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 Myrtle
Beach Bike Week 2003: Fun and Sun... Finally |
by Bob
DelPriore
Associate Editor
Beginner Bikes Magazine
After
eight days of rain at Daytona's bike week my brother Jim and I were
in need of a good dose of sunshine. Luckily, the great state of
South Carolina did not let us down. We arrived around noon on Thursday,
May 8th for our 3 night stay. There weren't as many bikes present
as I am use to seeing just before a major rally. However, I'm not
complaining. If you've ever had to fight traffic at a major rally
you'll understand this was a good thing.
The first order of business was unloading the bikes and storing
the trailer. The staff of the Monterey Bay Suite Hotel was terrific.
They provided us with useful information and took good care of our
trailer. Their parking lot was almost as much fun as the local backroads.
There was a steep ramp that was reminiscent of an Evel Knievel jump
ramp.
We discovered a major difference between Daytona and Myrtle beach,
besides the sunshine. Hotel prices seemed much more reasonable.
Our suite at the Monterey Bay costs approximately $80.00 a night.
In addition, there was no minimum stay requirement. The room had
a full kitchen and living room with a murphy bed. Also, the ocean
front balcony with a view of the pool was a real treat. Try getting
a deal like that in Daytona Beach or the surrounding areas during
bike week.
Jim and I couldn't resist the temptation to ride right away. Having
not seen temperatures in the 80s for over eight months we didn't
want to waste a minute. The people that we met were extremely
helpful and informative. They told us about hot spots such as
Suck Bang Blow, The Iron Gate, and Hogs Wild.
Our first stop was The
Iron Gate. The owners here really know how to
throw a party. They hire young ladies from AC Models to serve drinks
and entertain the patrons. There was a challenge to ride the Crazy
Bike. For $5.00 you got the opportunity to make a fool out of yourself.
The goal is to win $50.00 all you had to do was pedal this bike
six feet. I witnessed twenty failed attempts. There were several
futile attempts to get Jim on the bike. Apparently he didn't want
pictures of him laying face down gracing this article.
 While
at the Iron Gate we ran across a friend from Daytona's Bike Week.
Henry Gerson, Jr. Henry has been doing custom painting since 1965
and is a regular at many of the major rallies such as Myrtle Beach,
Daytona, and Americade. After talking a bit Jim decided to splurge
and give his trusty steed a makeover. Henry did some great work
painting a mural
of a blonde female warrior riding in a chariot pulled by a flaming
motorcycle. The art work received lots of deserved
attention for the remainder of the trip.
Our next night was spent at a lovely place called Suck
Bang Blow. The first thing I noticed here were
the State Troopers directing traffic into the parking lot. I kept
thinking to myself something is wrong with this picture. Then it
occurred to me what was wrong. They weren't handing out tickets.
In Daytona, if you saw enough officers you would eventually see
someone getting a ticket. Not so here. It seems they replaced the
ticket book with smiles. This sign of goodwill caused me to test
if the smiles were sincere. I had a brief conversation with a young
trooper that actually had me believing we were welcomed and valued.
Kudos to the law enforcement officers of South Carolina, and the
local communities.
 We
toured the vendor area behind Suck Bang Blow and found the usual
accessories. There was also a burnout pit that proved to be very
entertaining. The gentlemen that work security would occasionally
direct an unsuspecting rider towards the burnout pit. Seeing the
faces of the riders as they realize they are being had is a lot
of fun. I never thought the smell of burning rubber and a big cloud
of smoke would be very entertaining. I was wrong, it was a lot of
fun watching riders leave about 200 miles worth of tire in the floor
of the pit.
Our final night found us at a club called Hog Wild. Inside there
was live music and television sets. Outside there was mechanical
bull riding. Here we witnessed several unsuccessful attempts by
the bull to separate the female patrons from their clothing. Occasionally
there was a voluntary separation that was rewarded with hoots
and hollers from the male patrons. Models from Copenhagen Tobacco
were conducting surveys. Or at least that's what I thought they
were doing. Eventually I found out it was just a ruse for one
of the women to get my name, address, and phone number. Okay so
I'm delusional. But the thought was good for my ego.
In addition to all the biker activities Myrtle beach provides
a wealth of activities for the youngsters. This is one rally where
kids would not be out of place. There were water parks, amusement
parks, and go cart racing that resembled a NASCAR track. If you
have to combine the family vacation with your biking vacation
this is the place to go.
We had such a great time we've decided to go back. All of our members
and friends will be invited along. Plans are to take 2 days to make
the trip with a route that includes the Chesapeake bay bridge and
tunnel. So keep your eyes posted on the Gatherings
& Events sections for more information.
Editor's
Note: More information about the Myrtle Beach Bike Week can be
found here:
http://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com - Matthew |
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