Laughlin River Run Preview
Posted on 27. Apr, 2011 by Coach in Open Road
The small gambling town of Laughlin, Nevada lies in a crook of the Colorado River. Ten casinos dot the desert, that most of the year resembles more of a sleeping village along the river than a gambling mecca. But all that changes one weekend a year.
It is called the Laughlin River Run. Motorcycle enthusiasts (read bikers) will converge on Laughlin from all over Southern California, Las Vegas, Arizona, and parts beyond. It is a taste of the wild west, redux!
Laughlin will host the 29th Annual Laughlin River Run, and they are preparing to roll out the red carpet this year.
Most of the action is centered on the strip, Casino Drive. Here you will find a wide variety of vendors selling everything from t-shirts and sunglasses to vintage motorcycle parts and custom bikes. Harley-Davidson will be there, as will aftermarket equipment manufacturers and sellers such as Kuryakyn and J&P Cycles. Vendor tents will fill the parking lots of the many casinos on Casino Drive. Oh, and did I mention that there will be plenty of ladies!!
A new addition to this year’s River Run rally is the Aquarius Resort’s first-ever Battle of the Bands. Twelve musical acts will be competing for a share of the $30,000 up for grabs in the “Official Laughlin River Run Battle of the Bands.” The competition will run Thursday through Saturday as bands take the stage at the Aquarius Outdoor Amphitheater. Tickets to check out the show are $10 per night.
Some of the headliners will include Randy Bachman and Fred Turner of 
Bachman Turner Overdrive fame, as well as Eric Burden and the Animals.
Some of the more familiar entertainment will include a Biker Burlesque Topless Revue nightly at the Riverside Resort, as well as the bike show and competitions held at the Colorado Belle on Saturday. And Harley-Davidson will have their Ride Demos in full swing. And one of my favorites, the Miss Laughlin River Run, where the ladies will compete in various ways, ending with the bathing suit and hot jeans strut (woo hoo!). This competition will be held at the Aquarius.
There will be several poker runs through out the run. Check in at the HOG counter or some of the various Laughlin River Run information ques to get more info. The Veterans Run is held on Friday! This run goes down old historic Route 66 to Mothers Harley-Davidson, where the party is on!
There are plenty of places to ride in the desert, also. You wont want to miss the old west town of Oatman, and the town resident burros! The Hoover Dam is nearby, and if you really want to get out for a day, the Grand Canyon is a day trip worth considering!
Whatever your choices, there is plenty to be found at the first ride of the year for those of us on the West Coast – Laughlin River Run. Get out and enjoy it!
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