The 2015 Rally Dates – September 23-26
Hints before we get to the cool stuff
A Way to Charge Your Phone at the Rally
MetroPCS (T-Mobile) teamed with Bikes Blues and BBQ to provide phone and pad charging services at the Rally. MetroPCS had a booth on the lot just north of the Beer Garden with multiple charging units, all for your convenience. We all know that phones go dead at the worst possible time, but this solves that problem. You could charge your phone for FREE, you could even lock it in their lockers and hit the road. Maybe you dropped your phone on the highway, don’t worry. MetroPCS is a no contract cellphone provider that gives you unlimited data talk and text for only $40…PERIOD. We hope you stopped and talked to the folks at MetroPCS. MetroPCS is a proud sponsor of Bikes, Blues, and BBQ, helping to bring the biggest party in the midwest to Northwest Arkansas.
Breakfast!!!!
If you went hungry in the morning at Bikes Blues and BBQ, it was simply your own fault. Check this out:
Habitat for Humanity served a breakfast on Friday and Saturday mornings, 7:00-10:30, in the BBB Beer Garden on Dickson, featuring pancakes, bacon, coffee and juices, all for a minimum donation of $5.00
Or, if you are came in from the south on I-49 and took the West Fork exit and then went down the hill to West Fork Elementary School, the PTO there served breakfast with pancakes, bacon, sausage, coffee and juices for $5.00.
Every day of the rally, there is always that early rising contingent who gets to Dickson Street early in the morning (We don’t understand people like that.) For great coffee, pastries, and really good full breakfast, we highly recommend Common Grounds, in the middle right across from The Walton Art Center on Dickson St. Or, if you are already checking out the vendors at the BBB Dickson St. lots, stop in at Arsaga’s, north of Chipotle for (again) great coffee, pastries, and a full breakfast to start the day off right. (Sit out back by the trail and railroad.) Both of these fine businesses can provide you with an adult beverage and have lunch and supper menus as well!
For the Craft Beer Lovers
Local favorite ESB from Core Brewery in Springdale was available at the Dickson Street beer garden, and Core’s ESB, Leghound, and Behemoth Pilsner were all available at the Arvest Ball Parki Venue on Saturday. When you are in NWA, be sure to try some of this local brew. And be sure to check out the Ale Trail Passport at any of the local breweries. We have some wonderful craft beers here in Northwest Arkansas and the Ale Trail Passport is a guide to those. Ale Trail Passports are available at all of the breweries.
Kick off Parties
For those who arrived in NWA early, the unofficial kickoff for the rally is always atJose’s Southwest Grill In Springdale on Tuesday, the night before the official rally beginning. Live music, give aways, and much more. But you have to get there early; the band starts at 7:00.
Ok, now check out the cool stuff we had for you!
- The Arvest Ball Park Venue Opening On Saturday of the rally, we unveiled our newest rally venue at Arvest Ball Park in Springdale, just off I-49 at exit 70. We expected a crowd, but we didn’t expect the crowd we got. Happy people everywhere to check out what we had to offer in Springdale. The Saturday attractions included the official Bikes Blues and BBQ Car Show, the Ozark Vintage Motorcycle Association’s vintage bike show, the Northwest Arkansas Steak Cooking Championships (and steak eating contest), the Soldier’s Wish Project , free live music, and much more.
- Factory Demo RidesHope you had a chance to try out the new Indians, Victorys, Yamahas, andHarleys. These were all at the Baum Motorcycle Village. You just needed to bring a motorcycle endorsed license and a helmet (or borrow one of theirs) and you were set to go on the freshest offerings available.
- The Jack Daniels Charity VIP Ride, The Cherokee Casino VIP Ride, and The FreedomFest BeerFest II Ride. Check out the “event schedule” section of the website for more info on these three unique experiences.
- Rally-long VIP Passes For the first time ever, your personal pass into the Budweiser Sponsors/VIP area was available.
- Harley-Davidson’s “Harley Village” At the Baum Stadium venue, Harley-Davidson corporate teamed with Pig Trail H-D of Rogers to create a genuine Harley Village, complete with the newest models, demo rides, and a ton of clothing and accessories. And at the Harley Village, there was a special area devoted to lady riders with clothing, the “fit bike” (upon which you could try out various seats, bars, and accessories to find what works best for you), and the ride simulator units. BBB is a pin stop for The Harley Owners Group, so we hope you stopped and registered at Harley Village at the Baum Motorcycle Village. In addition, H.O.G. hosted an event each day for H.O.G. members featuring H-D Roadhouse Brauts, Miller Beer, and Ole Smokey Moonshine.
- The Washington County Fairgrounds The Fairgrounds is home to a party in itself. Of course, it’s the official campsite of the rally, but it’s so much more. Fort instance, the Arkansas State BBQ Championship sponsored by Sam’s Club, The Hambone Express Pig Races, lawn mower pulls, free live music, and the first annual Bikes Blues and BBQ Tattoo Expo.
- Free Music in the Official BBB Beer Gardens Once again, we presented some of the finest in musical acts, both local and regional for free in our official beer gardens. And we listened to our blues fans and there were more blues than ever to go along with the best roots and party/dance bands in the mid-west. Check out the schedule in the Music schedule section of the Bikes Blues and BBQ tab on the website home page to see who was here.
Rally Parking Tips
- “The Dickson” parking garage Located right on Dickson Street, “The Dickson” parking garage offers covered, secure parking at reasonable prices for rally goers. And it’s just a short walk from “The Dickson” to the official beer garden, and all the vending areas.
- The Baum Motorcycle Village Lot Park on the east side of Razorback Road at Baum Motorcycle Village, and then ride the A and M Railroad to Dickson Street. The train ran every half hour and it’s a lot quicker than maneuvering through the traffic and trying to find a parking spot.
- The Churches and Civic Groups on Dickson Street On the eastern end of Dickson Street, before you get to the party, you’ll find several large lots manned by various churches and civic groups. These lots are safe and secure secure places to leave your “baby”.
