Some people know where they’re going to be a year in advance of an event that they love to attend. Like Glamis for Thanksgiving, the river for Memorial Day, and Grandma’s house at Christmas. From April 21-25, 2004, it was time again for just such an event, The 22nd Annual Laughlin River Run. It was one of those events that not only gives you an excuse to polish up and ride your motorcycle, but lets you go to a place every year to see old friends, and meet new ones. You can also just check out all the new technologies and ideas that are available each year.
This year’s River Run was awesome, just like always. It was filled with events, good riding, beautiful women, and some of the best looking motorcycles that you’ve ever seen. If you’ve never been to an event like this you probably don’t realize that the number of vendors and manufacturers is really astounding. Almost every new product you could imagine was showcased. Superchargers, turbo set-ups, custom paint people, new ways to haul street bikes, clothing, chrome, billet aluminum and enough leather to make you think that you had gone to heaven.
Even if you’re not a street bike rider, there are plenty of activities going on during this event to entertain all. Harley-Davidson and the Victory Motorcycle Company were there giving demo rides on all their new models so, if you got caught up in the experience and wanted to ride one of these magnificent machines, you had that option. Everyday there was an agenda of things happening; bike shows, poker runs, and even a beauty contest, as well as live entertainment at every casino. And last but not least, there were the multitudes of regulars and newcomers who were just there to cruise up and down the strip and take in the sights. I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd, live in concert, at the Flamingo Laughlin Amphitheater. What a great show — up close and personal. There were also many free concerts up and down Casino Road, with people enjoying every minute. This year they had some new events like the Chop Shop Tour featuring Billy Lane, Joe Martin and Jesse Rooke, who are some of the best custom bike builders/artists, showing off their works. Even the Discovery Channel was present, filming another round of “The Great Bike Build-Off” with ten of the nation’s best custom bike builders competing. The public was also invited to vote on which bike they loved the most. Another cool thing this year was a drawing for a 2004 Harley-Davidson Road King, which made someone a very happy individual.
I noticed more people brought their motorcycles in toyhaulers this year than last year. There are people who don’t like to trailer their bikes anywhere. To those people, my hat’s off to you. Personally, I enjoy the riding once I get to a happening spot. That way I’m still fresh, and not worn out from hours and hours of driving on Interstate 10 or the 40. The people I saw at the RV parks looked like they were having a huge tailgate party with barbecues beside the trailers, tons of food and cases of drinks. From what I saw, there were three parties running simultaneously. I noticed one at the casino vending areas, as I was checking out all the great stuff, and saw another while riding, and lastly, there was plenty of action back at camp among friends in their own living area.
If you’re thinking that getting a whole bunch of bikers together makes for an unruly time, you would be totally wrong. Most of the people you run into at these events are the nicest people that you’ll ever meet, and they are usually willing to help you when you are in need. Keep in mind that motorcycle enthusiasts host some of the biggest charity events put on in the U.S. So, if you have the opportunity to check out the Laughlin River Run, I highly recommend it. If you already enjoyed this motorcycle run, then I look forward to seeing you next year. Until then....BE SAFE AND ENJOY THE RIDE. - Terry Gluckman
www.laughlinriverrun.com
