Thunder on the Byways:
Motorcycle Cruise Creates Cash for Byway

A byway organization organizes a motorcycle cruise as an annual awareness builder and revenue generator.

Who/What:

The Arkansas Delta Byways’ Thunder on the Byways Motorcycle Cruise entered its third year in 2005.

When:

Thunder on the Byways is held each fall.

Where:

The first Thunder on the Byways tour tried to cover the length of the two Eastern Arkansas byways routes in two days. Work conflicts over the Friday-Saturday event scheduling were a factor in riders not being able to ride the entire route, and organizers, in hindsight, judged the route as too long.

The second year ride covered a one-day, 193-mile segment of the route set up as a loop tour so riders could return to the starting point. The Fall 2005 tour was planned as a single-day event with a 200-mile loop.

How:

The first year’s tour expenses were limited to the cost of t-shirts, pins (a favorite collectible with bikers), and promotional flyers. Communities along the byway hosted meals and breaks.

Riders paid $35 to participate and the first tour attracted 50 riders. Riders must sign an insurance waiver. Police blocked intersections along the route to facilitate the riders staying together as a group.

On the negative side, because the ride was too long, some riders broke off and did not complete the tour. On the unexpected plus side, unlike other tours, when Thunder on the Byways riders stopped for an off-the-bike break, they took time to tour local sites and enjoy interaction with local residents.

The Arkansas Delta Byways’ promoters say the first year’s tour provided them with valuable learning experience for adjusting second-year tour plans. The second Thunder on the Byways tour was limited to one day and a shorter loop ride, returning riders to the starting point. This back-to-the-start aspect was critical for riders who had trailered their motorcycles to the starting location. A Friday night hospitality event did not draw well and rainy weather may have kept Saturday’s riders to only 35. Byway promoters again asked police to block intersections to facilitate the riders staying together as a group.

The 2005 cruise was planned as a one-day, 200-mile loop tour with five stops and an hour between stops for riding. The cruise fee of $35 included meals and refreshments sponsored by and organization or business at each stopping point.

Riders receive a free “Thunder on the Byways” t-shirt and commemorative pin. Others may purchase a shirt for $10.

To have the tour recognized as a sanctioned event by the American Motorcycle Association, byway staff had to contact the association 30 days ahead of time and have a certified AMA representative present at the event to register riders.

Funding Potential:

The Arkansas Delta Byways organization set a 2005 tour goal of hosting 100 riders at $35 each. Expenses were projected to total $1,000, leaving a potential for $2,500 in revenue for the byway organization.

Other Motorcycle Tour Examples:

• The southernmost community on one byway has hosted 5,000 motorcycle riders for a Sunday brunch during warm weather months with the northernmost town offering a late afternoon snack or dinner to draw riders north along the byway. Tickets were sold for $50/rider.

• A byway organization has worked in cooperation with the Harley-Davidson stores along the byway to host a poker run that netted $3,500.

• Motorcycle tours, rallys, and runs are often held as fund-raisers for such charitable organizations as Ronald McDonald House, which might partner with byway organizations on such events.

Why A Motorcycle Cruise:

• Motorcycle touring is an increasingly popular activity with people who have disposable income and are interested in the type of touring that byways offer. Motorcycle cruise events can be designed to draw many riders at one time or can be offered as a tour option for sale to individuals and small groups.

• Encourages public participation which increases civic pride and creates byway appreciation and relationships

• Encourages public and media interest in the byway

Resources:

Thunder on the Byways: Arkansas Delta Byways