What should have been a loud roar this past weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was drastically reduced to little more than a soft purr. The roar—the rumble—of Harleys, an annual tradition here every fall, were substantially and noticeably muffled all weekend.
Those of you who did not have the opportunity to read my last posting may need an explanation; so let me explain:
September 30th to Oct 4th was scheduled for the Myrtle Beach fall bike rally. It was estimated this year that the traditional crowd of 40,000 + bikes would likely be decreased to 10,000 – 20,000. This drastic change was expected this year, due to the introduction of city ordinances that some people feel are aimed at keeping the bikers out.
Well, the city council denies that that was their intention, and that the real goal was to get a handle on things. But whether it was deliberate or not, the new ordinances, along with the limited number of vendor permits issued, managed to keep them from coming.
I spoke to one vendor of riding gear who said that he felt they’d had 90% less foot traffic this year. He also said that, “They have done a job on this one.” This vendor, who asked to remain anonymous, said that he fears the spring 2010 rally won’t be any better than this one.
While they may have kept the bikers out of the county, that did not stop everybody. Those who came anyway had the general attitude that they were not going to be stopped by a few ordinances—and some even voiced their disappointment with the other riders.
Well, If no Bikes, let there be Beer!
Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest poster
This weekend was also the 2nd Annual Oktoberfest. There was word that the city expected the loss of income to local businesses during the bike rally would be compensated somewhat by revenue generated at the Oktoberfest.
The Oktoberfest brought out a pretty good sized crowd, and there was plenty of live music. In fact, where else but Myrtle Beach can you hear a polka band play Margaritaville?
There were associated events all over town, and while the turnout was roughly double last year’s, it was still mostly locals that came out for this event. A good indication of the success of any party is the fact that you run out of beer. (Now we know how terrible that is.) I am told the event ran out several times and
And On A Different Note:
The lyrics of the popular song say:
“Cheat the odds that made you
Brave to try to gamble at times
Well I feel like dirty laundry
Sending sickness on down the line
Tell you why
cause I’m jealous, jealous again.”
Jealousy was the emotion felt by many who stood outside the House of Blues on Sunday night. They had come to hear the Black Crowes, but many were informed that the concert was sold out.
I, fortunately, was not one of those stuck standing outside; in fact, I was inside the concert hall, packed in with all the rest, listening to the great sounds of the Black Crowes. The Crowes are listed at #92 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, and they showed those of us lucky enough to have gotten a ticket just why.
They rocked the House of Blues with such classic rock hits as the one I opened this section with and others like She Talks to Angels and Kickin’ My Heart Around. It was a great way to spend a Sunday night.
Well, that wraps up the weekend.
Thanks for reading again; I will bring you up to date on the events of Myrtle Beach in a few days.
Your friend,
Oz “The Beach Walker” Shulver
About the author: Retired Air Force Master Sergeant and father of 5, Oz “The Beach walker” Shulver, lives a stone’s throw away from the sand of Myrtle Beach, SC. His passions include beach combing, golf, bikes, cooking and cavorting with his two grand children. Read more from this author
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