Initial observations from this year’s Rocky Point Rally seem to point to an equal or higher number of bikers over last year, and very generous participants who have stopped to pay the registration donation and get the official Rally pin in return. Among those volunteering for this year’s event, there was general agreement that Thursday (11/10) definitely saw more people coming into town than on previous occasions, though in the end we will all be eager to hear the official reports regarding numbers of riders and bikes to see if this is true.
It’s worth noting rally goers are not the only ones in town, as seen on the beach at Playa Bonita where a wedding was taking place near sunset just off the patio full of leather-clad bikers, and just before a rock group began to play out in the parking lot.
The party is just starting, but here’s a quick rundown: Thursday night activities kicked off under a full moon peaking through faint clouds over The Hideaway Cantina just across from event sponsor SeaSide Reservations. There, the local music group ROJO sang out popular rock tunes as bikes rolled into the cantina or parked just outside. Around town, local bars and clubs warmly welcomed riders back to this Rally spot by the Sea. Friday morning began with a group of about 20 or so bikes headed out on a guided tour to the Gulf of Santa Clara (El Golfo) from the Barclin Circle K/Pemex along the Peñasco-Sonoyta highway. After returning, one rider remarked, “It was a nice 80 mile trip, I just didn’t realize it was 80 miles each way.” He went on to state though that the road was clear and in good condition! 
Back in town, down by the Mirador the party continued with the Miss Rocky Point Rally pageant held at Pinky’s Dive Bar (pictures to come soon in our gallery section, though these may call for some extra “family friendly” editing). Over to the Old Port and Malecón, roadwork proved to be no challenge to making sure the fiestas went on in this popular part of the city. Saturday, 11/12, is when the malecón will surely come alive with bikes cruising by the fish market and plenty of locals out to watch.
Registration continued all day on Friday, along the highway and also over at Playa Bonita Hotel. If you didn’t get a chance to register, you can pick up a pin on Saturday in the malecón. If you’re looking, the official 11th Annual Rally T-shirts are available at Playa Bonita, where you can also pick up shirts and pins from rallies past. As the day turned into evening, bands struck up all over town, with a rock band belting out tunes on a stage set up in the Playa Bonita parking lot and other local bands filling popular hang-outs up and down the malecón and other spots along the beach. The Calle 13 Poker “run” walking dice tour was also set for Friday night, ending up poolside by Peñasco del Sol Hotel. Plus, this year there is a STAMPede going on, with people picking up stamps from local places on the map given out with the registration packet (these flew out the door!).
Saturday events:
10 a.m. Bike Show @ Old Port
10 a.m. Bike Wash by Peñasco Fire Department, look for the Tecate girls too
12 p.m. Pirate Boat tour for first 100 people with rally registration wristbands
1 p.m. Wet T-shirt contest @ Pinky’s Dive Bar in Mirador
3 – 4 p.m. Lining up for the popular local bike parade….line up by Winner’s Point (Black Dog) on Blvd. Fremont
4 p.m. Parade starts…. winding around town and ending up at Chango’s Bar in Sandy Beach area
**Before 6 p.m. Turn in STAMPede entries either at Chango’s or Latitude 31**
7 p.m. Fiesta & Beach Party @ Playa Bonita Hotel (this is where all the winners of the Poker Runs and STAMPede will be announced – gotta be there to win!)
Rest of the night…the party goes on all over town!
Sunday: Adios Amigos…..you’ll be back!