thedrifter
03-15-09, 08:06 AM
Bikers spring rally, Cherry Point Air show equal one big weekend
Comments 0 | Recommend 1
March 14, 2009 - 4:06 PM
By Drew C. Wilson
The sound of jet aircraft at this year's Cherry Point Air Show may be competing with the rumble of motorcycle mufflers around Havelock.
The air show, North Carolina's largest, is May 15, 16 and 17, the same weekend that the Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association has scheduled its spring rally in New Bern.
Last year the air show drew an estimated 178,000 spectators, while the motorcycle convention, billed as the New Bern Beach Rally, is expected to draw 3,000 to 4,000 bikers to the Craven County Fairgrounds on U.S. 70 between New Bern and Havelock.
The association Web site tells attendees that "New Bern is only a 30-minute motorcycle ride to the beaches."
But, that 30-minute bike ride might well be a bit longer considering the traffic backups on U.S. 70 that have historically occurred around Havelock as air show attendees head to Cherry Point.
Jimmie Allen, owner of Harley-Davidson of New Bern on U.S. 70, believes traffic will not be a hardship and that some of the bikers also plan on attending the air show.
"There's people that have been calling in that said they were going to go on Saturday," Allen said. "I'm sure there are going to be a lot of them that are going to attend the air show."
According to Allen, the association holds its annual spring rally on the same weekend every year and didn't consider the air show when settling on New Bern for its event.
"We've had this thing on that weekend for 69 years," he said. "To change the date would take away the legacy of the 69."
Allen said the estimation that 3,000 to 4,000 bikers will attend the rally is just an estimate.
"That's roughly what we think we're going to have just because of the limitations in lodging here," Allen said. "I know some of the lodges are filled up."
A survey Monday of Havelock hotel room availability for that weekend showed rooms were still available at the Days Inn, Quality Inn and the Sherwood Motel.
However, the Hampton Inn of Havelock is already booked for that weekend.
Meanwhile, preferred seating packages for the air show are now on sale.
Prices vary according to the package, but those purchasing advanced seating tickets will have discount prices compared those buying tickets on the days of the event.
To purchase tickets in advance for choice seats, call the air show at 1-888-695-0888 or go online to the air show Web site at www.cherrypointairshow.com.
For those not wishing to purchase preferred seating, air show admission and parking is free for the entire weekend.
The headline aerobatic act this year will be the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, a jet performance team.
Ellie
Comments 0 | Recommend 1
March 14, 2009 - 4:06 PM
By Drew C. Wilson
The sound of jet aircraft at this year's Cherry Point Air Show may be competing with the rumble of motorcycle mufflers around Havelock.
The air show, North Carolina's largest, is May 15, 16 and 17, the same weekend that the Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association has scheduled its spring rally in New Bern.
Last year the air show drew an estimated 178,000 spectators, while the motorcycle convention, billed as the New Bern Beach Rally, is expected to draw 3,000 to 4,000 bikers to the Craven County Fairgrounds on U.S. 70 between New Bern and Havelock.
The association Web site tells attendees that "New Bern is only a 30-minute motorcycle ride to the beaches."
But, that 30-minute bike ride might well be a bit longer considering the traffic backups on U.S. 70 that have historically occurred around Havelock as air show attendees head to Cherry Point.
Jimmie Allen, owner of Harley-Davidson of New Bern on U.S. 70, believes traffic will not be a hardship and that some of the bikers also plan on attending the air show.
"There's people that have been calling in that said they were going to go on Saturday," Allen said. "I'm sure there are going to be a lot of them that are going to attend the air show."
According to Allen, the association holds its annual spring rally on the same weekend every year and didn't consider the air show when settling on New Bern for its event.
"We've had this thing on that weekend for 69 years," he said. "To change the date would take away the legacy of the 69."
Allen said the estimation that 3,000 to 4,000 bikers will attend the rally is just an estimate.
"That's roughly what we think we're going to have just because of the limitations in lodging here," Allen said. "I know some of the lodges are filled up."
A survey Monday of Havelock hotel room availability for that weekend showed rooms were still available at the Days Inn, Quality Inn and the Sherwood Motel.
However, the Hampton Inn of Havelock is already booked for that weekend.
Meanwhile, preferred seating packages for the air show are now on sale.
Prices vary according to the package, but those purchasing advanced seating tickets will have discount prices compared those buying tickets on the days of the event.
To purchase tickets in advance for choice seats, call the air show at 1-888-695-0888 or go online to the air show Web site at www.cherrypointairshow.com.
For those not wishing to purchase preferred seating, air show admission and parking is free for the entire weekend.
The headline aerobatic act this year will be the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, a jet performance team.
Ellie