Bikes, Blues and BBQ is one of the largest bike rallies and the largest charity rally in the U.S. Going on its 11th year, it’s held here in the gorgeous Ozark Mountains, and is visited upon by about half a million bikes, their owners, and the general public. It’s anchored in Fayetteville, Arkansas, but cycles descend on neighboring towns for miles around.

A couple of years ago, it was decided that there should be a similar event for women (although there are girls a-plenty at BB&BBQ), and Bikes, Babes and Bling was born. Bling director Coleson Burns describes it as “one of the largest women’s motorcycle rallies in the South.” The festival is still a baby, but what a baby it is. A percentage of the proceeds from the two-day shindig goes to charity.

Women rode into town from near and far to compete in the Ladies Only Bike Show, vie for the title of Karaoke Queen of Bling and cruise down to Dickson Street for the Pub Crawl. Some rode the trails in the Bling Fun Run while others cruised to the Rockin’ Pig Saloon in Eureka Springs, a favorite biker hangout. There were safety courses and riding instruction classes offered as well. For those who wanted a ride of a different kind, there was a helicopter on site, transporting people at high speeds to who-knows-where and back.

This year, the main action took place at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 77 acres to ride and roam, with plenty of room for those who wanted to camp out. Bikes, Blues and BBQ Executive Director Joe Giles enthusiastically emceed the fashion show and brought out the numerous bands that played all weekend. Featured acts included Amanda Ray and The Larrys, Red Ambition, Night Train, and regional favorite The FOS Project. Attendees danced the night away, some under the influence of the libations that were offered in the Beer Garden and at some of the other liquid refreshment stands. Others were just under the influence of the sheer fun of the entire event.

First and foremost there were bikes, bikes and more bikes, from the conventional to the custom. Their owners rode the trails, competed for prizes, participated in the Scavenger Hunt and strutted their sparkling cycles in the Parade of Power. The streets of northwest Arkansas were covered in motorcycles throughout the weekend, and while there were plenty of men in attendance (where there are babes there are bikers), it was definitely the ladies’ time to shine.