Picture2013 Wharf Rat Rally, Digby, NS
Everyone knows about Sturgis, Daytona Bike Week, Biketoberfest, and all of the other "been there, done that" biker events.  Here are a few you may not know about.

WHARF RAT RALLY, Digby, Nova Scotia - This family-friendly rally gets better each year.  It's always held the week before Labor Day.  Make your hotel and/or camping reservations in the spring or sooner.  We stayed at the Digby Pines Golf Resort in 2012, and the Digby Campgrounds in 2013.  Digby Pines is pricey; however, there are other hotels that are right in the middle of the action that may offer better deals.  Businesses jack up their prices for the rally.  It's not uncommon to see tents pitched in the yards of locals.  You'll also see the dramatic tide changes of the Bay of Fundy, as you  enjoy the rally.  2014 marked the rally's Tenth Anniversary.  It keeps getting bigger and better!  http://wharfratrally.com


PictureAcadia National Park, Maine
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND, Maine - If you're riding to the Wharf Rat Rally, spend a few days riding through  Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park on your way home.  Prices rise dramatically from Memorial Day until Labor Day then drop just as significantly.  Bar Harbor has become a tourist trap with overpriced hotels, restaurants and shops in downtown; but you can still find lodging and decent food at reasonable prices just a few blocks away from the main drag.  Businesses there usually close towards the end of September, after "leaf peeper" season.  If you ride Cadillac Mountain in Acadia Nat'l Park, be sure you are comfortable with sharp curves, switchbacks, and blind curves.  Experienced riders we talked with did not recommend this road for novice riders.  We believe anyone who feels comfortable riding mountain roads can do it.  Just take your time, and don't let anyone pressure you into riding above your comfort level.


Picture2012 Swamp Scooters Rally, Lafayette, LA
SWAMP SCOOTERS RALLY, Lafayette, LA - Let the fun continue in the heart of Cajun country - Lafayette, Louisiana.  Get ready for a kickback weekend full of gumbo-eating, games, and fantastic rides on some of Louisiana's beautiful back roads.  Held in early November each year, the weather can be hot or cold.  When we attended, the first day of our ride to Louisiana the weather was in the low 60's, the second day was pleasant,  the first day of the rally was cool, the second and third day were wonderful, the ride back to Florida was in freezing cold rain.  In other words, be prepared for anything.  The rally's current location is the Bayou Wilderness RV Resort in Lafayette.  Registration fees included a campsite.  Most bikers stayed in tents. 

Be sure to visit Prejean's, a world class restaurant with some of the best Cajun food you'll ever taste, then roll on over to The Blue Moon Saloon, http://bluemoonpresents.com/web, for a great night of music.  Before you leave the area, ride down to Rip Van Winkle's Gardens on Jefferson's Island and have lunch at the Jefferson Cafe.  I highly recommend tasting one of their Bloody Mary's!  http://www.ripvanwinklegardens.com/
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ANNUAL BURN CAMP RIDE, Phoenix, AZ - We haven't attended this event yet, but if you've been reading my articles about riding Arizona and you're planning a trip that way, you might want to coordinate it with this event.  It’s organized by The Wind and Fire Motorcycle Club, Phoenix Area Firefighters #113.  This charity run benefits children who are all victims of fire. For more information call (480) 694-3660 or go to http://windandfirephoenix.com.  It may be a bit warm in Phoenix at this time of the year so be sure to have your sunscreen and plenty of water with you.

If you get there before we do, PLEASE send us an email and tell us about it.