Bike Rally Survival Guide: Old-School Campouts vs. Big Event Blowouts
There are really only two types of motorcycle rallies:
The Over-21 Rager at a Campground
The Big Event Free-for-All
Let’s break ‘em down.
The Over-21 Rallies
These are the gritty, lawless, throwback rallies you’ve heard stories about—but probably didn’t believe were real. You’ll find ‘em in giant campgrounds where the rules are... let’s just say “flexible.”
We’re talking:
· No kids
· No curfews
· No shame
Drugs? Yep. Beads? Yep. Titties? Everywhere. Bands? Loud. Brisket? Smoky. People having sex in the woods ten feet from your tent? Absolutely. If there’s a cop on site, he’s probably just there for the brisket too.
Sometimes MCs are around, sometimes not—but everyone’s there to cut loose and get primal. You go to these rallies to unplug from society and let your inner animal ride free.
The Big Event Rallies
Daytona. Laconia. Gettysburg. You know the ones.
These are family-friendly (ish) mega events that sprawl across entire cities. Corporate sponsors love them—Harley-Davidson, Twisted Tea, you name it. These rallies still have an edge, but not enough to scare the suits.
Sure, you can still find some debauchery if you dig, but the focus is more on:
· Stunt shows
· Vendor villages
· Demo rides
· Bikini bike washes
· Big-name bands
If you're chasing the chaos, this isn’t your playground. But if you want your rally served up with polish, parking, and cleaner port-a-johns, this is your jam.
How to Prepare for Each
Lodging
Over-21:
Get there early. Like, Wednesday early. The good camp spots go fast. Show up late, and you’re either camping in a ditch or cooking like an egg in the middle of a sun-blasted grass field.
Big Event:
Book early—months early. Hell, even a year ahead if you can. These are people’s vacations. They take PTO for this. I once had to stay at a ski resort an hour from the Roar on the Shore rally because every room in Erie, PA was sold out. Learn from my pain and hilarity.
Festivities
Over-21:
Bring your own booze and bring plenty of it. Beer, whiskey, tequila—your call. Same with beads. If you didn’t bring beads to an over-21 rally, what the hell are you even doing?
Big Event:
You’re buying beer from fishnet-wearing drink girls with visible sideboob and plastic smiles. No need for BYOB—you’ll tip, and you’ll tip often. Don’t forget cash for brisket, merch, and that overpriced Screwball shot the drink girl guilt-tricks you into (again).
Necessities
Over-21:
Tick spray. I’m not kidding. I once camped at Hogrock and everyone in my group came home with multiple ticks. You think oil & chip roads suck? Try pulling a bloodsucker off your junk. Spray like your life depends on it—because it kinda does.
Big Event:
Cargo shorts. Vans. It’s hot, and you’ll be walking a ton. Don’t wear your heavy riding boots unless you’re stuck packing for both a rally and a campout. Know what function you need.
Grooming
Over-21:
Flip flops for the showers. Those shared stalls are grimy as hell. Ain’t no need to come home with foot fungus or worse. Also keeps your feet off piss puddles while you’re changing.
Big Event:
Travel-size toiletries are enough—most hosts will have the basics. But if you’re the guy who needs six towels and your own brand of triple-ply, maybe leave a little extra room in your saddlebags.
Transport
Over-21:
If you can score a golf cart, do it. These campgrounds are huge, and bikes aren’t always practical for zipping around. Bonus: you get to be in the late-night titty parade, not just standing there with a beer watching it.
Big Event:
If you can swing it, roll with a chase car. Pack heavy, keep your saddlebags light, and have all your gear following behind in a van. BugSlide, a flannel, and your 360 cam in the bike—everything else in the truck. That’s living like a king.
Bonus Hacks
Over-21:
Bring earplugs. The party never stops. Golf carts, burnout contests, couples banging in the woods at 4am—it all happens. If you’re a light sleeper, protect your sanity.
Big Event:
Pack a solid Bluetooth speaker. iPhone speakers are for the shower. You’re gonna want music on the hotel balcony while puffing on a cigar from your travel humidor. Don’t forget the cutter and torch—ain’t no one got time to be gnawing off the end of a Robusto.
Final Thought
This ain’t a complete guide—it’s just a brain dump from the road. But whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned degenerate, I hope something here either validated your instincts or reminded you to pack that one thing you always forget.
Gas up, ride hard, and I’ll see you out there.
— Bagger Shawn
Founder, Steel Rippers
