looking at going to this rally in april. anyone ever been to the thunder beach rally and myrtle beach bike week, that can compare the 2 ? i'm in eastern nc, will be a long trip. is it worth it ? what to do ? where to stay ? any info appreciated.

 

I'll be going for the first time too. Interested to see the responses to your questions.

 

yeah, myrtle is over as far as i'm concerned. i just don't know very much about florida and even less about the panama city area. i know our florida brothers will chime in.

 

It's a smaller version of Myrtle bch. the beaches are nicer I think and they seem to want bikers business. as for lodging if you can't find something in Panama bch. try ft. Walton, Mexico bch. or port st. Joe all just a small ride away. The L.E.O.s are not bad there.

 

No more Myrtle Beach for me, ever. I'll be heading to Panama City, 4-28-09 for 5 days.

We'll be staying at,

SUGAR SANDS INN AND SUITES
20723 FRONT BEACH RD
PANAMA CITY BEACH FL 32413

 

thanks for the info. are the venues / events close together, or are they spread out for 30 miles like at mbbw ?

 

It depends on which route you take. Bike traffic can slow to a crawl on front beach rd. If take a look at a city map you will see 3 parallel east/west streets which are all within blocks of each other, if you know where you want to go and go out to hwy 98 which is a large multi lane highway you can breeze down to where you want to go then turn back toward the beach. Works alot better for moving around town. The largest vender venue is now at Frank Brown park, located about mid way on hwy 98 on the north side. We have stayed at Boardwalk Beach Resort, central to everything, bike wash site, security guard at bike parking area, noisey at night. Last couple of times we have stayed at Comfort Suites, forget the name of the street, starts with a "B" alot quieter. Just edited because I remembered the Rd name, Beckrich Road.

 

awesome time. no one rips you off on prices. easy to find cheap alcohol. staying at the Boardwalk is simple and lots to do there. live music nearly all day under the hugh covered patio, secure bike parking for guests, lots of vendors and food. hotels are reasonable and there are several campgrounds that are cheap. http://www.thunderbeachproductions.com/

 

Yeah I've been and it's one of the best rallys I've been too.The People are friendly and welcome bikers and there's plenty to do.It's a great place and I hope to go back.

 

Heading there myself for the first time. Will be staying at the Air Force Base campgrounds. Have heard nothing but good about the event.