Bike Fest 2015 confirmed for Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi Bay will host Bike Fest 2015, the third year in a row that the celebration of all things motorcycle will return to the Sparking City by the Sea since it moved from South Padre Island in 2013.
While the American Bank Center acts as home base for the Oct. 9-11 festival, the entire Coastal Bend serves as the backdrop.  Festivities include live music, a poker run, motorcycle parades, food, beer and a variety of activities and parties.
If you’re looking for biker gear, have no fear, because with more than 500 vendors in the American Bank Center, you’ll find anything you might want — and stuff you can’t live without.
The Bike Fest draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to the area each year. Many area hotels and motels sold out for the 2014 show.
Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson owner Preston Douglass certainly gears up each year for Bike Fest. Douglass starts the three-day weekend with a Burger Bash on Thursday night. The next three days of festivities include two stages of live entertainment known as “Roar by the Shore.” While one stage features nationally known musicians, the second spotlights local bands and last year a bikini contest.
Last year, at the Harley-Davidson shop at 502 South Padre Island Dr., the first 1,000 people registered received free burgers. Other events at the shop over the weekend included a tattoo and body paint contest, live music, bikini bull riding contest and more.
"We have a pretty full place for all three days," Douglass told the Corpus Christi Business News before last year's bash. "For our local customers, the Bike Fest is a chance to have a really first-class, state-wide established rally in town that creates a lot of excitement for the whole region. For out-of-town customers, it introduces our store to other areas. We will sell a lot of collectibles and bikes while the rally is in town."
Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson sells more than motorcycles and accessories.
"We sell an experience and a lifestyle," Douglass said. "You get a sense of personal freedom riding a Harley. It's the ultimate ability to get away. It's like the cowboy from the Old West. You can jump on and take off. There's no limit to where you can go."
Harley owners live for that feel and usually personalize their bikes through accessories.
"When you get a stock Harley, it's a blank canvas," Douglass said. "You can make it your own and use it anyway you want. It's a great escape."
For those who don't know the thrill of riding a Harley, the Bike Fest is a great place to get a true sense of the excitement.