WLOS ABC 13
June 20, 2014
The 18th annual Hot Springs Motorcycle Rally is going on this weekend, and it is this week’s Hometown Hotspot.
Nearly 3,000 people are expected to be in Hot Springs this weekend. The Buncombe County Chapter of the Concerned Bikers Association puts on the annual event. Organizers say the funds raised Friday and Saturday will help their efforts to fight unfair legislation and improve the image of motorcyclists.
People from across the mountains, the state, and the U.S. are riding into Hot Springs this weekend. Dale Horton from Spartanburg says, “yeah we just put a little thrill into it. Make everybody laugh and smile and have a good time. That’s what we’re hear for. Having a good party, good fun.”
The rally is also a way for local businesses and fire departments to make some money. The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department has been serving up food at this event for the last 15 years. They’re hoping to raise about $3,500 this year. “Update our equipment and then insurance. We have a big, insurance costs a lot for a fire department, plus insurance on all the vehicles. It just helps,” says Jane Franklin with the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department.
Giving back to his hometown is why James Buckner, Chapter President of the CBA, started this event 18 years ago. “We triple the population of the town in one weekend of the year and they’ve been real gracious to us,” he says.
But there are some who don’t necessarily care for all the loud motorcycles. Noise Free America says they’re offended by noisy rallies.