Many of us here instate have decided it's not worth going even for a day trip. This is a helmet optional State and for one municipality to pass a law contradicting State law sends a loud message that we are not welcome. There are much better places to ride in this state.Amen!
When is the Outer Banks Bike Rally? I'd definitely go to that!
Flyndyna
When is the Outer Banks Bike Rally? I'd definitely go to that!
Flyndyna
I am sooo there!!! Made it from Manassas, Va. to the Outer Banks once in 3 hours 18 minutes. Was driving my 1982 Dodge B150 with 318" & 4 speed floor shifter...kept baiting the young guys with the hot rod Honda CRX's and the like to pass me so's they could be my "shield"...ahhhh, the irresponsible days of old...
Has anyone you know been to this rally? I may want to go there in 09. THE MUFFMANMuffman,
Is it a "go" for anyone else this year? Should we post in the events thread? I figure I can at least go for two to three days, maybe longer...been awhile since I've had any Weeping Radish beer...mmmmmm :drink:Jamey and I like that Weeping Radish beer too. mmmmmm :drink:
Jamey and I like that Weeping Radish beer too. mmmmmm :drink:
When we first got back to the North American continent... some fifteen years ago or so, we had heard so much about it, this was one of first out of town trips from Fort Monroe. In retrospect, I'm not as sure the beer was so great, or if it is one of those, if you've had a couple...
So, you'd most likely be coming down through Michigan and picking up 64 East...is that correct? I would be heading 95 South to 64 East. Unless I decided to take 17 South...I've done that before. Longer ride...but I wouldn't have to deal with that 95 madness...
We'll have to keep this thread active when it gets closer to April & make some plans to get together...
Crossing over the Canadian border at the Peace Bridge(New York) I would probably take US 219 to Altoona then cut across to US -30 East & go from there. Have to see which way the GPS wants to take me. THE MUFFMAN
If the leaders of the community do not want you there then there you have it...too bad for the businesses that do...
:(
Too bad the original artical link you posted is no longer available.
Would like to have read it.
Sorry about that. Here's just one of many links to the crap that's going on down there. If I can find a good summary of what was passed I'll post the link here.
No link !!
I disagree on a bunch of that. WE includes all riders. WE have stupid riders across the board that brings on this chit. WE were young once and did some stupid things but WE either paid the price or got away w/ it. WE, at least me, doesn't want to have to worry about putting on a lid whenever WE or me goes through some town which has asserted a higher right than the State. WE may be "the man" so WE should know that existing laws work, just enforce them equally. I mean really, WTF does a citywide helmet law have to do w/ BBB? WE have limited resources so I will now spend them elsewhere. If WE read the discourses that led to these laws there was condemnation of motorcyclists by all members of the city government. They all purported to represent their constituency.Well said. :bigok: We all are going to pay for the stupidity of a few even the residents of MB will pay when their taxes rise, and they have to support services that bikers have been paying for when spending there $$$ at MB.
One of the greater lessons learned through school and life was that it's just easier to punish the "class" than to single out the troublemakers and deal w/ them. WE are the class and WE have been punished. I really hate being a good boy and getting punished for someone else. Pure and simple, I won't stand for it on my dime.
Anyway, the general tone of the new ordinances AND the huge increase in vendor permits and restrictions make it pretty clear to me that M. B. wants golfers and putt putters and not motorcyclists. Wish granted. Enjoy yourself, hope folks show up and have a good time. I'm choosing Eureka instead this year.
...
2008-77 Amend existing Noise law found in Chapter 14, Article X, Sections 14-240. No loud mufflers; EPA labeling required, or maximum 89 decibels allowed at idle measurement. (effective immediately)
..
Excuse my ignorance but what does BBB stand for? :confused5:
I disagree on a bunch of that. WE includes all riders. WE have stupid riders across the board that brings on this chit. WE were young once and did some stupid things but WE either paid the price or got away w/ it. WE, at least me, doesn't want to have to worry about putting on a lid whenever WE or me goes through some town which has asserted a higher right than the State. WE may be "the man" so WE should know that existing laws work, just enforce them equally. I mean really, WTF does a citywide helmet law have to do w/ BBB? WE have limited resources so I will now spend them elsewhere. If WE read the discourses that led to these laws there was condemnation of motorcyclists by all members of the city government. They all purported to represent their constituency.
One of the greater lessons learned through school and life was that it's just easier to punish the "class" than to single out the troublemakers and deal w/ them. WE are the class and WE have been punished. I really hate being a good boy and getting punished for someone else. Pure and simple, I won't stand for it on my dime.
Anyway, the general tone of the new ordinances AND the huge increase in vendor permits and restrictions make it pretty clear to me that M. B. wants golfers and putt putters and not motorcyclists. Wish granted. Enjoy yourself, hope folks show up and have a good time. I'm choosing Eureka instead this year.
A big part of the problem is the city has changing from a wide open party town to a laid back retiree's resort area. The hotels are changing over to time share and being replaced with condos. The retired people are the ones complaining about the traffic and noise not the business owners. The problem is they will never be happy, because the place never is without traffic in the summer. They need to move to Hilton Head and give us back the party beach town.
Mike
:drink:
If everyone continued to attend Harley Bike Week but boycotted the City of Myrtle Beach (CoMB) in every conceivable manner, they (CoMB) would have to rethink their position. No motels, food, t-shirts or gas. This means no city or accommodations taxes for CoMB. Don't patronize the businesses outside of CoMB that operate business inside of CoMB. Remind attendees who are in CoMB that they shouldn't spend a penny in the CoMB. I couldn't find a "screw" icon so....SCREW CoMB!
Well said Jack ! The places AROUND want our business and are making plans next spring to make sure we don't go back to MB. The other places like LR, CG, NMB, etc are recruiting us. I'll go around MB if I have to. Hwy 31 is the Ch##.
With the advent of these new laws, "the Northerners" have infiltrated into political arena and are changing the way of life that was once South Carolina.
As a native southerner, now a resident of Florida I find this interesting...
I'm not trying to re-start the Civil War, but...
But back to the Myrtle Beach situation, if the town is truly gaining northeastern retirees, prepare for very rigid rules that they will refer to as "bringing civilization and culture to the uneducated".
I could tell a lot of stories. And the rules and ordinances aren't even family friendly (children), much less condusive to somewhat noisy recreation by adults. They like things picture perfect and perfectly silent. And everyone will be expected to think that's a good idea. Having lived through some of their objections to (IMO) the slightest issue, like a toy left outside overnight, a weed in the yard. Can't park a pickup truck in the driveway. I've even fielded complaints about kids shooting baskets in their own driveway--too noisy, they say. They tried to ban basketball goals from the neighborhood as a result. I can easily imagine how they would react to a lot of motorcyles at one time.
If everyone continued to attend Harley Bike Week but boycotted the City of Myrtle Beach (CoMB) in every conceivable manner, they (CoMB) would have to rethink their position. No motels, food, t-shirts or gas. This means no city or accommodations taxes for CoMB. Don't patronize the businesses outside of CoMB that operate business inside of CoMB. Remind attendees who are in CoMB that they shouldn't spend a penny in the CoMB. I couldn't find a "screw" icon so....SCREW CoMB!Will this do?
@#$% MB. Was there in 07. Cops hassled everybody. North Ocean Blvd was closed. They forced all traffic onto Bus. 17. What a nightmare, constant traffic jams.
I spoke to several employees of local businesses. Seems most of the t-shirt, food, and trinket stores are owned by foreigners anyway. I was told most of the local young people are leaving because the new owners supply thier own labor. Well thats another subject.
New Hope, PA pulled the same stunt several years ago. It was not an event ride, but more of an all summer biker hangout. Most of the business catered to our crowd and we spent a fortune. Well the city fathers (in thier great wisdom) they wanted a more posh and swanky town and forced the bikers out. The traffic moves so slow the cops actually ride bicycles and carry decible meters. You actually get pulled over by a bicycle! Me and the misses stopped going there completely on a bike or in a cage. They can kiss my @#$.
There are many places that want my green and my scooter don't care where I ride, only that I do. So ride on my brothers. The compass has four directions. Visit them all. hdhog1
Anyhow spend your time elsewhere, stay 2 weeks in Sturgis. Now there is a place worth riding.
The new catch phrase for Myrtle Beach is "Not a Dime in '09"
What's the latest, AJ? Is the 'recession' going to change their little minds at all? Like you say: Change is inevidable....Daytona and MB have been ebbing and flowing on how they treat bikers since the inception of the rallies and I just bet it will continue. This year prolly won't be 'hit'. :-[ har! :drink: spyder
On the other hand, Daytona is rethinking it's stance. They have just announced that they want to try and bring the biker crowd back to Beach St. I guess that loosing all of that tax revenue to Ormond Beach is taking it's toll.
LOL (where is the middle finger smiley? ;))
Thank you for the link. I'd like to know a little more about this. I'm curious if it is Rossmeyer, the City or someone behind the scenes.
From Jamin Leather
@#$% MB. Was there in 07. Cops hassled everybody. North Ocean Blvd was closed. They forced all traffic onto Bus. 17. What a nightmare, constant traffic jams.
I spoke to several employees of local businesses. Seems most of the t-shirt, food, and trinket stores are owned by foreigners anyway. I was told most of the local young people are leaving because the new owners supply thier own labor. Well thats another subject.
New Hope, PA pulled the same stunt several years ago. It was not an event ride, but more of an all summer biker hangout. Most of the business catered to our crowd and we spent a fortune. Well the city fathers (in thier great wisdom) they wanted a more posh and swanky town and forced the bikers out. The traffic moves so slow the cops actually ride bicycles and carry decible meters. You actually get pulled over by a bicycle! Me and the misses stopped going there completely on a bike or in a cage. They can kiss my @#$.
There are many places that want my green and my scooter don't care where I ride, only that I do. So ride on my brothers. The compass has four directions. Visit them all. hdhog1
Anyhow spend your time elsewhere, stay 2 weeks in Sturgis. Now there is a place worth riding.
at one time the naacp had a boycott of south carolina.
a fact.
TN
not sure of the moral but it's there.
They still do. They are still boycotting the State based on the Confederate flag issue. The State has since moved it from atop of the capitol building where no one could see it to the front lawn where everyone that drives by can see it. Not one of the finest moments in State history.
I sometimes wonder when I see the Flag of The Confederacy if those who display it do so because of a sense of having lost something that they never really knew. I have friends who would sooner eat worms than utter a racial epithet, but they fly that old flag not because they are bigots, but because they have heard anti-bellum stories their entire lives and they yearn for those days when Dixie was a special place full of charm and grace and quiet dignity. Only for a few Many feel that the south was ransacked unjustly by northern carpetbaggers after the war and families who never embraced slavery were stripped of their homes and their land simply because of where they lived. I truly do not see bigotry in every person who flies that flag, but I fully understand how the flag affects people who's ancestors were dragged here in chains to spend their entire lives at hard labor lucky to have clothes on their back, clean water to drink and meager food to eat. I would have a hard time looking up at that flag flying over the capital of my state were I the great grandson of a slave. There's good and bad in everything. This is just one more example of that.
B B
Thanks for the link TN.
Effff em.
Never liked the place, now I HATE it, and that Mayor can keep his snooty town all to himself! 1 MBBW was too much for me! Now I know why, with mentalities like that!!! SMB!!! ;)
Hoist! 8)
One potentially positive byproduct of this for us. If John Golden decides not to screw with MB this year we might get to have our dyno day during the Eureka Springs event after all.
A lot of wisdom there, BB.
Never mind my education but I have some credentials in history. Books have been written on why the Civil War happened, not about the battles themselves. I believe you are right when you ponder how many folks flying the Confederate flag today have any idea of history or probably they're assigning their own significance and meaning to that piece of cloth. Extreme case in point is the KKK. It's humorous to me to see so many of my fellow native southerners identifying with it as though they would (surely) have been one of the relatively few extremely wealthy planters who had a tremendous economic stake in slavery. The chances are far greater that their ancestors were dirt poor sharecroppers themselves. Never invited to sip mint julep on the porch of the ante bellum home.
By the numbers for most people of the south at the time of the Civil War, there wasn't much grace or dignity. Far more dirt poor white sharecroppers than rich "Gone with the Wind" types. The promise of one day owning land themselves earned from working the plantations, an empty hope in their native England, Scotland and Ireland, kept them in the Confederate military after Jefferson Davis bowed to political pressure from the wealthy few early on (early 1862, I think) and removed any obligation for military service from slaveowners or the families (sons) of slaveowners. None of the sharecropper Confederate soldiers marched off to death, disease and destruction to keep slaves in chains for moral purposes--they did it for the hope of one day owning their own farms. They needed the system to continue for them to do that. In retrospect, there really isn't much difference since slavery was a fundamental component of the southern agricultural economy. And yes, after the war, the South was decimated economically and many opportunistic northerners, (crooks) took advantage of martial law and desperation to further rape the citizenry, former slaveholder or not. Evidence of that resentment is slowly melting away, but it's still evident.
Slavery was a a horrible evil institution that had to end, but like most other national conflicts, it was more about money than morals--to those people at that time. Essential to remember that last part. Also important to remember that the Southern economy provided the money to run the still young (less than 100 years) US of A. It never works when one faction provides the money for another, more controlling faction who then gets to spend it as they alone wish.
And important to remember that in any conflict, history is written by the winners. You have to more serious research to get the rest of the story.
It's also important to remember in understanding the Southern psyche, that the Southern states are the only part of the nation that's ever lost a war, ever been invaded by an enemy military that did outrageous things to civilians, and ever been subjected to a victorious occupation army when the war was over, continuing to do outrageous things to civilians.
But back to the flag. Just inland from the beaches and condos is the South Florida few ever see. Vast horse and cattle farms. Vegetable and citrus groves. Agriculture is still huge. A lot of those folks (young guys in particular) fly the Confederate flag on their pickup trucks and they're not promoting slavery. They have a false memory of southern history and an invented regional pride that they have attached to the flag. Pretty harmless, really, except to the transplanted northeasterners who instantly figure that those guys are violent racists burning crosses every weekend. Another ridiculous stereotype.
Lots of stereotypes to keep fighting the Civil War.
So true, so true. But didn't you just break down and cry when Elvis sang that medley of Dixie and Glory Hallelujah ?
B B
"American Triology"...When the symphony does the instrumental part right at the end of the song...Gives me goose bumps and leaves me mesmerised everytime
"American Triology"...When the symphony does the instrumental part right at the end of the song...Gives me goose bumps and leaves me mesmerised everytime
AJ, have you seen where anyone has challenged the city of Myrtle Beach "law" in court?
Someone on one of the local blogs made a good point about the new helmet law. The City of Newberry tried to circumvent state law and allow video poker, even though the state outlawed it. There is no difference between that and the City of MB trying to circumvent state law by requiring helmet usage.
Beats griping about Myrtle Beach any day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moUifEmOcbU
Thanks elvislee, I didn't know it was listed with a title. At any rate, I think that "song" captures what a lot of folks from the south feel when they see the Confederate flag. I know it used to make me wish I was born and raised in Dixie whenever I heard it even though Maine is in my blood forever.
B B
Your welcome B B...My two grandson's and I listen to it eveynight in the car when I take them to Karate; It's almost become a ritual with us. Both my grandson's (12 & 6) think Elvis is the coolest :2vrolijk_21:well........duh! :duhk: :2vrolijk_09:har! spyder
Beats griping about Myrtle Beach any day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moUifEmOcbU
Myrtle Beach is dead to me, never going back for anything.
:alcohol: http://www.myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com/message.html Good by good old days !
Frank, look into this and check the facts. Horry county is on board with what the city of MB wants. The county rules will apply all the way up to the North Carolina State Line. The cities (North Myrtle Beach, etc.) may want our business, but the county does not.
This is just my opinion mind you and others may disagree as they see fit, but with the minor exception of seeing some too young for me to even be thinking about it T&A, I've had 110% more fun at the CVOHarley gatherings I've attended than the last few times I've been in Daytona. Since I've never been to Myrtle Beach, I'm assuming it's more on par with Daytona than it is Sturgis or Laconia. In any event, for those of us lucky enough to be a part of this CVOHarley.com, shutting down MB isn't exactly the end of the world now is it ?
:worthless: B
Pete...
Thanks for writing. I'm going to take the last question first, since it's the easiest. South Carolina state law says that motorcycle operators and riders under 21 must wear helmets, but it does not say that those over 21 do not have to wear helmets. The city can implement a regulation requiring motorcyclists 21 and older to wear approved safety helmets. We've been sued, so the courts will have the final say, but opinions so far are in our favor, especially since a violation will be an administrative infraction, not a misdemeanor. Beginning in March, not wearing a helmet in the City of Myrtle Beach will earn you a fine, but no risk of jail time. However, ignoring an administrative infraction citation will be a misdemeanor.
Now, to answer the rest of your questions. Our residents are overwhelmed by both motorcycle events. You may not be aware, but these events last for nearly 20 straight days and literally take over the month of May. The residents and many of the businesses have had their fill of the noise, the dangerous driving, the wrecks and the rest of what goes along with back-to-back motorcycle events. That we have gotten to this point should surprise no one. The promoters and many of the attendees have known for years that these events overwhelm us, but they have been unwilling or unable to do anything.
The city and the chamber tried to work with the promoters to keep the rallies (actually two Harley Rallies in one) smaller in size and shorter in duration, but we received no cooperation. The Carolina Harley Dealers sponsor a spring rally, and for nearly 60 years, it was three days long and drew 45,000 to 50,000 bikers. Some folks grew tried of the crowd and began to come early. The local Harley dealer, having broken away from the Association and seeing an opportunity to increase his business, started advertising a second rally on top of the first, with a longer time period. We told him at the time that it was a mistake and would cause a community backlash. He was not deterred. The rallies began to grow, and now we have 250,000 bikers over a 12 to 14 day period. On top of that, we have a third rally in the week leading up to Memorial Day, which has grown as well.
A couple of years ago, Chamber officials met with leaders of both spring Harley rallies. They warned them that ill will was brewing and asked them to take steps to calm things down. Corporate Harley-Davidson was present, too, and acknowledged that noise was their number one complaint, nationwide. The Chamber also was concerned because it appeared that the rallies were actually hurting tourism for the month of May. Many people do not come to Myrtle Beach in May because they don't want to be caught up in all the motorcycles. Unfortunately, nothing was done, other than spreading out the vendors, which just seemed to make the rallies grow larger. This year, our residents finally said, "Enough is enough." We've had a shooting at the Memorial Day Rally the past two years, and that helped galvanize residents and government leaders to take action.
Myrtle Beach is not anti-biker or anti-motorcycle. We want folks to come on the vehicle of their choice and enjoy all of the things Myrtle Beach has to offer, as long as they do so lawfully. As for the rallies, we are ending them because they have all grown too large and last too long. We have received a few hundred e-mails from folks saying they normally come to the rally and come back to visit during the year, spending thousands of dollars. They say that if they can't come to the rally, then they will never come back and neither will their friends. They further say that it's the "other guys" who are the problem, so don't pick on us. However, visitors to the rallies come and go and apparently are unwilling to admit that they, too, are part of the problem. Visitors to these events have not had to endure three weeks worth of motorcycles, as our residents have.
We typically have as many, if not more, traffic fatalities during three weeks of motorcycle events than we have during the other 49 weeks of the year. That's not good, and it's only one of the things that aren't good about the rallies. Would your hometown of Madison welcome back-to-back motorcycle rallies with hundreds of thousands of bikes and people? How would Madison handle it if the population increased 10-fold for three straight weeks? How would Madison's police and EMS staff cope with the increased wrecks, injuries and deaths? What would you do when your neighbors' kids can't sleep at night because of all the noise? What would the businesses that don't cater to a biker audience do?
We are taking steps to provide relief for our residents and businesses. You are welcome to come visit on your motorcycle at any time, but the rallies are ending.
Thanks,
Mark Kruea
Public Information Officer
City of Myrtle Beach