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News article - Austin Prepares for Biker Rally

from - The Daily Texas online

Austin prepares for biker rally
By Mark Muecke

Get ready Austin -
more than 40,000 motorcycle riders will roar into town over the weekend.
The Republic of Texas Biker Rally will be held Thursday through Sunday at the Travis County Exposition Center, bringing an estimated $34 million to Austin's economy, according to an Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau news release.
The four-day event will feature live music from more than 20 bands, bike shows, a stunt show and even helicopter rides for $30, according to the rally's Web site. A new event at this year's rally is Tejano Thunder, a live concert Sunday night at the Expo Center featuring Latin musicians. There will be a motorcycle parade on Congress Avenue Friday night followed by live music.
It will also award a custom-built motorcycle to an active U.S. soldier to honor their service. Jerry Covington, a well-known motorcycle builder, will construct the chopper on a stage at the Expo Center over the course of three days while being recorded on video.
Event organizers are warning people to be careful driving with the additional vehicles on the road.
"Each year we invest in safety throughout the event. We ask people to just take it a little slower this year," said Denise Garcia, spokeswoman for the rally in a phone interview.
During the 2004 event, motorcycle wrecks killed four people and seriously injured at least seven others, according to a June 2005 Austin-American Statesman article. On the weekend of the 2005 rally, five motorcyclists in Central Texas died, and at least one was on their way to the event, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
Austin Police Department spokeswoman Laura Albrecht said that while there may have been more motorcycle fatalities in the surrounding area during the last two years, there was not a significant spike in fatalities in Austin during that time period.
"We realize there will be many more motorists on the road this weekend, and we want to remind visitors and residents to be aware of road conditions and that the roads may be a little more crowded," said Albrecht. "We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend."


http://www.dailytexanonline.com/