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Roar on the Shore, Erie PA Benefit Rally Doubles in 2008 - Rally Report

ERIE, PA - Roar on the Shore is a rapidly growing rally in mid-July at Pennsylvania's largest city, on the shores of the beautiful 10,000 square mile Lake Erie. 

Attendance doubled to an estimated 50,000 for the 2nd Annual Roar on the Shore, July 17 to 20, in and around Erie's Perry Square Park.

Dee Snider of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister and Ami James, TV host and co-owner of Miami Ink, led the big 'Bringin' in the Roar' parade of 4,000 motorcycles from Presque Isle Downs & Casino 10 miles through the streets of Erie to Perry Square on Thursday night.

The roar could definitely be heard from miles around.It was fascinating and it was exceptional.The parade route was lined with city residents waving and greeting the bikers as they entered their great city.

All proceeds from this event go to the Shriner Hospitals for Children to assist in providing much needed medical care to children at no charge.

The rally featured some great rides -- One was a poker run tour of several local wineries, where everyone got to sample some of the most popular offerings.Many of the ride participants raved about this trip.They said the winery owners were exceptionally friendly and well prepared for the crowds of bikers.In addition to the wine tasting they offered snacks and great sales.

There was also a beautiful ride around Presque Isle State Park led by City Mayor Joe Sinnot.

Free bands at Perry Square started early and played late.

The lineup included Rick McGee and the Roadhouse Rockers (biker band); the Earthquakers (Rock & Roll); the Nighthawks (Rock and Blues); Norm Nardini (Pittsburgh Rock & Roll artist); Felix and the Hurricanes (Rock & Blues);Kellie Lynn (Country-Pop, Rockabilly); Matty B. and the Dirty Pickles (high energy 50's music); The Mans Room (a fabulous local band); and the Orange County Choppers Band.

New York's heavy metal powerhouse, Blue Oyster Cult Band headlined Saturday night at the Liberty Park Ampitheatre. There was a small entry fee, but sooooo worth it!

Rhett Rotten did several heart racing "Wall of Death" shows every day during the rally. There was also an extreme stunt bike show and the 'Miss Roar on the Shore' contest.

Leisure Time Power Sports was loaning brightly colored Mohawk helmets to demo riders for a test run of the new three-wheeled Spyder that has two wheels in the front.

Other vendors included Leon Leather, Yukon Jack's Leather, All Out War Cycles, Drag Specialties, Doby's Body Art Tattooing, the local Harley dealer, Orange County Choppers and, of course, Wyked Illuzionz LED lighting.

I can really see this evolving into a premier bike event. I would highly recommend that you come to this event next year (July 16, 17, 18 & 19.)

I also couldn't help but notice some really good deals on charter boat fishing. So you might want to come early or plan to stay a few days after the rally.

The Manufacturer & Business Association that promoted the event, the city and the local residents were all terrific. They made sure everyone was safe, had a good time, and left vowing to return. Details at the official website - Roar On The Shore.com.

Thanks for a great time Erie, but then I would expect nothing less from a city that has a biker for a Mayor! See ya next year!

Contributing editor, Carol Silverman is co-owner of Wyked Illuzionz, an LED motorcycle lighting specialty company that attends major and regional motorcycle events in an effort to educate motorcyclists on the safety benefits of light-emitting diodes and the importance of professional installation of quality products.