By SCOTT D. JOHNSTON
Motorcycles of all pedigrees and purposes have already begun to arrive for the annual Bikers at the Beach event that brings thousands of enthusiasts to Ocean Shores and much of the Harbor’s coastal area.
The Ocean Shores Convention Center is headquarters for the event, with stunt bike shows and other entertainment, biker games and activities, music, vendors and more this Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are also activities and music Saturday at Oyhut Bay, and in Westport Friday and Saturday.
Quinault Beach Resort & Casino has the simultaneous Hog Wild weekend going, with seven different live music acts from Wednesday through Saturday, vendors, buffets, a poker run and a charity raffle for a 2016 Indian Dark Horse Motorcycle.
A new feature of Bikers at the Beach is the “Great Biker Challenge,” which gives registered participants the opportunity to collect points toward a $500 grand prize, by completing a variety of challenges at over 50 locations spread across the county, including Montesano, Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Ocean Shores, Westport and Lake Quinault.
Challenges range from silly to serious: Ocean Crest Resort is doing a Pig Toss game, while another location will challenge you to drink 16 ounces of water through a straw within a time limit. At the Convention Center, the challenge will be a motorcycle obstacle course. There are multiple challenge stops at Oyhut Bay and several in Westport.
Saturday is the biggest event day, starting with the traditional biker parade that departs Hoquiam’s Central Elementary School at 10 a.m. The long line of riders will reach the Ocean Shores gates around 10:30, then cruise down Pt. Brown Ave., taking the Tonquin Ave. bridge to Oyhut Bay, then over to Ocean Shores Blvd. and back north to the Convention Center. After the parade, that venue will host seven live shows by four different motorcycle stunt teams, a bike show and awards, biker games, and live music from three bands.
The event closes at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and live music is offered at Oyhut Bay, Quinault Beach Resort and Casino and in Westport. Oyhut Bay has Allie Laroe Saturday morning at 10, and the Harrison Band from 6 to 8 p.m. that evening. QBRC has Tom Petty and Eagles tribute bands Friday night, with biker weekend favorites Hell’s Belles, the all-female AC/DC tribute band, headlining Saturday night, following an Aerosmith tribute group.
The Westport Event Center, at the historic Tackle Box, on the waterfront at 2681 Westhaven Drive, will host activities and live music from 2- 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Westport’s Pine Tree Bar will have Max Hay Friday night and Hillbilly Tendencies Saturday. More information: www.bikersatthebeach.com, www.quinaultbeachresort.com
Bikers at the Beach Schedule
Ocean Shores Convention Center
Friday, July 27, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
All Day: Vendor Village, Bike Blessings
4-7 p.m.: Live music – Retro/Active
Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
All Day: Vendor Village, Bike Blessings
10 a.m.: Bikers Parade leaves Hoquiam
10:30 a.m.: Parade arrives Ocean Shores
10:45 a.m.: Parade arrives Oyhut Bay
11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Live music – Retro/Active, Harrison Band, The Motors
11 a.m., 12, 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 p.m.: Motorcycle stunt teams
12-3 p.m.: Bike Show
1-3 p.m.: Bikini Bike Wash charity fund-raiser
2 p.m.: Tattoo contest
3 p.m.: Biker Games
4 p.m.: Awards
Sunday, July 29, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
All Day: Vendor Village, Bike Blessings
10 a.m.: Church Service
Hog Wild Schedule
Quinault Beach Resort & Casino
Friday, July 27
Vendors 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Leon Harder — 10 a.m.-7 p.m. outside
Hog Wild Poker Run — 1-5 p.m.
Free Concert — Petty Fever — 5-7 p.m. Great Hall
Free Concert — Eagle Eyes – 7-9 p.m. Great Hall
Saturday, July 28
Vendors 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
DJ Berry 10 a.m.-7 p.m. outside
Free Concert — Aerosmith Rocks – 5-7 p.m. Great Hall
Free Concert — Hells Belles — 7-9 p.m. Great Hall
Sunday, July 29
Vendors 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Indian Motorcycle Charity Raffle Giveaway 3 p.m.
