Bikes, Blues And Barbecue Attract Bikers To Arkansas

Every year, there are many motorcycle rallies held across the country, but some riders hold a special place in their heart for Bikes, Blues and BBQ.

This annual event in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is notable not only for its commitment to things other than bikes - namely the blues and the barbecue - but also for providing riders with some of the most scenic vistas in the country. Located in the heart of the beautiful Ozark mountains, hundreds of thousands of riders from all fifty states set aside time in the beginning of October every year to ride down to the event.

The massive influx of bikers also provides a sizable boost to the local economy, according to KHBS Channel 40. Duaine Peck, who owns a shoe repair store in town, welcomes the event every year with open arms, as lots of bikers means plenty of leather motorcycle apparel that needs repairing. This year, the turnout is expected to outstrip the amount of hotels available, leading some residents to open up their homes to traveling bikers looking for a place to stay.

There are plenty of bike shows scheduled throughout the weekend, but the blues and barbecue pull equal weight in this event, with top barbecue teams competing for a prize and free blues music all weekend long.