Tunica National Bikers Roundup...

[Dux Be Us]

I had NO IDEA so many black folks rode motorcycles. DO NOT...I repeat...DO NOT go near casinos this weekend unless you want ta see a BUTTLOAD of killer bikes. Traffic is grid lock. SEVERAL bikers have been airlifted after crashing already. WATCH OUT for bikers in this area all weekend...people are crazy man

[davidees]

This ain't no lie...it's straight up OUT OF CONTROL up here

[Dux Be Us]

At least four accidents involving at least six bikers have marred the 36th annual National Bikers Roundup in Tunica, where thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts have gathered for the weekend to showcase their bikes and celebrate their lifestyles.

Four bikers were injured Friday night in an accident involving an SUV near the intersection of U.S. 61 and Mississippi 4, said Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman Joey Miller. Three of the bikers were airlifted to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis, and the fourth was taken by ambulance to Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto. Their conditions were unknown late Friday evening.

A woman biker was injured in another accident Friday evening on Mississippi 713 near I-69. Authorities didn’t say where she was taken or in what condition.

In a third accident Friday evening, a single biker was injured in an accident on I-55 near the Tate and Panola county lines. That biker’s condition also was unknown late Friday.

Early Thursday morning, a biker was critically injured in a hit-and-run on U.S. 61 just north of the Arena, Miller said. No has been charged.

The identities of the six bikers have not been released.

“We are asking everyone to be safe,” said Tunica County Sheriff K.C. Hamp.

The roundup, which is one of the largest camping motorcycle rallies in the country, rolled into Tunica Wednesday and rolls out Sunday. It is expected to bring 15,000 to 30,000 bikers and bike lovers to the Mid-South.

“I am just so proud of the fact that this rally is being held in Mississippi because it is close to home this year,” said Ardell Blanchard, who traveled nearly six hours from Wiggins, Miss., near Hattiesburg, with members of his Toros Motorcycle Club.

The event, being held on the grounds of the Paul Battle Arena and Exposition Center in Tunica, is hosted in a different state each year. The Greenwood Mississippi Roundup Committee won the hosting duties for this year’s event after they lobbied for it at last year’s roundup in Ennis, Texas. The roundup continues Saturday with a charitable food drive that supports the Odessa Grant Food Pantry in Tunica. There will also be Harley-Davidson Demo rides, a motorcycle rodeo, and a concert featuring R&B singer Avant featuring KeKe Wyatt.

Admission to the roundup is $30 for the general public and $20 for motorcyclists who show their club colors.

Billy Walker, chairman of the roundup, estimated that the bikers will pump $13 million into the local economy as they stay at area hotels, eat at local restaurants, and buy gas and food.

There’s more to the roundup than showcasing motorcycles of every make and model.

“This is one big family reunion,” said Walker, from Kansas City, Mo., the city where the roundup began in 1977. “We welcome everyone. We are not concerned with what you are riding and as long as you ride.”

That was evident as Honda Gold Wings, Vespa scooters, and even a 1933 Willis Jeep pickup truck were parked and displayed outside the Tunica Expo. The grounds were lined with camp sites, RV’s and tents. The smell of ribs and barbecue chicken enticed visitors as they walked past the oversized smokers that were the centerpieces of some campsites. About half of the rally attendants sleep at campsites.

Officials with the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau confirmed that all 6,000 hotel rooms at the casinos are booked for the weekend.

Law enforcement officers have a command post on the Arena site and additional patrols throughout the Tunica area to help with the extra traffic.

Safety was top of mind for Vanessa Hurse, a member of the Synful Lady Rydaz, an all-female motorcycle club.

Stitched on her leather vest in bold red letters was a message to the vehicles that she and the other bikers are sharing the road with this weekend: “Stay in your lane.”

Hurse, also known by her biker name “Bodacious”, was touring the grounds of the rally where vendors hawked everything from embroidered jackets to homemade sausage. This was her club’s fifth year attending the roundup.

“The fun of the roundup is getting to meet so many different people,” said Hurse, of St. Louis. “I hope Missouri gets to host it in 2015.”

[Northbigmuddy]

I'm surprised that there have only been a handful of accidents. One of the groups I came across in Southaven just acted like they owned the road. The group of 5 cut me off one after the other...no turn signal, no hand sign, no look, just smooth pulled in front of me. All I could see of the last one was his helmet he cut so close to my truck and that was at 30MPH. Ridiculous. We all exchanged the bird afterwards.

As a side note the irony of the ape hanger style handle bars is quite fitting.

[Trip]

Tunica is definitely a little darker this weekend. My in-laws that live in tunica drove up here just to get away from em.

[MemphisStockBroker]

is this an event just for the brothers that ride bikes, or are there some creepy booty crackers in the mix also ?

[Trip]

Primarily not for whitey...

[MSDawg870]

Thinkin bout goin to riverbend this evenin just to see the spectacle.

Think I'll leave my Riley Cooper jersey at home.

[tombstone]

was up there last night for a softball game and knew they would be there. I saw two motor bikes on the back of a flat bed wrecker that look liked something off of a comedy movie. I swear they were balled and crumpled up. Probably gonna head back that way again for another game shortly, but the wife needs to hop up to the mall and that will put me going through the heart of it. On top of ninjas on bikes, those morons travle 100mph every where they go.

[ms_deer_hunter]

delete

[Dux Be Us]

[khound22]

I've never seen so many monkeys on motorcycles, and a lot of um have a big fat white UUUUGLY ho on the back...
They say you aint never lived till you've been a nagger on sat-dee night..!!

[Northbigmuddy]

[MemphisStockBroker]

there were several groups cruizing downtown memphis tonite. and a couple of white gurls riding on the back.... i dont get it.

[Bamawebfoot]

We went over to check on our fields and did not know about the round-up. The club house's air was not working and we got the last room at the Quality Inn last night. Did not know so many black folks rode motorcycles.