These days, it’s rare to find towns brave enough to host a motorcycle rally, especially right on Main Street. We’re usually segregated, pushed off to some parking lot outside of town or a dirty, dusty, saddle-tramp loving livestock fairgrounds, away from decent, law abiding citizens.

Now and then, though, even bikers get lucky sometimes. Local officials deemed the fun and economic boost was worth the risk of a horde of hooligans invading their quiet, tranquil community. It was a smart move.

The 11th edition of the Thunder Valley Rally, recently held in colorful Old Town Cottonwood, ARIZONA, about two hours north of Phoenix, almost didn’t happen. For the past decade, the rally was organized by Cliff Castle Casino, some 15 miles southeast. The casino backed out this year due to staff layoffs, according to a spokesman, but stayed on as a major sponsor.

In a bold and brilliant move, the city of Cottonwood rescued the event and plunked it down smack in the middle of town. Like a mini Sturgis or Daytona, Old Town was turned into a big block party, offering a much more fun and festive vibe than any parking lot or barnyard.

Cottonwood, about three hours from the Grand Canyon, is set near the red rock wonderlands of Sedona, the old mining town and motorcycling mecca of Jerome, the prehistoric ruins at Tuzigoot and Montezuma Castle, and other natural and historic attractions and national monuments unique to the region.

The town was founded in 1879 by ranchers and farmers, but within a couple of decades developed a reputation for welcoming ne’er-do-wells, misfits and undesirables. Moonshinning was prevalent during Prohibition and it’s rumored none other than Al “Scarface” Capone personally traveled from Chicago to bail out a bootlegging buddy from the Old Town jail and check out the area’s operations. Good to see some things never change.

The three-day Thunder Valley Rally attracted several thousand enthusiasts to Main Street and its live music, restaurants, shops, vendors, galleries, antique stores and legitimate alcohol dispensers. Surprisingly, however, some Old Town shops and eateries didn’t stay open late, or apparently open at all during normally closed days. Some that did, did not appear to make much of an effort to offer motorcyclist specific goods or services. They missed a great opportunity.

A number of wineries and tasting rooms have sprung up in recent years, leading some to speculate the area will become the next Sonoma Valley. Fittingly, the rally kicked off with the Barley and Grapes Ride, which snaked through the scenic Verde Valley, finishing at the Cliff Castle Casino and highlighted by the Willie Nelson and Family concert.

A poker run up spectacular Oak Creek Canyon, one of the prettiest rides in the country, followed the next day, as did the popular KA Cycles Bike Show, which offered thousands of dollars in prizes spread over several classes. Bikes games, a chili cook-off, a motorcycle art showing, Hawaiian honey bikini contest and almost continuous live music by well-respected local and regional bands, such as the Cadillac Angels, Tramps & Thieves, Vyktoria Pratt Keating, The Retros, Rhythm Dragons Rockabilly, and others played at various Thunder Valley Rally venues.

For more information regarding Cottonwood and the Verde Valley, as well as next year’s rally, expected to be held mid-September, contact the Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department at 928-639-3200; http://cottonwoodaz.gov/parksrec/thunder-valley-rally/