Bikes, Blues & BBQ Motorcycle Rally Guide
What motorcycle enthusiast doesn't like their bike, the blues, and good BBQ?
Join other bikers from around the country for the annual motorcycle rally celebrating a few of our favorite things while giving back to an underserved community.
When is the Bikes, Blues & BBQ Annual Event?
From September 20 - 23, 2023, all around Benton and Washington County, Arkansas, the Bikes, Blues, & BBQ annual event will host group rally events such as scenic rides, concerts, and cooking competitions.
Come see the natural beauty of northwest Arkansas, and take in the scenery of Crystal Bridges, catch a game at the University of Arkansas in the Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas, or just enjoy good eats at this family friendly event that brings so many great people to the area.
What the Bikes, Blues, & BBQ Rally Is All About
Bikes, Blues, and BBQ is a 501c3 Non-profit motorcycle rally with a purpose that benefits women, children, and the underserved members of the Northwest Arkansas community.
Their executive director states that:
"Here at Bikes, Blues, and BBQ, we take great pride in giving back. As the world's largest charity motorcycle rally, we have generated over $3,000,000 for local non-profits. From donations to the Boys and Girls Club and the Children's Safety Center to the Area Agency on Aging, we are proud to give back to our community. We cannot do it without you, and we hope you can come to help us Rally with a Purpose."
What's amazing is that Bikes, Blues & BBQ is the world's largest charity ride! In 20 years, the organizers have raised $3 million for local charities. As a family-friendly event, the rally is inclusive of all members of the community.
They in no way condone or accept racism, white supremacy, bigotry, fascism, intolerance, or hate speech at rally events.
Riding in the Ozarks
If you have not experienced the roads of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, then you are in for a delightful experience.
The Ozarks contain some of the most scenic and well-maintained roads in the country—perfect for riding motorcycles. Full of elevation changes, gorgeous scenery, and abundant wildlife, visitors might want to visit a local state park, ride the famous Pig Trail, see the end in Jasper, or explore the towns that make up the area.
There will be fourteen official rides that can be found on the main website. These rides are built for different skill levels and interests.
The 125-mile-long ride on the Ozark Mountain Pig Trail is one of the country's premier motorcycling experiences but is for advanced riders.
Novices can join in for the BBB Parade and more as they feel comfortable!
Read more about the different rides here.
The BBQ
The main event for BBQ is on Saturday from 12-2 in downtown Rogers at the 7th Annual Frisco Inferno Barbecue Competition and Tasting.
Hosted by the rotary club of downtown Rogers, the event will feature a beer garden, live music, and loads of BBQ from up to 25 amateur teams.
Where To Stay?
The official campgrounds can be found on the website.
Still, for those that need a little more comfort when they are out of the saddle, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville have all the amenities you could ever need, with a local flair.
As this regional event draws many attendees, booking your stay ahead of time is important.
How Much is the Bike Rally?
There is no cost to attend Bikes, Blues and BBQ Vendor Areas, the Main Stage Beer Garden, or the Blues Alley Saloon, but a few items require passes and/or tickets:
- VIP Package
- People's Choice BBQ Competition Tasting
- Bike Show Entry
Can I Rent A Motorcycle?
Yes!
Fly in with your gear and head to Pig Trail Harley-Davidson® of Rogers, which will offer various bikes for rental during the rally. These include Ultra Classic®, Road King®, Road Glide®, and Heritage Softail® Classic models.
To discuss rentals, contact Kyle Johnson at Pig Trail Harley-Davidson at 479-636-9797. Just make sure your motorcycle insurance has rental bike coverage.
What Kind of Blues Will There Be?
The schedule of events just keeps getting better and better.
The musical acts include:
- 90lb Wrench
- Chris Cameron Band
- Dead Metal Society
- Earl and Them
- Gary Hutchison
- Green Acres
- John Dooly
- Shotgunbillies
- Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal
- The Juice
- The Suede Diablos
What are the Motorcycle Laws in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires all motorcycle riders and operators under 21 to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Everyone must wear protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields regardless of age.
And, of course, a valid motorcycle insurance policy is required to ride in Arkansas legally.
Wrapping Up
There is no doubt that the Benton/Washington County area is a spectacular place to host this event. The question is, will you be attending?
The Bikes, Blues & BBQ event would be a great way to spend time with friends and family and at the same time enjoy all of the activities available over the weekend.
If you’re a BBQ, Blues, and Motorcycles fan, then this Rally is a must-do.
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