Thunder Rally rumbles into Sandusky
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In 1999, downtown Sandusky saw the beginning of an annual tradition in the making as the town welcomed the Ohio State H.O.G (Harley Owners Group) Rally. It was a hit! They returned the following year. And so it began ...
Ohio Bike Week -- North Coast Thunder Rally originated in 2001 and has continued to grow to enormous proportions. This year, the festivities run from Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 11.
Anyone who understands the love for motorcycles will agree: there is nothing like the freedom you feel while on your bike and there is nothing like the sound of a Harley. Whether you ride or just enjoy from the side lines, that rumble is awesome.
During Ohio Bike Week, there are many activities in which to participate, including the Power Poker Run. This is a daily event that takes place throughout the week as follows:
Monday -- Kalahari Waterpark Resort
Tuesday -- Daly's & Cabana Jack's
Wednesday -- Margaritaville
Thursday -- Thunder Camp
Friday -- Shifter's Bar & Grill
Anyone who wants to sign up early can get their poker run sheets after June 1 at Roeder H-D or they will be available at any of the stops. All sheets must be turned in by 8 p.m. Friday, June 9 to be eligible for prizes. So start the first day or jump in anytime. There are huge prizes and the proceeds benefit The American Red Cross. The cost is $15 per poker hand and you must be 18 to participate.
Other planned events are breakfasts with Bloody Mary bars, a tattoo contest, Thunder Camp activities, concerts, stunt shows, a wet T-shirt contest, a hot bod contest, fireworks and much more. Destination ride ideas and maps are available at Roeder H-D every day during the rally for those who want to hit the road and explore the area. Below is a list of some daily activities, but visit www.northcoastthunderrally.com to get all the details.
Click here to view Spotted photos from the 2005 Thunder Rally
THUNDER ROAD TRIP
Friday, June 2 through Monday, June 5
A ride around Lake Erie with stays in Windsor and Port Dover, Ontario; Niagara Falls & North Tonawonda, NY and Geneva-on-the Lake, Ohio then returns to Sandusky for a Corn Roast at Roeder H-D. There is no fee to participate in the ride; however, everyone is responsible for their own accommodations. All makes & models are welcome. Anyone who wants to join the ride can register at www.ohiobikeweek.com or call Jill at 419-621-1046. Registration is required to get hotel information and a rally trip packet.
ROCK THE BOAT
Wednesday, June 7
A day trip to Put-in-Bay aboard the Thunder Rally Ferry Boats leave from the Miller Ferry Dock in Marblehead. There will be a scavenger hunt and walking poker run on the island. There is limited space available, so book your trip quickly.
THRILL NIGHT
Thursday, June 8
New this year is Thrill Night at the Sandusky Speedway. Ryan Capes will attempt a world record breaking jump over 150 Harleys! The current record is 100 Harleys, held by Robbie Knievel.
ï 5-7 p.m. -- Rumors (Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band)
ï 5-7 p.m. -- Ryan Capes (stunts and record breaking jump)
ï 7-9 p.m. -- Cocobeanos
ï 7-9 p.m. -- Starboyz (stunt riders)
ï 9-11 p.m. -- Tequila Sunrise (Eagles Tribute Band as seen at House of Blues)
Tickets are available for $10 in advance at Sandusky Speedway or Roeder H-D and are $15 at the door.
GEORGE ROEDER I MEMORIAL PARADE
Saturday, June 10
at Roeder Harley-Davidson -- Monroeville
Cost: $5 per person, bikes staged by 4:30 p.m.
This event starts with a Founder's Day party in memory of George Roeder I and includes live entertainment by the Huckin Fillbillys from noon-4:30 p.m., freestyle stunt jumper Eric Abbot and more. Shortly after 4:30 p.m., the George Roeder I Memorial Parade rides to Sandusky. This is a site to be seen! Thousands of motorcycles ride two by two into the downtown streets. The sight is awesome and the sound ... that thunderous rumble is unmistakable!
THUNDER RALLY BLOCK PARTY
In downtown Sandusky
Many of the people who have attended the Thunder Rally downtown block party in past years may think this is the main event. After all, it is an enormous event. By the time everyone gets there, the area transforms into a sea of bikes and the streets are unseen, making them nearly unrecognizable to locals. This year the Funcoast/Spotted crew will be part of the event, taking free photos.
Keep in mind there are many events scheduled every day. Check out www.northcoastthunderrally.com for all the details and events not listed here.
A detail worth mentioning for sure: The Mainstreet Trolley will be available Thursday, June 8 through Saturday, June 10 from 4:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Look for the green trolley stop signs at Thunder Camp, Shifters/Roeder Harley-Davidson, Downtown Sandusky, Sandusky Speedway and Kalahari Waterpark. The trolley run between those places and the fee is $1 per person per boarding.
There will be a lot of traffic and tons of motorcycles on the road. As always, keep your eyes peeled, the rubber down and the metal up.
Jen Corbin is a biker at heart. E-mail her at hello@funcoast.com.
Written by Jen Corbin