MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Plans to extend the Harley Davidson spring rally caused confusion and controversy between the event organizers, the Horry County council and bikers. People in the service industry said the constant back and forth about bike rallies is bad for the Grand Strand tourism industry.
This year’s Harley Davidson rally overlaps with the Memorial Day weekend bike rally in Atlantic Beach. The schedule shift caused some unexpected tension. In the past, it's been residents, tourists and area leaders that voiced concerns with the bike rallies but this time bikers are arguing among themselves.
“It's wrong for the Harley Davidson shop to change the dates,” Mike McDonald, motorcyclist, said.
Event organizers said they extended this year’s rally as a way to hold more community events. Myrtle Beach Harley said it plans it plans to focus on Horry County homeless children, veterans and cancer patients .
People in the tourism industry said the constant controversy surrounding bike week events drives tourism dollars out of Myrtle Beach. But some businesses who cater to bikers said the combined rallies will help add to their clientele.
This year's spring Harley Davidson "Cruisin the Coast" rally is scheduled for May 18 to May 28. For more infrormation go to: http://www.myrtlebeachharley.com/default.asp?page=springrally.
The Myrtle Beach Spring rally is schedule for May 11th through the 20th. For more information go to: http://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com/events/spring-rally/
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