Woke up real early this morning because I knew today’s motorbike rally was gonna be packed. Slammed some coffee, threw on my helmet, and revved outta my driveway around 7 AM. Traffic was already building up near the rally point downtown, but I squeezed my Harley into a spot between two tricked-out Hondas.
Fueling Up & First Food Pitstop
Once I parked, my stomach was growling like my engine. Wandered past rows of gleaming bikes to a little corner tent called “Smokey Jane’s Hog Buns”. Grabbed their pulled pork sandwich – messy as heck but oh man, that smoky sauce! Tore into it while leaning on my bike, sauce dripping on my gloves. Pro tip: bring wet wipes unless you wanna smell like barbecue all day.
Gear Galore – Helmets & Gadgets
Next hit up the Rev & Ride Marketplace. Saw this matte-black helmet with built-in Bluetooth – almost dropped it when I heard the price tag. Settled for a no-nonsense pair of grip gloves instead. Vendor dude showed me how the knuckles had carbon fiber plating. Test-flexed ’em right there. Solid.
Overheard some bikers raving about this hidden gem for accessories, so I ducked behind the main stalls to “Crusty Spokes” (yeah, sketchy name, legit stuff). Picked up a waterproof phone mount clamp. Old guy running the booth insisted I test it on my handlebars first. Smart call – thing clamped tight as a drum.
Mid-Ride Sugar Rush
By 11 AM my energy tank was empty. Followed a pack of Ducatis to this bright orange food truck: “Twisted Doughnut Den”. Ordered their maple-bacon crunch monstrosity. Bit in – still warm – and powdered sugar exploded everywhere like a flour bomb. Worth the mess though. Washed it down with bitter black coffee from their dented thermos.
Final Gear Hunt & Rally Wrap-up
Last lap around the stalls led me to “Leather Haven” tucked in the back corner. Tried on a vintage-style riding jacket with elbow armor. Felt like butter, but my wallet screamed. Snapped pics for later. Around 2 PM, thunder rumbled overhead – rally chaos with bikers scrambling to pack up. I shoved my new gloves in my saddlebag just as the downpour hit.
Rode home soaked but grinning. Key spots burned in my brain:
- Smokey Jane’s – follow the smoke trails
- Crusty Spokes – behind the loudspeakers
- Twisted Doughnut Den – follow the Ducati crowd
- Rev & Ride – big blue tent, prices negotiable after noon
Next rally? I’m skipping the doughnut. Mostly.