
American Heat Rally in Palm Springs
Story by Eric Bass
Photos by Fiona Metcalfe
he event promoter, Roadshows, Inc. claims about 5,000 bikers roll into Palm Springs for this three-day event, but it seems that number is at least matched by the Palm Spring-ians. Heavily attended by locals during the day, American Heat has the feel of a county fair, albeit with bikers and steel horses replacing the cowboys and livestock. Just plain folks strolled past the chrome eye-candy with their cute kids and H-D accessorized dogs in tow, giving the gig a very family friendly vibe. There was plenty of live music and a small bike show to keep the interest of the young’uns. When the sun goes down, the local motorcycle club members do become more noticeable, but I’ve attended this event several times and never seen them cause any trouble. The night scene in Palm Springs is always a draw, and the local bars, clubs, and pubs provide plenty of options for any taste in nocturnal activities.
After being relegated to an off–the-strip parking lot for a few years, American Heat returned to the main drag on Palm Canyon Drive last month. The street was closed to traffic for the stalls of the Chrome Alley Vendor Show on Palm Canyon Drive so that they could better funnel the crowd through the vendor area. I’m not sure what sort of back room thumb wrasslin’ went down to bring that change about, but Mary Jo Ginther, director of Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism hinted that economics had a lot to do with it. “Year after year, this group of motorcycle enthusiasts continues to return to Palm Springs and patronize our shops, hotels and downtown businesses,” she said. “Merchants really appreciate the increased business, and it’s always a hugely successful weekend.”
Not all of the merchants shared that sentiment, however. There was some grumbling amongst the local shopkeeps that the Chrome Alley vendor area was stealing business from local biz owners by blocking access to their stores, and selling items that they already provided like food, drinks, and trinkets. Apparently the historically tense relationship between rally-goers and a minority faction of the mostly biker-friendly Palm Springs residents, police, and shop owners seems destined to continue.
While the sun was out and the temps ran hot for most of the weekend, there were a few rain drops to be felt, some of them inconveniently synchronized with the poker run to Idyllwild. Precipitation is a rare occurrence out here in the desert, but dramatic shifts in temperature from day to night aren’t. Coming prepared pays off big time around these parts. American Heat is a rally with a laid back family vibe, good weather in the fall, amazing local rides, and the full amenities of a locale built for play by the Rat Pack. Not the biggest rally, or the best, but a pretty nice oasis to hang out at if you ever have a free weekend in October.