Reno Street Vibrations ’09 – That’s How
Posted on 02. Oct, 2009 by Coach in Open Road
Many motorcycle rallies seem to have the same format. Vendors by day, party at night, and ride home in a couple of days. There may be an interesting run, but once done, then what?
There are a couple of rallies that stand out as different. Sturgis being the first, and the Reno Street Vibrations being the other.
What makes these rallies so different? It is the diverse terrain that surrounds the rally, providing days of diverse riding through fantastic mountain and valley areas.
Reno Street Vibrations… yeah, the name just says it all.
We saddled up early Wednesday to start our trek up Highway 395. Although the weather called for triple digits later in the day in the southland, it was rather brisk as we rode through the desert. The first 5 hours of our trip would be spent in the desert as we raced up the 395 towards Bishop. Traffic was light, and our bikes seemed to know the way.
Bishop marks the start of the Sierra Nevada passage. From here we start entering into more forested areas, a nice change of scenery after cruising along through sage brush and desert sands, marked only occasionally by small towns with 25 mph speed limits.
Fall is a nice time in the Eastern Sierras. The mornings are crisp as the season gives a hint of the winter to come, but the afternoon sun warms things up to a nice tolerable temp. It is a great time to ride.
As we passed Mono Lake, we noticed that there were very few visitors this afternoon. The water level looked low, but the lake is still majestic. With it’s high salt content, Mono Lake’s tufa towers provide a surreal view of an ancient lake bed.
Rolling back on the throttle, we began to climb faster towards the Nevada border. The road gentley winds through the mountains here, making this leg of the run pass much faster. Before we noticed, we were dropping into the Carson Valley.
Carson City, this would be our home for the next 5 days. A central jumping off point for all the activities planned at Carson City HD, easy access to the vendors and exhibits in Reno, and Highway 5o that leads to both Lake Tahoe and Virginia City.
Reno Street Vibrations takes place not in one area like many rallies, but rather across the western border of Nevada. Thursday morning we rode up to Reno Harley-Davidson and checked in with the HOG group. There were a few vendors there, with more setting up for the crowds that would be there Saturday. Klockwerks had a full rig there with a number of bikes set up with all there latest and greatest accessories.
From there, it was off to downtown to check out the vendors. Crowds were light yet, giving us an easy run of the area. Now this is how you check out vendors row!
We must have ADD or something, because it wasn’t long before the wind was once again calling us. We saddled up and headed south towards Carson City. Now would be a good time to check out Virginia City, before the crowds get big. Roll on throttle, destination Virginia City.
Virginia City is one cool assed wild west town snuggled up in the hills outside Carson City. Once the hub of a silver mining and gambling district, most of the buildings were built in 1862 and the town and architecture are still in tact.
We quickly surveyed the town, and made our way to the Bucket of Blood for a beer. By Saturday this place would be hopping, and we probably wont be able to get near the bar.
Checking out the pictures hanging on the walls, it is cool to imagine how this wild west town would have appeared in 1865. The casinos no longer have black jack, but I understand that Faro was the game of the day back then anyway.
After a few brews, it was time to saddle back up as we headed for Carson City Harley-Davidson. This is a new site for them, and they have a lot of room around them to throw one kick ass party. And they did. We checked out the schedule they had posted of the activities and made plans accordingly.
A little more riding around the Carson Valley to orient ourselves, it was now time to kick it at the motel and watch the bikers come rolling in down 395. The valley roared as group after group filed down the 395 on their way to Reno. This made for a great parade while we enjoyed a few adult beverages. Easy living!
Friday we decided to make a run around Lake Tahoe. I had forgotten how cool the mornings are up in the Sierras. Decked in leathers, we started our run out Highway 50 for the Blue Jewel of the Sierras.
The sky was blue, and the lake looked fantastic as we made our way down to the 89. Every little town we passed through seemed bright and busy. But the twistys were awesome. We road on, stopping only 
occasionally for pictures. This would have been a great ride to do in the afternoon, with a stop for lunch in Truckee. But this morning’s run was gorgeous as the sun began warming the cold air. The bikes really ran well, as the thunder from the big Harley mills thundered through the canyons.
As we reemerged onto the 80 and began our descent back into Reno, we said our goodbyes to Lake Tahoe. It is easy to see why it was Mark Twain’s favorite place.
Back into Reno, we had a task that was high on our “to do” list. A quick stop at the US Bar on S. Virginia for a beer and register for the Cathouse Poker Run put on by the Hells Angels. The guys really now how to party, and this was one we had no intention of missing!
From there, back to the vendor areas of downtown Reno. That still left us with a little bit of time to check out the vendors before Panman would arrive, and the party at Carson City Harley-Davidson would begin.
Panman arrived from Southern Cali full of energy, as he hopped around wiping down his bike and trying to remove as many of the bugs that had seen their last days on his fairing as he could. I know just the thing to get him right… PARTY! Off to Carson City H-D.
When we arrived at Carson City H-D, the party was already starting. The Santana cover band was already playing, and the beer was flowing. The music was great, as the crowd grooved with the Santana favorites. The crowd was still light, but as dusk approached, it got bigger.
Jason Pellman put on one hell of a show, demonstrating his skills at riding wheelies and
putting on some thrilling stunts on his Harleys. Smoke and fire rained through the air as Jason burned through his tires, finally culminating in a final burnout until he blew the tire. This was a wild show.
Fireworks capped the night as the party wound down. Carson City H-D sure knows how to put on a party. This was great stuff!
Saturday began our final day before departure. First on the list, the Cathouse Poker Run. We saddled up and raced to Reno to check in at the Reno Harley-Davidson. While there, we took another opportunity to check out the vendors. I really like those ergo bars from Klockwerks. Going to have to get me a set!
Once we were all set, it was off to our first poker stop; the famous Kit Kat Klub and Sagebrush Saloon. 
Located on highway 50 on the way to Virginia City, the party was just getting started. We checked out the party and of course the girls, got our cards punched, and then made the decision to push on to the Union Brewery in Virginia City before the crowds go too big.
We roared up the twistys of 341 on our way to Virginia City. The road wasn’t too crowded, maybe the town isn’t too crowded yet. Wishful thinking! As we approached, we
could see the jammed streets overfilling with bikes and bikers. It was obvious we weren’t going to be able to park in front of the saloons this time, so we found a spot and began our trek on foot to the Union Brewery.
The crowds of people moved slowly like cattle being herded to slaughter. We pushed our way through, stopping occasionally for the traditional displaying of breasts by some of the biker chicks in the crowd. The street was jammed with bikes and pedestrians, all vying for the same space. This was cool!
The Union Brewery was like the rest of Virginia City, old and steeped with a rich history. We found a table near the guys punching our poker tickets, and made ourselves at home with a few beers as we watched the chorus of people outside.
Time passes way too quickly when you are having fun, and it was time to head for the final poker stop of the day, the Mustang Ranch out on I-80. The temps were starting to move up now, as we roared down the twistys of 341 towards the 395.
The Mustang Ranch was taken over by the Feds for taxes a few years ago, and under Federal supervision quickly went out of business. These are the same people that want to run our healthcare? Go figure! Anyway, the Hells Angels put up a great lunch on the property. BBQ beef and plenty of beer, this was a great way to relax after the full day of riding. A band played on the stage assembled for the party as the chapter worked their tails off making sure that everyone had a great time. Thanks Bros, you really know how to put on a great ride, and I will see you all next year!
Reno Harley-Davidson, not to be outdone, put on their own party that night to show Carson City they can get down as well. The Mini-Kiss band was on the stage, and a stunt team was making amazing jumps with their bikes on the ramps. But for us, the party was already winding down. Time for a good meal and a few more brews as we said goodbye to the Reno Street Vibrations party.
Sunday morning began early, as we saddled up and grabbed some grub
before heading back down the 395 towards So Cali. It had been a great few days of riding and partying. The Hells Angels crew put on a great ride, the Harley dealers put on some great entertainment, and the organizers did a fantastic job of setting the whole ride up. My hat also goes off to the Cities of Reno and Carson City. They opened their doors and made us all feel welcome. While visible, the various police departments and highway patrol let us all be. We had a great time! You know we will be back.
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