2019 National Touring Events Calendar

The Quail 2018
Golfers might disagree, but one has to admit that the Quail Lodge & Golf Club’s driving range makes a dandy venue for a motorcycle show, with 350 bikes and 3,000-plus visitors. Photo by Clement Salvadori.

Your bike is tuned, the weather is good, your GPS has been ported and polished and your credit card has been bored and stroked; it’s time to head out on the road! You want to go where riders gather, where you can find like-minded souls for rides, rallies and camaraderie. Well, we have the lowdown on the major touring events this year so grab your calendar, check our list and finalize your plans. Before you raise that kickstand, however, visit the event’s website to catch up on any last-minute changes.

The list below consists of major, national-level events. Check out our calendar for even more smaller, regional and local events.

 

Ride for Kids

Twenty-seven rides all over the U.S.

Ride for Kids is the longest-running motorcycle charity event in the nation. Since 1984, through these rides, motorcyclists have raised funds to help children with brain tumors, which are the major cause of cancer death in children. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was created in 1991 by the founders of Ride for Kids, and is now the leading nonprofit organization funding research into childhood brain tumors. Their events also fund free educational resources, college scholarships for brain tumor survivors and emergency financial aid for families.

American Honda is the presenting sponsor of Ride for Kids.

(800) 253-6530
rideforkids.org, pbtfus.org, curethekids.org

 

Progressive International Motorcycle Shows

Various Dates and Cities

Though the spring shows have already occurred, be sure to check the schedule for the fall shows where you’ll be able to see all the current and new models from the major manufacturers. These shows also present products from many accessory manufacturers, and you can enjoy custom and classic bike displays, along with live entertainment. To introduce new riders to two wheels, “New to 2” puts new riders on Zero electric motorcycles and Yamaha Power Assist bicycles and includes a series of online videos paired with live presentations at the shows.

Check the website for the 2019-2020 schedule when it becomes available.

(800) 331-5706
motorcycleshows.com

 

Thunder in the Smokies

Maggie Valley, North Carolina
May 3-5, June 28-30, September 6-8

Thunder in the Smokies consists of three rallies throughout the spring and summer. Each will feature a bike show and bike games with a $1,000 prize. You can ride the nearby scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the major street scene in Maggie Valley. While there is no camping on-site, it is available nearby.

handlebarcorral.com

 

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering

Carmel, California
May 4

Not simply a motorcycle gathering, this high-end vintage event features a gourmet barbeque lunch with offerings from local wineries and breweries, live entertainment and displays by leading motorcycle manufacturers, lifestyle vendors and more. You may enter your vintage and classic bikes in the various judging categories.

(831) 620-8879
signatureevents.peninsula.com/

 

Riding Into History

St. Augustine, Florida
May 10-11

This 20th annual event bills itself as “Celebrating the Great American Motorcycle.” There will be a Grand Marshals Historic Vintage Lunch Grand Tour Ride on the 10th, during which you can ride your vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida to a delicious destination, then continue on to a Grand Marshals Dinner that night (attendance limited). Stick around for Saturday’s K9s for Warriors Charity Ride and Concours d’Elegance.

(904) 827-7379
ridingintohistory.org

 

Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally

Myrtle Beach Area, South Carolina
May 10-19

This 80th anniversary rally will have you riding the Grand Strand, taking local tours and enjoying live bands, racing and the Myrtle Beach night life. Come party with about 200,000 of your closest friends.

(336) 643-1367
myrtlebeachbikeweek.com

 

Run For the Wall XXXI

A Cross-Country Ride to Washington, D.C.
May 15-24

Founded by Vietnam veterans, Run For the Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans who have served our nation. This cross-country ride takes three different routes to reach Washington, D.C. by Memorial Day, and you’re invited to take the full ride or join along the way. You may also contribute to the Benevolence Fund to help vets and their families.

rftw.us

 

AspenCash Motorcycle Rally

Ruidoso, New Mexico
May 16-19

Now in its 22nd year this four-day rally, held in the scenic mountains around Mescalero and Ruidoso, New Mexico, features live music, demo rides, a four-day trade show and a big parade. The poker run is responsible for the “cash” part of the name.

motorcyclerally.com

 

Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle and Music Festival

Winnemucca, Nevada
May 24-26

This 18th annual event in Winnemucca features bike shows, free band concerts, a $1,000 poker run, a stunt show, casino action, a tattoo contest and the Burning Bike. The raffle prize is a new Harley Street Glide.

(775) 623-5071, (800) 962-2638
runamucca.com

 

Americade

Village of Lake George, New York
June 4-8

The East’s largest touring rally is now in its 36th year and begins with an Opening Celebration sponsored by Rider magazine. In addition to new guided and unguided rides in the Adirondacks and Vermont, Wednesday’s Diamond Tour will feature the special opportunity to ride with Rider’s editors. There’s a Ride for Kids Charity Ride, a Mardi Gras Boat Cruise and a Block Party benefiting the Ronald MacDonald House, with two days of great music and motorcycle entertainment. Enjoy more demo rides than ever, a stunt show and hundreds of vendors. You could even win an Indian Scout 60!

(518) 798-7888
americade.com

 

Laconia Motorcycle Week

Laconia, New Hampshire
June 8-16

This will be the 96th edition of “The world’s oldest motorcycle rally.” Laconia is centered on Weirs Beach and the rally includes daily scenic “gypsy tours” (rides), a swap meet, demo rides, bike shows, a stunt show, live music, a Wall of Death and the Loudon Classic race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

(603) 366-2000
laconiamcweek.com

 

Mother Road Ride Rally

WillowBrook, Illinois, to Los Angeles
June 11-23

If you really want to get your kicks, this ride follows most of the old, historic Route 66 from east to west. It will include stops at severalmuseums, the Ozark Trail, Bob’s Gasoline Alley, Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Parksand the California ghost town of Oatman. See some of the original road’s brick pavement, and attend the Awards Dinner in Santa Monica for your Certificate of Accomplishment.

(352) 684-5293
ridert66.com

 

BMW Motorcycle Owners of America 47th International Rally

Lebanon, Tennessee
June 13-16

The BMW MOA’s “Scoot Boot’n Boogie” is sponsored by Metzeler and will feature vendors, seminars, live entertainment, rider training classes, BMW demo rides, local rides and many door prizes. Riders on all brands are welcome.

(864) 438-0962
bmwmoa.org

 

CMA National Rally

Gillette, Wyoming
June 18-22

The Christian Motorcyclists Association bills this as the largest camp meeting, revival and family-friendly gathering in the nation that involves motorcycle riding. It features praise and worship, a parade, bike games and scenic self-guided rides, and John Ogden Sr., CMA CEO/Chairman, will be the keynote speaker.

(870) 389-6196
cmausa.org

 

Thunder in the Valley

Johnstown, Pennsylvania
June 20-23

This rally offers scenic rides, a parade, vendors, displays by various motorcycle manufacturers and live concerts by rock groups Firehouse and Hairball.

(800) 237-8590
johnstownthunder.com

 

Motorcycle Sport Touring Association Rendezvous (STAR)

Bristol, Virginia
June 23-27

The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association was founded in 1982, and its purpose is to bring together riders whose focus is motorcycle sport touring, regardless of the type or brand of motorcycle. “STAR” is their Sport Touring Association Rendezvous, which this year will feature Honda demo rides and a lunch ride into Tennessee, and the raffle bike will be a new Honda Gold Wing.

(970) 667-0460
ridemsta.com

 

American Voyager Association International Rally

Summersville, West Virginia
June 24-27

The American Voyager Association (AVA) defines a “voyager” as anyone who loves to ride and travel by motorcycle. Their 30th annual rally will feature seminars, dinners, guided and self-guided rides, a bike show and light show, a rider skills class and an awards banquet.

amervoyassoc.org

 

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Lexington, Ohio
July 5-7

Come to the Ohio Sports Car Course for this major rally presented by Honda. It will feature demo rides, seminars, live music, a bike show and America’s largest motorcycle swap meet. The vintage competition includes road racing, trials, flat track and hare scrambles.

(800) AMA-JOIN, (800) 262-5646
americanmotorcyclist.com

 

Women on Wheels 33rd Annual International Ride-In

Casper, Wyoming
July 9-11

Women on Wheels spells “WOW,” and this club (which has many local chapters) is for women riders. Its International Ride-In usually draws upwards of 250 participants who take part in local scenic rides, listen to speakers, attend seminars, browse the vendors and enjoy the banquet and awards ceremony.

(402) 477-1280
womenonwheels.org

 

5th Annual Deadwood 3-Wheeler Motorcycle Rally

Deadwood, South Dakota
July 9-14

All brands of three-wheelers and their riders are invited to enjoy poker runs and seminars, vendors, a trike show and light parade, an awards dinner and a watermelon social. Destination rides go to Devil’s Tower, the Badlands, Jewel Cave, Spearfish Canyon and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

(800) 274-1876 X1102, (605) 717-7174
d3wr.com

 

FIM Superbike World Championship Round

Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway, Monterey, California
July 12-14

The best Superbike racers in the world are coming once again to show their skills and be tested on this hilly, curvy, technical course in scenic central California. Camping is available at the track, and there’s plenty of nightlife in nearby Monterey.

(831) 242-8200, (831) 242-8201
mazdaraceway.com, laguna-seca.com

 

Gold Rush XXXII

Medford, Oregon
July 22-25

Though this is the rally of the Gold Wing Touring Association, riders on all brands are welcome. In addition to the usual onsite bike shows and seminars, attendees can ride to such attractions as the House of Mystery, the Wildlife Safari, caves and lavender farms, and participate in zip-lining and visit Crater Lake.

(800) 960-GWTA (4982)
gwta.org

 

Concours Owners Group Keystone National Rally

Williamsport, Pennsylvania
July 22-26

If you ride a Kawasaki Concours sport tourer, this is your rally. The Concours Owners Group is for fans of the bike, though all brands are welcome. Day routes can take you to the Finger Lakes region, Gettysburg National Military Park, an auto and air museum, the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania” and the Flight 93 Memorial. Then head back to the rally site for seminars, socials, dinners and more.

cog-online.org

 

42nd National Bikers Roundup

Gulfport, Mississippi
July 30-August 4

The National Bikers Roundup claims to be the largest camping motorcycle rally in the United States, and is organized by a group of African-American motorcycle clubs. Its location changes yearly, but once every decade it returns to its founding city of Kansas City. This year the Roundup will be held in Gulfport, Mississippi.

(662) 374-4401
nationalbikersroundup.org

 

Star Days

Roanoke, Virginia
July 15-19

This event is presented by the official riding organization of Yamaha’s Star line of motorcycles. It will feature vendors, a silent auction, a motorcycle skills class, seminars, bike games, a bike show and a charity auction. Take part in the SwampAZZ ride, the Feed the Children food drop banquet and many local rides.

(520) 292-0200
stardays.org

 

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Sturgis, South Dakota
August 2-11

The 79th Sturgis Rally features that famous street scene and includes many scenic rides including to Mt. Rushmore, plus an adventure ride that is new this year. Visit the many vendors, join the 2nd annual Mayor’s Charity Poker Tournament, and with about a half-million attendees in this small town you’d better be prepared to camp following the nightly concerts by such stars as Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Styx, George Thorogood and others.

(605) 720-0800
sturgismotorcyclerally.com

 

The Rally in the Gorge

Hood River, Oregon
August 21-25

Billed as three rallies in one, this event is specifically geared to entertain sportbike, dual-sport and sport touring riders. With Mt. Hood and Mt. Adam located nearby, majestic scenery is a twist of the wrist away. Enjoy the seminars and camping at the rally site, then sample the great riding to local museums, the mountains and the Stonehenge Replica.

(206) 650-9102
soundrider.com

 

Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
August 24-29

How would you like to display a trophy for having set a motorcycle land speed record? This officiallysanctioned event offers AMA national and FIM world record opportunities in many classes. You can run the Bonneville Salt Flats course in any class from “Run Whatcha Brung” to streamliners! Or…just go to watch. See the website for rules and regulations.

bonnevillespeedtrials.com

 

Wing Ding 41

Nashville, Tennessee
August 27-31

This is the official rally of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, but it will appeal to all touring riders. In Nashville, enjoy the factory demo rides, vendors, door prizes, a bike show, a light show, drill teams, a parade and, of course, lots of local entertainment.

(800) 843-9460
wing-ding.org

 

44th SCMA Three Flags Classic

San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico, to Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
August 29-September 3

If you want to gather with like-minded long distance riders but also enjoy their camaraderie on a ride from Mexico to Canada (hence the name–Three Flags), this is the rally for you. Finishers are awarded a unique buckle, plus a plaque, pin, shirt and more, and you can toast your achievement at the Finishers’ Banquet.

sc-ma.com

 

BMW Riders Association National Rally

Woodstock, Virginia
September 5-8

Held at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds, this “Set My Soul Free” rally offers camping, vendors, seminars and live music. And of course with its location in Virginia, plan on some great scenic rides.

(866) 924-7102
bmwra.org

 

Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally

Ruidoso, New Mexico
September 18-22

The Golden Aspen has new owners, locals who have participated in the rally for years, and they’re promising that this 50th anniversary rally will be better than ever. There will be vendors, entertainment, rides around the scenic local area and a grand parade. Check the website for more details as they become available.

motorcyclerally.com

 

Bikes, Blues & BBQ

Fayetteville, Arkansas
September 25-28

This 19th annual rally is a charity event that benefits women, children and the underserved in the local area. On tap are factory demo rides, live music, poker runs, the Arkansas state BBQ contest, a “Battle of the Bikes” show and contest, the Miss BBB contest, a parade and a car show.

(479) 527-9993
bikesbluesandbbq.org

 

Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally

Myrtle Beach Area, South Carolina
September 30-October 6

This area offers just too much fun to be encompassed within one rally, so there’s a Fall Rally in addition to the Spring event. Again, you may ride the Grand Strand, take local tours, and enjoy live bands, drag racing and the Myrtle Beach nightlife.

(336) 643-1367
myrtlebeachbikeweek.com

 

Barber Vintage Festival

Birmingham, Alabama
October 4-6

Billed as “The World’s Largest Motorcycle Museum,” the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Festival presents not only museum tours but also vintage racing at the track, stunt shows, swap meets, a Bonham’s auction, demo rides, seminars and hundreds of vendors.

(205) 699-7275
barbervintagefestival.org

 

CMA Changing of the Colors Rally

Hatfield/Mena, Arkansas
October 16-20

This is a family rally of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. It features services each morning and evening with prayer, worship and encouragement from the CMA National leadership team. Kidz for Christ events are for ages 4 to 12, and The Youth Movement is for ages 13 and up. Riders will appreciate seminars, a parade, bike games and self-guided scenic rides.

(870) 389-6196
cmausa.org

 

Biketoberfest

Daytona Beach, Florida
October 17-20

This 27th annual event is a smaller, less-frenzied version of Daytona’s spring event but it still offers bike shows, racing at Daytona International Speedway, a huge street scene with lots of live music and about 100,000 fellow riders to share it with.

(386) 255-0415
biketoberfest.org

 

Lone Star Rally

Galveston, Texas
October 31-November 3

Down in Texas, this four-day celebration offers bike games and bike shows, rides, lots of live entertainment, bike builder competitions and a car and truck show. There’s also a Miss Lone Star Rally contest and hundreds of vendors.

(617) 866-9199
lonestarrally.com

 

Mount Hamilton Small Bike Scramble

San Jose, California
September 21

This one-day event is sponsored by the Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club, and is for small bikes of up to 180cc, any make or year. It’s an 80-mile round-trip ride that leaves San Jose and climbs to over 4,000 feet to the Historic Lick Observatory, then heads back down for lunch. You don’t need to be a club member to participate.

(408) 506-6288
cjmc.org

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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