Bikers Set to Party During 19th Annual ROT Rally

There’s always something going on in our humble town. Usually it comes in the form of some festival or another. Sometimes it’s a concert series or a cartoon character’s birthday. Still, there are other events that cater to a different type of crowd. The type of crowd that will party until the sun comes up.

The 19th Annual Republic of Texas Biker Rally (ROT Rally) is one of the latter events. This year it takes place June 13–16, 2013. And if last year is any indication, somewhere around 50,000 bikers will descend on Austin and its Central Texas neighbors. The event is ticketed, so that means you have to pay to play…at least if you want to actually get inside the gates of the Travis County Expo Center.

Inside the Event

There are good reasons to get a ticket. For $60, you get a weekend pass to come and go as you please and participate in the hoopla going on at the Expo Center. The musical line up for the weekend alone – acts like Ray Wiley Hubbard, Los Lonely Boys, Vince Neil from Motley Crue, and Twisted Sister – makes the entrance fee seem paltry.

Yet music isn’t the only thing going on at this year’s ROT Rally. The annual custom bike builder showcase will be taking place, along with the ROT Tattoo Expo. The Nervous Nocks Show, Mexico Motorcycle Acrobats and the Monster Energy Drink’s Freestyle MX Tour will chill you and thrill you as bikers ride their death defying machines.

But wait! There’s more! The 19th Annual ROT Rally will be hosting the ROT Warrior MMA Fights, featuring fighters of both genders and all from Texas. Then there are the vendors. From clothes, to helmets, to motorcycle light kits, to upholstery – if you can think of something motorcycle-related, they will be selling it.

Food and drinks will be available as well. Here’s how it works: they sell it, and you buy it. The food items are typically priced for these types of events. Don’t worry, ATMs are available on site. Also, outside food and drink is okay. Conveniently enough, there’s a corner store within a quarter mile of the front gate to the Expo Center, and they happily sell beer and food.

I haven’t even mentioned what goes on once it gets dark (nor will I).

Speaking of what happens when the sun sets, this event is for adults only and they will ID event goers when they arrive. So, sorry kiddos, but maybe mommy and daddy will shoot some video of the stunt riders and custom bikes. This event is for adults to cut loose and have a good time. As we all know, an adult good time does not always jive with a kid’s good time.

Outside Events

If you prefer a periphery experience, don’t worry. There’s plenty to do outside the Expo Center gates. Thursday is the usual day for local bike nights. These events are sponsored by local dealerships and restaurants. During the ROT Biker Rally, these venues become very busy.

The annual motorcycle parade will take place on Friday, June 14th. Last year, I parked my scooter outside the venue and fell in towards the end of the record-setting bike parade. The route twisted and turned through the eastside. We ended up parking on Congress Ave., where we were privy to live music and a 6th Street crowd that rivaled that of Mardis Gras or Halloween.

Also, many of the local dealerships and motorcycle-centric businesses, like Cindy’s Gone Hog Wild, will be having events, music, and menu specials. Don’t forget the rides either. There is something special about riding along the twisting Texas Hill Country roads with a pack of fellow motorcycle riders.

Regardless of how much you want to pay to participate in the 19th Annual Republic of Texas Biker Rally, there is something to do. Clean out the garage, get those old shoe boxes off the motorcycle, and fire that puppy up. Just be sure to keep the rubber side down.

Details

• All event details, schedules and events can be found on the ROT Rally’s website.
• Sorry kids, adults only. That means 18 years old or older.
• You can bring your own food and drinks into the Travis County Expo Center.
• Motorcycles are optional, but they get preferred parking.

 

@The_DT_Show asks:

Have you ever participated in the ROT Rally? If so, in what way?