(May 1, 2015) Ocean City’s Bikes to the Beach Spring Rally is in full swing with a poker run, custom bike show, tons of live music and many more activities taking place throughout the area today, Friday, through Sunday, May 3.
As it has since the event’s inception, Hooper’s Crab House in West Ocean City and Oasis Bar and Grill in Whaleyville will host most of the activities, which kicked off yesterday, Thursday.
Between 15,000 and 18,000 bike enthusiasts show up for the rally every year. Weather play a big role in attendance, said Hooper’s General Manager Ryan Intrieri.
“It’s a great event to get geared up for the 2015 season and anything we can do to generate business for restaurants, hotels and everyone else, we just want the town to prosper from it,” he added.
Participants can register for the spring rally at Hooper’s, located at the foot of the Route 50 bridge, for $20 at any time throughout the weekend. The first 200 people to register at Hooper’s will receive a T-shirt, drink tokens and chance tickets to win prizes, including an all-expense paid vacation for two to Las Vegas. Prizes such T-shirts, hotel stays, restaurant gift cards and bike rally packages will be given out at Hooper’s all weekend long, Intrieri said.
In addition, there will be live music, vendors selling a variety of products and apparel and drink specials. A bike will be raffled off, as well. Bikini model and “Miss Bikes to the Beach,” Tori Abel, will be on hand all weekend to sign autographs and pose for photos. Maryland Lottery will be introducing its new Harley Davidson scratch off tickets.
On Saturday morning, American Legion Post #166 will host Ocean City’s fourth annual Poker Run. Participants can sign up online or register at Hooper’s Crab House on Saturday at 10 a.m.
The Poker Run begins at noon and will cost $20 per bike with a $10 fee for a passenger. Riders will win cash, trophies and door prizes. All proceeds will go to supporting troops and the community. Register online at www.oceancitybikestothebeach.com/delmarva-bike-tour-events.
The Custom Bike Show also takes place at Hooper’s on Saturday, where bikers can showcase their rides and compete for the opportunity to be featured in Thunder Roads Magazine. Categories include best of show and customized bikes.
Bike Show judging starts at 2:15 p.m. with registration closing at 2 p.m. Registration costs $10 and all proceeds benefit local charities. Visit www.oceancitybikestothebeach.com/delmarva-bike-tour-events for more information on the event.
Down the road at Oasis in Whaleyville, there will be live entertainment from a variety of bands throughout the four-day event including Haleytown, The Alley Cats, 3 On the Tree and its featured act of the weekend, Down South Jukin with special guest Gene Odom. The band from Jacksonville, Fla. and is considered the closest act to the real Lynard Skynard.
Odom will be on hand to sign autographs while the band performs from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday night.
The bar at 7539 Old Ocean City Road will have multiple vendors, food specials and a frozen T-shirt contest, manager Jack Seamon, said.
“Were looking forward to a great event to kick off summer,” he added. “Everyone needs to come down and stop by all the places holding events and have a good time.”
Some of the other Ocean City venues hosting Spring Bike Rally events include Pickles Pub on Eighth Street and Fish Tales on 22nd Street, bayside.
Visit www.oceancitybikestothebeach.com/delmarva-bike-tour-events for information on events happening around town.
The Spring Bike Rally started five years ago when some local business employees got together and decided to have an event to satisfy the communities need to bring people back to the town during the off-season.
“It has grown every year and its going in the right direction,” Intrieri said. “Bringing people to the beach is good for everyone.”
Fish Tales, Rommel and Jack Daniels are the main event sponsors. For each $10 participants spend in any of the event sponsor locations including participating hotels and restaurants, they will receive a chance ticket to redeem at Hooper’s or Oasis.
Visit www.oceancitybikestothebeach.com/delmarva-bike-tour-events for more information about the Bikes to the Beach Spring Rally, running today through Sunday at Hooper’s, Oasis and other Ocean City locations.
