BIGGEST BIKE RALLY IN THE MIDWEST RETURNS TO THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS
Osage Beach RV Park has special rates for all bikefest participants!
Lake of the Ozarks, MO. The typically tranquil hills and valleys around the Lake of the Ozarks will come alive with the rumblings of thousands of motorcycles as they roll in for the biggest bike rally in the Midwest, Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest , September 17-20.
This fourday event draws over 35,000 motorcyclists and spectators alike to the Lake area for scenic rides, live music, vendor villages, two bike giveaways,entertaining contests and activities, custom bikes, delicious food and drink specials and a great festival atmosphere.
“With all our beautiful scenery and rolling hills, plus over 200 restaurants and bars, the Lake is a favorite destination for bikers throughout the year,” Bikes of all shapes and sizes, makes and models will be at Bikefest. says Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. “But when you add in over 50 concerts, vendor villages and other activities in one long weekend, Bikefest becomes a can’tmiss event for bikers across the Midwest.”
Bikfest will have four large vendor villages that feature a plethora of motofocused products and services, like custom bikes, boots, leathers, riding apparel and much
more. The vendor villages will be held at The Dam Freedom of Road Riders (FORR) Campground, Dog Days Bar & Grill, Lake of the Ozarks Harley Davidson and the Toad Cove Compound at Camden on the Lake Resort. Many custom bikes will be on display at the vendor villages. Along with the vendor villages, Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark is always a favorite Bikefest hot spot. The center lane of the historic “Bagnell Dam Strip” will be blocked off for ample parking for bikes, allowing both riders and the general public to walk around to check out all the chromedout mean machines and visit the different bars, restaurants and shops that dot the area.
“Everyone really enjoys getting to look at all the custom bikes along ‘The Strip’ and at all the different vendor villages,” Jacobsen adds. “But, for the bikers themselves, I think it’s really all about the rides.”
The late summer/early autumn weather at the Lake typically means it’s prime time for riding. The Bikefest website features printable maps of three different routes that offer their own unique vantage points winding throughout Missouri’s Ozark hills. An 84mile ride showcases the beauty of Bennett Spring and Ha Ha Tonka state parks and takes less than two hours. Roads that are part of the classic Route 66 are included in the threehour, 115mile ride that includes a stop at the historic Motorcyclists enjoy the scenic rides around the Lake area. community of Devil’s Elbow near the Big Piney River. A 96mile ride around the Lake of the Ozarks takes a bit over two hours and shows riders a number of beautiful vistas around the Lake.
And, it really wouldn’t be a bike rally without a bunch of live music. Concerts will take place throughout the weekend across the entire Lake area featuring local favorites, tribute bands and a
couple legendary acts. Some of the notable Bikefest performers are: The American Hitmen, who will be playing at the Dam FORR Campground on Friday and Saturday
nights; Almost Kiss, a Kiss tribute band, and Night Train, 38 Special will rock the crowds at Picklehead’s R oadhouse on a Guns N Roses tribute band, Friday, Sept. 18. will play at H. Toad’s at Camden on the Lake on Friday night; southern rock royalty 38 Special will perform at Picklehead’s Roadhouse on Friday night; Hells/Bells, an AC/DC tribute band, will play at H. Toad’s on Saturday night; Shaman’s Harvest will play at Picklehead’s on Saturday; and the legendary Oak Ridge Boys will perform for audiences at Shawnee Bluff Vineyards on Saturday evening as well. For a complete list of concerts and venues, visit the events page on the Bikefest website.
Other Bikefest activities include burn out pits, riding skills competitions, sport bike stunt riders, a bike wash, a large bike auction held at Surdyke Yamaha, a jerky making competition and the “Rise N Shine” benefit 5k and halfmarathon race, just to name a few. Additional festivities going on at the Lake during Bikefest include dinner theater productions at the Camden County Historical Society and Museum, the Laurie Hillbilly Days carnival at the Laurie Fairgrounds, a dance at the Linn Creek City Park and more.
And, attendees will have two chances to win two brand new motorcycles at this year’s event. Participants that complete the 2015 Passport Program will be entered in a drawing for a 2014 Harley Davidson FXSB Softail Breakout. The program requires a visit to each of the 24 passport locations to get a stamp. And, one lucky Bikefest winner will have Bikefest attendees that complete the Passport Program will be their choice between a new entered for a chance to win a 2014 Harley Davidson Softail Yamaha Stryker or a custom Breakout. Harley Davidson Fat Boy, complements of Lake radio stations Mix 92.7 and Cool 102.7, Surdyke Yamaha and Custom Motorcycle Creations. For a list of the Passport stops and rules, and for more information on the “Free Ride Bike Giveaway, visit LakeBikefest.com/events.asp .
For complete details on the 2015 Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, including a
schedule of events, Passport stops, Lake area riding routes and more, visit
www.LakeBikefest.com .