Myrtle Beach ordinances designed to drive off rallying bikers seem to be having the intended effect.

Just 75 vendors have sought permits from Horry County this year so far, down from 146 last year. Some permits are still under consideration or are being held until payment is received, but Horry County spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier told the Sun-News the county does not expect a last minute rush for late permits, which include a 50 percent markup.

The county’s Public Safety Department will not open an operations center during this year’s rally, anticipating smaller crowds than in past years.

Attendance was down significantly last year, but nobody is sure how much of the decline owes to Myrtle Beach’s ordinances and how much to the sour economy.

Several venues that have hosted vendors during past rallies had no permits listed at their addresses by Wednesday afternoon, including the former Irongate Saloon, Biker Design, Inlet Square mall, Hooters and Myrtle Beach Speedway, according to the newspaper.

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The Pilgrimage, Myrtle Beach’s final biker rally of the year, is always smaller than the two spring events, but this one was dismal according to vendors and businesses. Full Story

Ben Spies dominates race 1 at Magny-Cours, but a 4th place finish in race 2 puts him in second place in the overall points standings. 10 points behind Haga.

Sunday’s ride found me winding through the back roads of Clark County.  Traffic was light and the weather was cool, perfect for a little solo time.   Below are a couple of shots I took of a local farmers market.

While visiting the Boardwalk at Myrtle Beach I ran across a store that is everywhere.  No, not Walmart, not McDonald’s, you guessed it;  Harley Davidson!  No matter how much I try, I can’t get away from those guys! 

“Be careful!”, “I love you!”, “See you next Sunday!”, and with that, the phone was silent. Jonathan, my oldest son, is riding his motorcycle to Myrtle Beach, where he will meet up with his girlfriend and her parents. They will be spending a week enjoying the sun and surf. It’s a long trip for a young man to ride solo, but he has ridden this route with me and I have tried to teach him well.

On Sunday I spent a good portion of the day planning our trip to the Southeastern part of the United States.  Highlights will include…

• Knoxville
• Deals Gap
• Myrtle Beach Bike Week
• Charleston
• Savannah

Unlike many of my long rides, I will be riding with a group of six or seven other guys.  I normally prefer to ride solo, because as my wife tells me…  “I don’t play well with others”

Keep the rubber side down!