Laughlin River Run or SW Rally

[HONZO]

Being new to riding and this forum I have some decisions to make. I was discussing with the family 'wife' about the Laughlin River Run and the SW Rally and going to both.

This might be one time she is right. With limited time off work, funds, kids etc... Maybe I should save some resources for a family vacation.

So at this time I need to choose between the two. :lmao:

Can anyone share in more detail what happens at these events. I went to Daytona bike week during spring break once but I was not sober enough to remember the experience. 'I think I had a good time'.

From I gather and I have friends going to the River Run, the difference is one would be about partying and the other would be about riding.

A little help for the newbie please.

[cactusjack]

If you want to go to a small town with 50,000 other bikers, then go to Laughlin. It will be a very Harley-oriented bunch of people.

If you want to go to a small town with a couple dozen members of this forum and go on some amazing rides, then go to Kanab. And you'll only have to deal with one or two Harley-oriented folks. :D

[trosco]

The regional and National VBA rallies are about riding and socializing. You probably won't see any naked young women and there will probably be no arrests at a VBA rally (not that I object to those things mind you). I haven't been to the alternative you are considering but sort of sounds like there will be more of that there?
I have met some really great folks at the VBA rallys I've gone to. When you add to that the SW rally being based in Kanab which means smack dab in the middle of one of the most beautiful areas in this whole country it was a easy decision for me. And I will ride over 2500 miles just to get there!

[coacha]

Speaking as someone that has attended Daytona for Bike Week and Biketoberfest, along with all the VBA stuff in the SE region and the two nationals, I'd vote for the VBA rally. The riding is spectacular, the friendships developed with fellow members is outstanding and if you're lucky, you will get to have a few beverages to boot!

[cactusjack]

Oh, and I forgot to add...the chance of getting shot in a gunfight between two 1% clubs is very low at the VBA rally! :D

I have been on all the rides planned for the rally, so the scenery is nothing new to me. The main reason I am going to Kanab is to see the friends I have made over the past 5 years on this forum.

[blowndodge]

You got friends here?? Where?? I don't see no stinkin' friends!!! :lmao:

[cactusjack]

You got friends here?? Where?? I don't see no stinkin' friends!!! :lmao:

Well, I thought I did. Maybe I was wrong?

[usranger74]

I think you framed the question right when you said

"From I gather and I have friends going to the River Run, the difference is one would be about partying and the other would be about riding."

I will take "riding" any day as I did not buy a Nomad to "party".

[Sin City Stan]

Been to both. If I had ti make a choice I'd go to the VBA Rally hands down. As said before, the River Run is for partying and the Ralley is for riding. To each his own. I might take a Saturday run to Laughlin just to look around. It depends how hot it is. The last time I was there for the River Run it was sizzling.

[markclark57]

Well, I thought I did. Maybe I was wrong?

You do. :yep: We could ride before the rally too. :hmm:

BTW, Laughlin is the sort of stuff that I avoid. I'll be enjoying the Kanab experience. :tup:

[waterman]

Oh, and I forgot to add...the chance of getting shot in a gunfight between two 1% clubs is very low at the VBA rally! :D


OK, that does it. I'm not coming.:lmao:

[waterman]

As everyone has said, VBA rallies are about the riding and friendships. I have met people from across the nation and when I travel and know they are close by I try to meet up with them (yes, this does include BD). Very good times are too be had.

As far as the partying, that is after the rides are over. Break out the cigars and whiskey.

[Netnorske]

As everyone has said, VBA rallies are about the riding and friendships. I have met people from across the nation and when I travel and know they are close by I try to meet up with them (yes, this does include BD). Very good times are too be had.

As far as the partying, that is after the rides are over. Break out the cigars and TEQUILA.

I think everyone here will pick the VBA Rally....especially those who have attended. I've been to four of them now, with two more planned for this year. Each has been a great time with great people. This will be my second SW Rally and I'm riding down from the Seattle area to attend. The group rides by day and cocktails/cigars and bullshit by night are all top shelf stuff. Meeting the people from the forum in person changes your perspective and creates a greater bond among us all, no matter what part of the country you come from. I hope you'll join us in Kanab....:cheers:!

BTW....your riding friends are welcome to join you at the SW VBA Rally...it's not a bike specific deal and guests are always welcome. Just no shootouts at the Bob-Bon Inn please....:tup:.

[HONZO]

I appreciate everyones input. I have decided, I will just have to find a way to do both. Call me young and/or dumb but both events sound like a blast.

Young naked woman or riding, friendship, whiskey, and cigars... Are you sure there isnt a way to work something out. :lol:

[blowndodge]

If you would have said "young naked men" Scott would have been on his way to the River Run!!! :lmao:

[blowndodge]

OK, that does it. I'm not coming.:lmao:

Your wife sure does have a way with words Joel :lmao::lmao:

[MarkG]

Went to River Run last year only because the wife somehow had a free room at Harrah's. Rode the Nomad and parked it in the hotel garage rather than down with all the other bikes. Had an entire parking space to myself.

The motorcycles are all parked within about an inch of each other. Not even a question some of them are going to get scratched. Nobody pays any attention to how they are parking. Nothing like having bikes three and four deep and woe to the poor guy in the center who is never going to get out. Looking at the other casinos the parking is at a premium, even if you decide to pay for it. Again, all the bikes are packed in like sardines. If you expect to leave before everybody else, don't count on it.

The wind was pretty heavy last year for the entire time. One of the temporary fences broke loose and took out twenty or so Harleys. Rolled them over against each other just like a set of dominoes. No recourse because every piece of paper for preferred parking and all the signs say, not responsible for damage. If the insurance didn't cover it, those guys were out a lot of money.

Police presence is very high, especially after the shooting a few years ago. I am not much for partying, however they did shut down a couple of venues because of disturbances usually caused by too much alcohol.

I left the Nomad parked safely in the Harrah's garage for the entire time I was there. It was much more convenient to take the River Taxi down to the casinos where the main event was being held. No such thing as a day pass during River Run, pay for it by the trip. Sure beat trying to find a place to park when I looked at the mess in the main event areas.

The typical vendors selling a whole bunch of stuff. As CJ said it leans primarily toward the Harleys. Did a few demo rides, looked around, and didn't spend too much money. They keep a pretty tight rein on things and it is mostly an older crowd. All things considered I didn't see that many young people at all. Saturday is the busiest day for the crowds.

If the wife ever gets another free room I might consider going again. Probably leave the Nomad at home unless I want to take it out for a ride. Didn't ride it in Laughin, only used it to get there and back home. If I had to pay for the room, it wouldn't be worth it from point of view. Guess I am getting old, with the crowds in the casinos there was too much noise. The eye candy was lacking, too. Not nearly as impressive with older ladies verses the younger ones you could probably see on the Las Vegas strip.

If I am lucky I will make it to the SW regional. Our group is a lot more friendly. Better opportunity to do some riding and overall have a more relaxed time.

[coacha]

As everyone has said, VBA rallies are about the riding and friendships. I have met people from across the nation and when I travel and know they are close by I try to meet up with them (yes, this does include BD). Very good times are too be had.

As far as the partying, that is after the rides are over. Break out the cigars and whiskey.

+1, but don't call Joel and tell him you are sweating while out riding in January, he gets a little miffed. :lmao:

[waterman]

+1, but don't call Joel and tell him you are sweating while out riding in January, he gets a little miffed. :lmao:


Better watch out Ron. >:( Next time I come to Florida I'll see if I can bring some of that 30* and snow weather that we are having and dare you to ride in it.:lmao::lmao:

[landman]

kanab will be vba rally number four for me and i can hardly wait to see everyone again and get in some great rides.

[Sin City Stan]

I appreciate everyones input. I have decided, I will just have to find a way to do both. :lol:

HONZO, we are leaving for Kanab on Memorial day. If you want to ride along PM me. :wave: It's a short ride. One gas stop for gas in Mesquite and you're almost there.:D

[twowheeladdict]

So, when are you all going to Kanab? The American Voyager Association is holding there National Rally in Kanab this year. Second week in July.

nevermind. Found it. Late May. Y'all have fun! I'll watch for Nomad remnants on the side of the roadways.

[coacha]

Better watch out Ron. >:( Next time I come to Florida I'll see if I can bring some of that 30* and snow weather that we are having and dare you to ride in it.:lmao::lmao:

I'll just mount my Blizark snow tire and a knobby on the front with some skis for outriggers. :P

[waterman]

Hey Coach,

http://www.emofaces.com/en/buddy-icons/s/snowball-fight-buddy-icon.gif