Dec 31st, 1969 through Dec 31st, 1969
The City of Hollister, once again, has canceled the 2009 Hollister Rally, citing problems with funding. Unlike Myrtle Beach though, officially they are not saying that bikers are unwelcome, just that the rally will not be held. I would suggest another rally in the area, the Gypsy Tour, which has been held annually since 1937 in Bolado Park, Hollister, CA between July 3rd and July 5th.
On the Fourth of July weekend in 1947, 2000 motorcycles (approximately 4000 people) came to celebrate in Hollister, California, causing quite a commotion in the small town. This event was immortalized to most of us by Marlon Brando's movie, The Wild One. Read more, from a transcribed news report, about the 1947 Havoc in Hollister. While most of the news accounts of those days were determined not completely true, Hollister has continued to attract motorcycle enthusiasts from that infamous start.
50 years later, in 1997, the Hollister Independence Rally Committee organized its first event. For the first 3 years, some of the businesses boarded up their windows during the rally weekend, but they all soon came around. Hollister Independence Rally Committee lost their contract for the event November 21, 2005, reportedly based on unpaid debts to the City of Hollister. On February 7th, 2006 the 2006 Hollister Independence Rally was officially canceled. But that did not deter thousands of bikers from travelling to Hollister anyway.
After seeing that the rally would not stop happening, even with the cancelation, the City of Hollister invited Horsepower Promotions to organize the 2007 and future events. Horsepower Promotions promises to change the event so that not only will the bikers attending have a better experience, but the City of Hollister, and the local businesses, will look forward to each new year.
Typical Events at Hollister Independence Rally
Hollister Independence Rally includes numerous events every year. Some of the best custom motorcycle builders, vendors, and manufacturers attend. A partial list of events is provided here, but I highly recommend going to the official website, listed below, to get a detailed listing as well as a schedule.
- Custom bike show
- Live music with two stages
- Vendors - for about anything a biker would want
- Manufacturer displays
While at Hollister Independence Rally, don't miss these nearby attractions
Many people spend their entire vacation enjoying the events and comradery offered during Hollister Independence Rally. But, if you want to just get away from the hustle and bustle that is Hollister during the rally, here is a short list of some of some of the attractions nearby:
- Tour the Winchester Mystery House, a 160 room mansion with many oddities that was designed and built by the Winchester Rifle heiress, Sarah. Approximately an hour north.
- Big Sur is only about an hour and a half south west.
- Pinnacles National Monument, an ancient volcano with acres of canyons, monolyths, and spires to explore, is only 30 miles south.
Hollister Independence Rally Official Website (for further information)
Motels and Camping Near Hollister Independence Rally
Motorcycle related laws to know while attending
One of the common complaints when returning from a major motorcycle rally is about the law being rampant, and giving tickets out for every minor infraction. While we cannot stop all tickets from being given, some of those tickets are due to you, the attendee, not being aware of some of the standard laws in the state. Below are some of the most common laws for . Be aware, though, that many rally locations have recently passed local ordinances that may be more strict than the state law. For example, a new noise ordinance was passed in Myrtle Beach just in time for the 2005 Fall Rally. I make every effort to keep this information up to date, but you may want to research them more just prior to going to an event, just in case they have changed.
| Helmet Usage | |
| Eye Protection | |
| Daylight headlights | |
| Passenger Seat | |
| Passenger footrests | |
| Mirrors | |
| Turn Signals | |
| Mufflers | |
| Max Noise Level | |
| Handlebar Height | |
| Riding two abreast |