- he subsequently lost the election. The Rally had the option of appealing the decision or moving to a different county. They moved.

So in a nutshell, this insanely high desired demographic group that so much of corporate America is trying to get a toe-hold into is deemed unworthy by Collin County Commissioners Court. As reporter Ed Housewright, opened his April 4th, Dallas Morning News article, "We don't want you."

I don't know what world some of these people are living in but let's think some things through --

• Texas is the 2nd largest motorcycle market in the US
• Dallas/Ft Worth is the 13th largest urban market in the US
• People who invest $25,000 plus into a HOBBY are usually TAX PAYING and VOTING members of society that more often than not are business owners, mid - high level management.
• They are home owners with 2 cars and many finanical investments.

Here is a quote from one of the persons that appeared before the Court: "We're worried about the traffic problems this is going to create, the noise complaints, DWIs, traffic violations, drug trafficking, weapons violations and increase in relative crime," Sheriff Box told commissioners."

Who, in God's name, does he think the majority of the motorcycle owners in north Texas are? He thinks they are druggies? Criminals? He thinks they are going to risk their careers and livliehoods to play hoodlums on 2 wheels for 1 - 3 days?

Anyway -- I think you get the idea of my sentiments over how myself and my fellow 2-wheeled enthusiasts have been portryed. So without further ado -- here's the press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

North Texas Rock Rally roars into Alvarado, Texas July 21 – 23, 2006

Dallas, 25 April 2006: The North Texas Rock Rally will be bigger and better than ever. The Rally will take place July 21 – 23, 2006 and has been welcomed with open arms by Johnson County and the surrounding communities.

The Rally will be held at the Diamond W Arena Complex in Alvarado, Texas. This state-of-the-art facility is located at 8901 E. Highway 67 (2 miles east of I-35W) and just 30 minutes south of Dallas/Ft. Worth. On 200 acres and with more than 200,000 square feet indoors to accommodate the main stage, VIP section and Coyote Ugly Saloon, this location provides an ideal setting for Rally attendees. Vendors will be located under cover in the adjacent expo area. Also available are extensive paved lots to accommodate motorcycles, full electricity and water hookups for RV campers and Wi-Fi capabilities.

Gary Littlefield of the North Texas Rock Rally, says, “We are very pleased with the move of NTRR to the new facility. Lisa McCool, owner of the arena, and her staff are very nice and compliable with the needs of the rally. We were nervous moving the rally to another location and especially a new county, but after meeting with Lisa and Johnson County officials, who have been unbelievably receptive, our fears quickly dissipated.”

About North Texas Rock Rally
The third annual North Texas Rock Rally, presented by Hooters, will be held July 21 – 23, 2006 at Diamond W Arena Complex in Alvarado Texas. Each year the Rally has grown and approximately 15,000 – 20,000 attendees are expected this year. This year’s event is presented by Hooters and features musical entertainment from The Outlaws during their 30th Anniversary Tour, Molly Hatchet, Skid Row, Stephen Pearcy (formerly of Ratt) Jimmie Van Zant, Blackberry Smoke, Maylee Thomas, and an all-day Sunday Texas Music Jam featuring homegrown Texas Music, plus 20 local and regional bands. Featured builders include NTRR Host and Master of Ceremonies Kaptain Robbie Knievel, Rick Fairless of Strokers Dallas, John Neger of Trik Daddy’s Custom Cycles, Trevelen Rabanal of Super Co Customs, Alan Lee of Gangsta Cycles and Texas Builders Row showcases Mike DuSold of DuSold DeSigns, Denny Garley of TC Custom Bikes, Jimmie Lee & John Coen of Three Two Choppers, Mario Cavazos of Killa Cycles, Danny Davidson of Williamson County Choppers and Scott Arndt of Scott’s Hardcore Kustoms. Activities include the Dallas Chop Shop Ride In Bike Show, Gasoline Alley Car Show, 3rd Annual Chili Rick’s Chili & BBQ Cook-Off, Texas Legends Tattoo Contest, Rock Rally Grand Prix with go kart races, Rock Rally Midway, Helicopter and Hot Air Balloon Rides. The Christian Motorcycle Association’s North Texas Chapter will be conducting the Sunday Morning Services and Blessing of the Bikes.

Tickets are available at all Texas Hooters locations and online at the NTRR site at www.ntrr.com.

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