Kentucky, the Bluegrass state, is known for its beautiful rolling hills and picturesque scenery, making it a prime destination for motorcycle events. Whether you're looking to ride for a cause or ride for pleasure or prizes, there are several opportunities available. Motorcycle shows offer events such as the "loudest pipes contest" and "burnout contest," which draw large groups of spectators.
At the end of the winter, usually in March of each year, "Kickstand's Annual Polar Bear Run" takes place in Burgin. This pleasure ride kicks off spring where the route and distance varies each year depending on the number of riders and weather conditions. The ride is guaranteed to show off the area's sights including the Kentucky River, Lake Herrington and countryside. After the event, riders are welcomed back to Kickstands to thaw out with a bowl of hot chili and warm drinks.
The Kickstand
500 East Main Street
Burgin, KY 40310
859-748-0500
thekickstandllc.com
Many churches host rides and events throughout the state. One such event is the "Ride for Our Troops" motorcycle ride and rally hosted by the Man-O-War Church of God in Lexington. The ride is celebrated its third year in 2010 and covered 70 miles of horse country. It's been held in late July or early August each year and benefits the area's homeless veterans. Participants are offered refreshments at several stops along the route and then gather after the ride for games, door prizes, and lunch.
Man-O-War Church of God
1501 Trent Boulevard
Lexington, KY 40508
859-230-8128
manowarcog.org/ride
The Little Sturgis Rally and Races is one of the largest annual events held in Kentucky and is held every July at the Union County Fairgrounds in Sturgis. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, Union County Fairgrounds, and Kiwanis Club, the week-long event has something for all motorcycle lovers. Guests are welcome to camp on the grounds, but R.V.'s are not permitted. A "blessing of the bikes" kicks off the rally followed by dirt drags, a bike show with prizes for best in class, trikes, antique motorcycle and best touring motorcycle. A poker run, indoor events and live music also are scheduled each year. Vendors and concessions are set up throughout the grounds offering an array of foods, souvenirs and motorcycle accessories.
Little Sturgis Rally and Races for Charity
P.O. Box 208
Sturgis, KY 42459
270-333-9316
littlesturgisrally.net
The "Hello World" ride runs from the Harley Davidson store in Pikeville to the Harley Davidson store in Lexington. The ride takes about four hours and is 150 miles long. A parade of sorts is formed at the Harley Davidson store in Lexington and proceeds to the Shriner's Hospital for Children several miles away. The event is sponsored by Hillbilly Christmas in July, a non-profit group in Pikeville that sponsors various toy drives and motorcycle events throughout the year to benefit Shriner's Hospital for Children in Lexington. The "Hello World" ride is the annual ride that delivers the toys collected from their toy drive to Lexington for the Shriner's Hospital for Children.
Hillbilly Christmas In July, Inc.
P.O. Box 4333
Pikeville, KY 41501
606-433-5807
hillbillychristmasinjuly.org
