Lone Star Bike Rally Descends Upon Galveston For 24th Year

As they have every year since 2001, the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally once again comes to Galveston starting today through Sunday. The event is set to bring thousands of visitors to the island, and hundreds of millions in economic impact to the island.

Most of the event will be held downtown and along Seawall Boulevard. In total, the event is expected to bring around $100 million in economic impact.

City manager Brian Maxwell says this event is big not just for the visitors, but because Galveston does not have to foot any of the bill.

"There is absolutely no expense to the city...the promoter covers all the costs," he says. "We get the benefit of the visitors without any of the expense, so from that standpoint, it is a really good event."

There will be plenty of events for not just the bikers, but for everyone. There will be things like a tattoo contest, rodeo games, a drive-in car show, and the rally parade.

If you are planning to head down there for the event, you might need to pack some patience along the way. Streets will be closed in downtown, as well as portions of Seawall Boulevard. But it is setting up, as it usually is, to be a fun event.

"It has not been a big as it has in past years...we expect about 300,000 motorcycles here on the islands, around downtown and the seawall...it is always a very friendly group and is very friendly for our businesses in Galveston...we typically do not have a lot of problems," says Maxwell.

But with any big event comes the concern for public safety. Galveston has had issues in the past with Jeep Weekend on the island which has led to big problems.

But as Maxwell says, this even is typically very friendly and fun for people. But that does not mean they are not prepared for anything.

"Galveston Police has staffed up and brought in additional law enforcement form other agencies to help us out this weekend," Maxwell says. "The Lone Star Rally has historically been a very safe event."

Maxwell adds that in addition to patience, you need to be cautious of your surroundings when driving on the island. Motorcycles will be all over the place, and staying aware can protect both you and the bikers.

The Lone Star Rally kicks off Friday evening and runs through Sunday afternoon.