The Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota is the country's largest. But organizers say Bikes, Blues & BBQ in Fayetteville is the fastest growing rally in the United States.
Jim Cook bought his first Harley nearly 30 years ago. Now he's getting paid for working on his passion. He’s a Harley Davidson technician at Hawg City Choppers in Fayetteville.
"It's like a religion. When you get out there on the back roads, you forget about everything else," Cook says.
Cook grew up in Arkansas, but he just moved back. So this weekend will be the first time he goes to Bikes, Blues & BBQ in Fayetteville.
"From what I hear, [there is] a lot of people, [it's] a lot of fun," Cook says.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ organizers say the festival is gaining a reputation nationwide. Every year, more riders and more vendors show up. Now, it's the fastest growing motorcycle rally in the country.
"We've been told that from several sources, including manufacturing companies and trade publications," says the event director, Nelson Driver.
Driver says Arkansas’ central location and its beauty are what attract riders to Bikes, Blues & BBQ.
"We've got some of the most beautiful blacktop running all the way between here and Springfield and Tulsa," Driver says.
"You get on top of these mountains out here and you can see for miles, you see pastures with cows and old-style farmhouses. It's like going back in time,” Cook says.
The festival is in its sixth year. Organizers say it's been growing steadily the last several years. In 2002, the festival drew about 80,000 people. By last year that number had grown to 200,000 riders. And this year they are expecting 300,000 people to attend Bikes, Blues & BBQ.
