Let’s ride

Motorcycle rally rumbles into Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas will experience a certain sound over the next few days related to the flood of motorcycle enthusiasts into the region. What sound? Cha-ching, cha-ching.

OK, maybe it’s been a few years since cash registers actually made a sound like that. Today’s versions either make no noise at all or sound like R2D2, the little rolling droid who helped save the Galactic Republic in “Star Wars.”

While there’s no universal rescue involved, Northwest Arkansas started playing host Wednesday to the 16th iteration of Bikes, Blues & BBQ, the so-called “motorcycle rally with a purpose.” Today, and through the weekend, the region will be overrun with so many two- and three-wheeled motorcycles it will look like an invasion of a clone army. But one of the aspects of this rally we’ve always loved is the individualized nature of the bikes, from home-built projects to motorcycles that look as much like art as they do transportation. These aren’t clones. They’re prized possessions.

They’re also part of the attraction. The rally includes some outstanding musical performances and tasty food, but without the bikes, it would be no different than any other festival. Even for those who aren’t into riding these machines, it’s worth visiting the rally at least once just to see the diverse collection of motorcycles at any of the venues.

Since 2000, organizers, say, the motorcycle rally has donated more than $600,000 to local charities. That’s the “with a purpose” part of the organization’s goal. Some groups have benefited from financial contributions from the rally while others have found ways to make money through their own events coinciding with the motorcycle rally.

Beyond the influx of visitors, the rally also builds the local community through volunteerism. Hundreds of volunteers with work together to make the event happen. These are the kinds of events that bring people of different backgrounds together in ways they otherwise would not interact. That’s healthy for the community well beyond the four days out of the year the motorcycles show up.

And, of course, there’s the economic impact. Northwest Arkansas benefits from visitors coming to stay in hotels and campgrounds, eat in local restaurants and shop in local stores. Different people will have different estimations of how valuable that activity is, but there’s no way to have this many people in the region without significant dollars changing hands. In 2014, the University of Arkansas Center for Business and Economic Research used what it viewed as conservative estimates of 300,000 to 350,000 people in attendance, with nearly 60 percent of those coming from outside the area. The research showed attendees from outside Northwest Arkansas spent on average about $400 during their stay. That’s a healthy injection of money in our local and regional economy.

One of the great challenges for local communities is handling the mobile nature of Bikes, Blues & BBQ. Venues are spread across three locations in Fayetteville and Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, with related events sprinkled throughout Northwest Arkansas. Naturally, the outstanding fall weather invites riders to venture out on rides through the beauty of the Ozarks. It’s virtually assured there will be accidents. Local motorists can play a major role in helping to protect our visitors by slowing down and adjusting how one normally may analyze traffic. Motorcycle riders are often hurt because a car’s driver pulls out in front of them. It’s a major contributor to motorcycle rider fatalities. Safety advocates advise motorists to check for oncoming cars then check again, before turning, to see specifically if any motorcycles are approaching. The mantra is “look twice for motorcycles.” And doing it can save lives.

According to drivesafely.net, motorists should also give motorcycles room. They will often weave within their lanes to avoid a rough spot of pavement or a pothole. That’s because motorcycles are far more susceptible to wrecks as a result of hitting uneven pavement or holes. Motorists should also back off if they’re driving behind motorcycles. Give them the room they need to react to dangerous conditions.

Similarly, we hope our biker visitors will respect the communities they’re temporarily a part of. Some residents understandably view this more as an invasion than a rally. And that’s OK. Motorcycles aren’t everyone’s cup of joe. That to a great extent is why people who love motorcycles like to get together to celebrate the slice of culture they’re part of, but we encourage respect for people who don’t see the attraction. That respect means helping to keep our communities clean and, to the extent possible, avoiding the loud revving of engines that turn motorcycle lovers into disturbers of the peace.

Bikes, Blues & BBQ is underway, and it will be over before we know it. Our best wishes for a fun stay and safe travels for all those visiting the area. We can’t think of a better place to be and better weather to enjoy.

Oh, and for those looking forward, keep this in mind: Sept. 21-24 are the dates already set aside for the 2016 version.