Scheduled for July 5-6, 2013 to commemorate the events of July 4, 1947, the celebration of the “Birthplace of the American Biker” was reborn by decree of the Hollister city council. Five years ago the city of Hollister canceled the downtown street event for myriad reasons, some real and others imaginary. Since then the anti-bike sheriff and extremely anti-bike police chief have been replaced by a bike-friendly sheriff and police chief.
With a plethora of infighting and back room deals worthy of a well-known former Chicago street organizer, the Hollister Rally was back starting with the putting downtown Hollister together on Wednesday, July 3rd, and continuing through Thursday, July 4th in preparation for the official event on the 5th and 6th. Mark Cresswell, well known member of the Motorcycle Industry Council, was appointed rally director. Sponsors were found, vendors signed up, port-o-potties rented, and all the other minutia attended to. Vendors and sponsors are needed for the funds to pay the production costs of the event. Some of camp followers tend to be the bottom feeders of the motorcycle industry and are a necessary evil in my own humble personal opinion, but their sponsorship bucks are welcomed.
Of course Harley was the chosen brand of attendees with a smattering of most every other brand known to man. Also, though not recommended if you’re riding, a bunch a nearby wineries offered free wine tasting while a couple of beer gardens with music were available for those who partake. Plus, of course, there were brick and mortar bars like Whiskey Creek Saloon and Johnny’s Bar & Grill as well as some restaurants that served beer and wine. Strange as it seems, the alleged “King of Beers” lost out to the Golden, Colorado, brew as the headlined beer.
Wandering around we saw what we thought was a ridiculous pair of vendors next to each other. One was an ambulance-chasing lawyer referral service sporting big signs advertising that they collect millions and right next to them was an insurance company hustling how much money they’re going to save you. Sworn adversaries next to each other to hustle bikers.