Why Do Bikers Go someplace they are NOT Wanted?!

[Adreamah]

Sun News, The (Myrtle Beach, SC)
2008-05-28
Section: local
Edition: TSN
Page: A1


ANNUAL COMPLAINTS: Council wants to be rid of rallies
Lorena Anderson, [e-mail]


Furious and frustrated after the weekend shooting of a 20-year-old Coastal Carolina University student, Myrtle Beach City Council members said Tuesday that they do not want motorcycle rallies in the city any more.

A group of local ministers and a bike-rally event promoter spoke to the council at a morning workshop Tuesday and implored the city to help them "do something" about the behavior they witnessed during the past weekend.

Other groups have complained to city officials in previous years after the Atlantic Beach Bikefest biker rally and the Harley-Davidson spring rally.

"I experienced something ... enough is enough," the Rev. Tim McCray told the council on Tuesday. He said he and others had not slept for the past four days during the Atlantic Beach Bikefest, staying up to get a firsthand look at the parties that have for years concerned residents and prompted complaints. "They were up there partying, doing things they shouldn't be doing."

Grand Strand Connection is an umbrella group that is trying to help solve "issues that threaten the harmony of Myrtle Beach," said McCray, the group's founder.

The group is bringing together local officials, clergy, hotel owners, restaurants and other groups that plan and hold events geared toward bikers to make the spring and fall bike rallies more organized.

McCray said he witnessed public sex acts and other behavior, not among the sport bikers who traditionally have come to the area during Memorial Day weekend, but among the 16- to 20-year-olds who arrive by the carload to party during weekend rally.

"We know the NAACP has you locked down," McCray told the council. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has sued the city and area businesses for what it has called racist behavior during the Atlantic Beach Bikefest, which is visited predominantly by blacks and happens around Memorial Day weekend.

Others argue that those who come to the Atlantic Beach Bikefest - whatever their race - don't behave properly, don't respect the city and its residents and cause more trouble than they are worth financially.

The NAACP has monitored the Bikefest and the Harley-Davidson spring rally to make sure people are treated fairly at both events.

Myrtle Beach Councilman Mike Chestnut, who appeared visibly upset by the weekend shooting of CCU student Corey Brooks, asked McCray and the others what they expect the city to do to make bike rallies more successful.

"Why should we invest in this event when we don't in any other?" Chestnut asked. "Let me tell you what's going to happen. The City Council is going to shut it down. We're not going to have a 20-year-old shot because someone is too cheap to pay for a $20 parking space."

Police have not confirmed a motive in the shooting.

Hakim Harrell, an event promoter, said he understands the city's concern, but hopes more organized activities scattered throughout the city would draw people away from Ocean Boulevard.

"We don't care which rally it is, we'd just as soon stop them," Mayor John Rhodes told the group.

"We don't need them," Rhodes said. "We can fill all the hotel rooms without bike weeks."

[w8n4u0]

I was in Viginia Beach during the "riot". Which actually took place in all of ONE BLOCK. We were watching it half a block away & didnt know it/couldn't see it. If they don't want "bikers" there fine. Go somewhere else!! If they don't want black bikers there, sue 'em 'til they bleed!! Perhaps researching the increase in hotel rates & meal costs vs. Harley week will help. I still think it should be relocated. There are numerous cities that we could enjoy even more. Why should we continuously spend more $$ in a location that repeatedly, openly states they don't want us! Residents open car doors & use cars to us cut-off to impair bikers while cops charge the biker. Cars hit bikers & bikers get charged for going too fast. HOW CAN ANYONE GO TOO FAST IN THAT CROWD!!

Not to mention that happening pratically everywhere. If you are in your car & hit another car, kill the person, its vehicular manslaughter. A car hits a bike & the bike was going too fast!! The Laws, Law Enforcement needs to change!

[Adreamah]

Well put sister. While in Myrtle, I observed numerous tricked out cars. They were nice BUT it was not the place for them. My sister and I also discovered that these cars were owned by pimps. I bullshyt you not. These gentlemen were handing out business cards to the male population advertising lapdances, private parties, etc. These men/children were watching their merchandise from behind the wheel. This reminded me of how the Greek picnic and Freaknik fell. Made me want to holla! What's ya'll opinion.