The term “Hog Heaven” could take on a whole new meaning in New Braunfels next May as the city will host one of Texas’ largest motorcycle rallies.
City officials recently learned that New Braunfels won its bid to host the 2008 State H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Rally, beating out the city of Waco, which had been vying to host the 2008 rally for the past two years.
As many as 5,000-6,000 Harley Davidson riders are expected to roar into town from May 1-4, 2008 for a weekend of long rides, competitions and demonstrations — Harley style.
“Get ready for a good time,” said Bryan Hedrick, site coordinator for the 2007 H.O.G. Rally in Amarillo. “Without a doubt, people will enjoy that rally.”
The event marks the first time New Braunfels will host the rally. But before city officials and motorcycle enthusiasts in the area could indulge in the thought of hosting the event, they had to persuade Harley Davidson store owners and representatives from Harley bike clubs across the state that New Braunfels would be the best destination.
To persuade voters, it took a little bit of lobbying, said Trevor Bird, general manager of the Gruene Harley Davidson store. Bird and a group of local motorcyclists, including store owner Rugger Gottsacker, led the movement to bring the rally to New Braunfels. They did it by shooting a video of New Braunfels, which included members of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce jumping into the river in full business attire saying “Vote New Braunfels.”
That video, along with maps and photos of the Hill Country, and its picturesque windy roads perfect for long motorcycles rides, Bird said, were presented to voters in Austin.
The video and accompanying materials worked — almost instantly. Bird said before officials from Waco got up and gave their presentation, people were already booking rooms at the Schlitterbahn Resort, which will be the host accommodations for the rally.
“We went up and gave just an incredible presentation,” Bird said. “New Braunfels is a prime location to be able to ride out to Luckenbach or Kerrville and come back in the same day.
The video presentation was not the only trick New Braunfels organizers had up their sleeves. To make sure the voters wouldn’t soon forget New Braunfels, the chamber also upped the ante by sending out New Braunfels Smoke House sampler packages to each of the Harley store owners in the state.
“We talked about mailing something up that we would be unique,” Bird said. “ That was definitely impactful.”
City officials are expecting a larger turnout than in previous years at the 2008 H.O.G. Rally. New Braunfels’ natural attractions, combined with its scenic roads, could bring in as many as 6,000 Harley riders, Bird said.
“With what the city has to offer, we will definitely generate a higher attendance than the past events.”
The large amount of visitors also is expected to bring in a healthy chunk of change over the weekend. In 2006, Abilene hosted the event and raked in about $1.5 million. The next year, Amarillo played host and estimates it generated about $1.6 million in direct new dollars. Both events drew about 4,000 Harley riders to each city.
New Braunfels officials did not provide the Herald-Zeitung with a dollar estimate, but if figures remain consistent, the city could bank almost $2 million in tourism dollars over the weekend.
The rally will be held on Wurstfest grounds by Landa Park and will feature vendors, motorcycle competitions, shows and field events. The rally, itself, is only open to members of the Harley Owners Group, an international motorcycle club with more than 1 million members. Non H.O.G. members can still take part in the weekend long festivities. The Gruene Harley-Davidson store also will feature live music — organizers are trying to lure Sammy Hagar — and other activities for the general public, including a Harley motorcycle parade.
“We’re really excited about having a safe rally and bringing about 6,000 people to the city,” Bird said. “Now its time to really get to work and make this event successful.”
