I reluctantly agreed to take some friends to Myrtle Beach so that they could experience a rally for the first time on their Harleys. To make the trip worthwhile for me my wife agreed to go along (a rare thing) and we got concert tickets for the Marshall Tucker Band (with Atlanta Rhythm Section) at the House of Blues.

As usual, and which is perfectly normal, the weather sucked. It's the rainy season in South Carolina... duh. We rode up from Charleston and had a great lunch at the Dead Dog Saloon in Murrels Inlet. Everything was looking up!

We went to the original SB&B which had converted it's big dance hall bar in the back to a vendor area... it was hot and boring.

Next, we went to the HD dealer on the very south edge of Myrtle Beach. The cops had the roads blocked such that you had to enter the city of Myrtle Beach to visit the dealer and the few straggly vendors that showed up for this year's rally. The cops were right inside the city limits giving out tickets.. presumably based upon their new ordiances (helmets, pipes, etc.)

We went to another vendor location to get my HOG pin in North Myrtle Beach where there weren't any vendors compared to the past. Even though there was very little traffic, it took an hour to get there from the South side. The bike parking area in Myrtle Beach mall was barely a third full. I felt sorry for the vendors.

On to our hotel, the only other pleasant surprise of this visit. Atlantic Beach resort gave us a great deal on a suite right on the beach... too bad we spent all of our time avoiding the city instead of hanging out on the beach... oh yeah... it would have been raining and/or cloudy anyway.

At the House of Blues they wanted to comfiscate my wallet due to the wallet chain beaing a 'weapon'. Nowhere did they advertise what could legally be brought into the club for the concert. This was enforced at the concert and you could pay $2 to 'store' any offending items or you could leave them on your bike. I almost got throw out of the place before the concert even started when I let them know what I thought of their 'rules'. Once inside, after stading outside for an hour, we got to stand inside for an hour to wait for the 'concert'. Out comes the Atlanta Rhythm Section who were stellar. (The last good experience at this event for me). The Marshall Tucker Band sucked royally. After the first half hour of drum, flute, sax, and guitar solos we left. Plus, we were broke from buying $5 beers and $6.75 drinks. Never again, House of Blues.... blues my a** anyway. They haven't had a decent blues band at the Myrtle Beach HOB that I have noticed for the past two years.

I rode home in the rain on Sunday vowing that not even friendship would suck me into going to this event ever again. At least I got to spend some quality time with my wife on the bike.

C#

 

Next, we went to the HD dealer on the very south edge of Myrtle Beach. The cops had the roads blocked such that you had to enter the city of Myrtle Beach to visit the dealer and the few straggly vendors that showed up for this year's rally. The cops were right inside the city limits giving out tickets.. presumably based upon their new ordiances (helmets, pipes, etc.)


Close but not exactly true, there is a left turn to get back to the HD dealership
just before the light at city limits.

 

I was there a week and had a pretty good time. Sure, the weather wasn't the best, but you can't blame that on anyone. Never had a problem with anyone, anywhere. I'll most likely go back next year like I have for the last 20.

 

cwsharp, You're dead on with the report!

HOB? Last year we went to see George Thorogood, since I stopped carrying (a gun) sometimes I just might have two knives. Well... putting my clothes on I think I left my Smith HRC laying on the table and put my Case folder in my pocket (it's a tool to me) where the Smith is a weapon. Getting to the door, whoops empty your pockets and get checked with a metal detector. "Hey, this one has a Knife. You Can't Take The Knife In... You Can Go Put It In Your Car or Pay $2.00 to Check It & Get It Back After The Show". Me, "DO WHAT? How 'bout my hands, can't take them in either"? Sheeeeeeet. So I ended up paying the Rip-offs $2.00 to keep my knife for me. I've never heard of a Chain wallet being a weapon. Do they still have 200 bar stools in the place? How about long necks? It's a wonder you got to wear your boots in. My second Gripe with HOB is the Crap Fees they charge. Walk up to buy tickets and you have to pay a Crap Ticket Master Fee then a convenience fee and a building fee. I'm surprised Marshall Tucker sucked? Heck they never did anything very complicated. Most half-azzed musicians can play they're stuff accurately with no problems.

Captain Mike

 

The last time we saw Marshall Tucker play, we got up and walked out after two songs, sad.

 

New Orleans Bike Week has the potential to be the next Myrtle Beach if done right...

 

When is NO BW?

You had to make the left into the Iron Gate Saloon, right before Surfside HD. Funny. I never saw any cops issuing tixs there at the county line, and I got there on the 10th and left 15th.


Overall, it was a good time. It could have been better...

 

Myrtle Beach Sun News
Empty streets and stores abandoned by angry motorcycle riders caused many Myrtle Beach business owners to begin asking for the removal of Mayor John Rhodes and Myrtle Beach City Council members.

Well that didnt take long... I`d like to say to the former Mayor " How ya Like me Now".. This is going to get interesting.....The way I see it no money from the Harley riders & others, the CF week beginning, where will MB get the money to clean up afterwards. What LIE will Roady make up now! Not A Dime in 09!!!!!

 

Question Please
Why do you or anyone else go there except to bitch latter, with all the past bad reports on Myrtle Beach for the last few months , when there are so many other events to attend

 

Tradition! Great hang-outs (SBB, Beaver Bar, Iron Spoke, Dog House North, to name a few). With other places, there is not many different gathering places. In MB, there are places for ever type of biker, from the hard-core bikers with the stripped down bikes to the suburbanites who ride flashy, low-mileage bikes. And we all come together. That's why. And we bitch because a few are ruining it for the majority of the visitors.