It’s understandable that Big Dog Motorcycles has decided not to hold its Tornado Rally this June — the event got too big for the company to handle, and the crowds were too much for its block of East Douglas, blocking access to nearby businesses.
But Wichita tourism officials should find a different venue and a willing event sponsor that could continue the success of this popular motorcycle rally, which drew 30,000 people last year.
This is precisely the kind of authentic, homegrown event that could attract thousands of visitors to Wichita and pump a lot of money into the local economy.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
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8 Comments
Since it has to do with Big dogs and all, perhaps they could negotiate with the Greyhound track.
Park City????????????????????? :-)
Before pushing this type of rally, maybe a little research would be in order. Hollister, CA has hosted a July 4th rally for over 20 years, but the city withdrew support in 2006, claiming it cost more than it was worth to the city.
Not every town can be Sturgis or Daytona or Laconia. It took many, many years for those super rallies to get to the size they are.
Plus, they offer something more than hanging out at a commercial swap meet. Laconia and Sturgis offer gorgeous roads/scenery, Daytona has a beach and warm weather for a rally held in March.
The idea of holding a rally simply because of the common conception that ‘bikers equal money’ is shortsighted.
“and because it was a money-losing endeavor -”
‘Nuff said.
Fleet-
The Tornado Rally was never meant to be a direct revenue generator for Big Dog. It was intended to be a big-ass party for owners of Big Dog bikes, the company, and a tourism gift to the City of Wichita (better known as COW…).
It also gave the Eagle’s Bob Lutz a chance to sing a blues song in public… LOL
The expense and logistics of this event are not to be under-rated, nor are the benefits. I think it’s safe bet to think Big Dog Motorcycles will find another venue, and perhaps another city, to host their event.
As one of the people involved in staging the concert, we realized last year that the event had outgrown the Douglas Ave. location, and were preparing to make changes to better accomdate the concert crowd. Alas, Big Dog knows when it’s best to stay on the porch and let the pups run. In this case, a committee of unhappy business operators are the pups. I wish them well, and hope they have record sales on that weekend in June. If not, they helped pull the plug on a fantastic tourism opportunity for Wichita.
LTB (Lions, Tigers, & Bears)
This “story” is far from over.
I hope they can save the rally. I’m not sure where the heck it could be done but it definitely brings in a lot of people.
Lawrence-Dumont?
There are certainly enough bikers in this area to support any rally right here in the heart of the country…half way to anywhere in the U.S. What a great opportunity for bikers from all over to get together. I would think the businesses around Big Dog would welcome the attention that weekend. How many Bunt Cakes and Sewing Machines can you sell in two days??? Suggestion: How about planning a biker rally around River Fest when the city doesn’t have a problem closing off any streets. This would give bikers a reason to show up too. Don’t want to be negetive but the city has always had a problem with street closings for bikers during the few hours for the Toys For Tots ride in November every year. Hence the shorter half way ride the last few years. Bikers in this area do contribute alot to this community and deserve an event where they/we can show off our bikes, meet and have fun and right here in Wichita Kansas. Big Dog had the right idea and the City should be working with ALL the bike dealers in town to make something positive happen here. The bike rally has been tested and is a draw. Figure it out and don’t lose the momentum. It just may be something people would come to Wichita for.