This week’s bike fest along the Grand Strand is almost coming to an end but very few bikers paid the annual visit this May. That for some residents like Tom Rice is good news.
Rice said that he was tired of dealing with bike rallies getting out of hand and creating a nuisance in his neighborhood, but added that he is glad the city finally stepped in to do something about it.
"I think that the city council did a great thing, I think that they were courageous in doing it and I think that has been the most effective benefit to come out of this," said Rice.
Rice for years has kept a folder of statistics, records and tallies on the bike rallies and pictures of the types of lewd behavior he says that he has seen often during bike fest. That’s something Rice added he had to take upon himself to do for the last few years. He said that this was his way to show that he is concerned about his neighborhood and doesn’t feel comfortable sticking around as soon as the bikers come to town in the month of May.
"I think people hear about them and they cringe I think that people, other tourists won't come and there's a reason for that, they may not be able to put their finger on it until you dig down,” said Rice.
Some bikers that News 13 caught up with in Atlantic Beach on Sunday said that type of digging down has led to the stereotyping of al* bikers, adding that they are convinced that those who oppose the spring rallies are intentionally driving away good business in a bad economy.
"The money that the rally generates I think it's well worth it for the city just to put up with a couple of days of noise,” said Gary Billeaud who visits the beach every year from Louisiana but for the first time chose to ride to North Myrtle Beach.
"You just can't judge one bad apple, where the one bad apple will spoil the whole bunch, you’ve got good people and you’ve got bad people granted, but everyone comes down here to have fun and not bother anybody," said Reggie Williams who rode down from North Carolina.
Rice went on to explain that he’s had several friends and neighbors unable to get away to another place when the bikers come into town and instead he said they just lock themselves in their homes for two weeks.
"It is really disheartening, it makes you feel bad about your community, it's a bad place for a family to be and it's total disrespect," said Rice.
Rice also told News 13 that a group made up of concerned city residents called “Take Back May” will hold a ‘thank you rally’ on June 10th for the city council and Mayor John Rhodes.
Rice added that everyone is welcome to attend the event held at the train depot on Broadway from 11:30am to 2pm.
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