Get your motor running, people: it's that time of year again.
Yup, rally season is upon us. Americade kicked it all off in upstate New York, just ahead of Laconia which is just about to officially open (Laconia Motorcycle Week runs June 14-22) place last week. Right on its heels will be the Hoot - Honda's long-running, southern-fried motorcycling celebration. The official release follows:
More than 16,000 motorcycle enthusiasts will blow out the candles this June 18-21 at Chilhowee Park as the Honda Hoot celebrates its 15th birthday in Knoxville. 2008 marks the eighth consecutive year that Knoxville has hosted the Hoot, one of the largest organized multi-brand motorcycle rallies in the nation.
Over the years, the Honda Hoot has become a motorcycle owner's annual reunion. Event attendees meet thousands of people from around the country who share the same common bond and enjoy the variety of activities and events - from self guided rides through the serene Knoxville outdoors to demonstration rides that offer exclusive opportunities to experience dozens of brand new bikes. The Honda Hoot has become so prestigious that the Southeast Tourism Society named the event a "Top 20 Event" in the Southeast for the month of June 2008.
Honda Hoot features planned rides every day for all registered attendees. Familiar rides include tours to Cumberland Gap and the "Cherohala Skyway Ride" that climbs over a mile high and snakes through the legendary Deals Gap. New in 2008, the "Bikes and Boats at the Lake" ride will allow attendees to visit Lenoir City for water activities and lunch and the "Capes and Cavern Ride" will provide a day of exploring caves for attendees.
In addition to planned rides, an expansive vendor show will feature more than 200 vendors at Chilhowee Park, the event headquarters. Hoot attendees may also visit local attractions such as the Knoxville Zoo, the Star of Knoxville Riverboat and Cotton Eyed Joe.
Several night parties are planned for event attendees to enjoy after a long day of riding. On Tuesday, June 17, a Honda Hoot welcome party will take place at the Marriott Hotel from 4-9 p.m. On Thursday, June 19 from 6-10 p.m., "Bike Night" at World's Fair Park returns as bikes will encircle the Festival Lawn inside the park and attendees will enjoy a metric motorcycle show, live music, fireworks, games and food and beverages. On Friday, June 20 from 6-10 p.m., the City of Knoxville will sponsor the "Ships-a-Hoot" night party, when Volunteer Landing will be turned into a cruise ship. The "Fire in the Sky" fireworks will close out the night at 9:50 p.m.
The grand finale to this memorable annual reunion is the musician on Saturday night - Wynonna Judd will perform at a special private concert for Hoot attendees at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum as part of the closing ceremonies.
"We couldn't be happier to celebrate the Hoot's 15th anniversary with Honda. Knoxville truly looks forward to the Hoot every year and are excited that this event has become a Knoxville tradition," said Gloria Ray, KTSC President and CEO.The 2008 Honda Hoot economic impact is projected to be $23.1 million for the Knoxville/Knox County area.
Honda Hoot general activities begin daily, rain or shine, at Knoxville's Chilhowee Park at 9 a.m. Daily passes are $15 and include a one-day pass to the vendor expo, demo rides and access to other activities within the park.