We have a fierce firestorm brewing on the Eastern Seaboard with reports of irreparable damage, twisted egos and violent temper tantrums a distinct possibility—all this part of the tragic and constantly changing odyssey collectively known as Myrtle Beach Bike Week.

It all began on January 20, when Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson made a surprising announcement. On that day the dealership made the stunning decision to move the date of Cruisin’ the Coast (that portion of the rally that they orchestrate and control each year) from May 12-20 to the beginning of the following weekend, changing it to run from May 18 through 28.

In an effort to justify the date revision, Myrtle Beach H-D event organizer, Denise Triece stated, “We are trying to incorporate Memorial Day events into the rally. The more things that we can put out and get out to the area will help our economy.”

This left a number of other biker venues in a lurch since they had already booked vendors at their sites on the original “carved in stone” date. In addition, the date change now overlaps the nearby Atlantic Beach Bikefest (a 3-day, sport bike oriented event), with both ending over the Memorial Day Weekend. (more…)