Hollister Independence Bike Rally Returns for 2025

Hollister, California, USA (January 9, 2025) - The Hollister City Council has unanimously approved the return of the Independence Bike Rally for 2025 during a special meeting on Tuesday night. Hollister’s annual downtown Independence Day motorcycle rally has drawn large crowds of bikers and spectators for the summer holiday since the city began officially sponsoring it in 1997. The rally dates back more than 70 years, starting out as an informal gathering that was more loosely organized by the Hollister biker community.

 

Formerly an annual occurrence, the last formal rally event took place in 2017. Since then, various factors including financial concerns and the Covid-19 pandemic have derailed plans to host an organized rally. Johnny's Bar and Grill owner Peter Lago spoke at the meeting speaking about how the rally would be beneficial to the city. "If you're wondering if it's just we, the people, or just business owners, it is in fact every single business in San Benito Street wants this rally back," Lago said.



Rally supporters touted the event’s proven financial boon to local businesses, and stressed the advantages of hosting such an ingrained tradition that draws visitors from far outside of Hollister. Mike Corbin, founder of the Corbin motorcycle saddles company which is based in Hollister, thanked the council for considering hosting a rally in 2025. “This is all done with a high cooperative spirit,” Corbin said of past motorcycle rallies in Hollister.

Corbin and other observers said the city shouldn’t expect large crowds for this year’s rally, largely because of the short notice in organizing and promoting the event before July 4. City Councilmember Rudy Picha voiced his support of the rally at the meeting with hopes that it can be done safely. "I'm very optimistic that it can and I can see this being a very powerful thing for our local businesses," Picha said. City Councilmember Rolan Resendiz also proposed a motion that to ask Amazon to sponsor the fireworks show due to the company having a warehouse in Hollister.

Sheriff and friends search for missing motorcyclist

Kooskia, Idaho, USA (August 14, 2024) - Zachary DeMoss was last seen riding with a group of bikers Sunday, according to the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office. He last contacted his fellow riders at Kooskia, and gave the group a head start. DeMoss’ motorcycle was last seen pulled off U.S. Highway 12 at Eagle Mountain Trailhead around 4:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the news release.

DeMoss was riding a black Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 with “ape hanger” handlebars and a large spike on the end of each handgrip. His motorcycle had black Harley saddle bags and camping gear loaded on the back.

 

Zachary DeMoss with his Motorcycle

The back left turn signal was slightly hanging off but still worked. The motorcycle had Montana license plate with the word “HOGG.” DeMoss is described as 24 years old, Caucasian, 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds. He was last seen wearing a bright white helmet with black designs on it and a bluish-grey long-sleeve under shirt with a leather vest on top of it.



When his phone is dialed, it goes straight to voicemail, and there has been no activity on his bank cards since his disappearance, according to the news release. Anyone with information about DeMoss is asked to contact the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office at (406) 258-4810 or the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 983-1100, extension 0.

Harley-Davidson reconsiders policies after backlash

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A. (August 12, 2024) - The Harley-Davidson motorcycle company is undertaking a review of its corporate policies after filmmaker and anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck accused the iconic motorcycle manufacturer of embracing the “woke agenda of the very far left” which do not align with the values of the company’s core customers.

 

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company

Sources claim that Harley-Davidson's presence at the legendary Sturgis motorcycle rally this month has been noticeably diminished, with many motorcycle enthusiasts boycotting the company’s tent and activities in protest of policies exposed by Starbuck.

“Harley-Davidson has been a proud American institution for more than 120 years. United We Ride defines how we run our business, treat our people, and underscores our commitment to freedom. As a responsible company, we are committed to evaluating our policies, strategies, and activities to ensure they are relevant to our business,” the company said in an email to employees viewed by Bloomberg.

SOURCE: Seeking Alpha

Video of Harley rider chased by state troopers

Arkansas, USA (July 1, 2024) - A chase between a man riding a Harley-Davidson cruiser and Arkansas State Police is making it's rounds on the net. In the video below, the man is not wearing a helmet or any other protection as he is chased by state troopers.

 

He squeezes through traffic which slows the troopers down a bit, but that gives him a commanding lead. Pretty soon, the motorcyclist is long gone. The troopers soon backtrack their search to where the motorcycle is parked at a private residence, but he is nowhere to found. After searching the area for awhile, the troopers leave and then finally catch up with him while he is on foot.



SOURCE: LRHNCash/YouTube