Myrtle Beach 2009
by Sandra J Fabiano
Times are changing at Myrtle Beach Bike
Rally but not for the best. Change is
inevitable but when it came to the Myrtle
Beach Bike Week this year, the city went
sideways with bikers.
Two years ago, the city received
numerous complaints about bikers
destroying the town. So the following year,
the city made two sets of laws: one for
Sport Bike Week, a.k.a. Black Bike Week,
and one for Harley Bike Week. Well, that
set off a whole race issue and in stepped the
NAACP. The issue spun out of control; half
of the business owners wanted both
rallies, while the other half did not. As a
result of this conflict, this year's rally was
a disaster.
It was obvious that the City of Myrtle
Beach did not want us there. Whether you
were a vendor or a patron, you got the
message. In fact, one of my best friends, a
Big Dog dealer, was issued a permit by the
county but was shut down by the state for
lack of an appropriate State Permit. He
was not the only Big Dog dealer to receive
this treatment.
Personally, I tried to avoid the city at all
costs. Unfortunately, I had to venture into
the city limits to pick up the State Sales
Permit, which took me through one of the
city's checkpoints. There were fifteen law
enforcement officials from various agencies.
They checked my license, insurance, and
registration for my F250. Then, when I
asked them where the tax office was, they
told me, "we're not information. Get
moving or go to jail.". I, for one, am not
sure if I will return.
Maybe the city will remember that the 50
year-old professional that rides a Harley
also has a set of golf clubs in his garage.
Here's to hoping the city gets my message
loud and clear.