‘American Heat’ might still be sizzling
“The American Heat Biker Weekend” in Palm Springs was scheduled for this coming weekend, but was canceled in July when the main sponsor pulled out.
But that hasn’t stopped some motorcycle riders from saddling up and coming to town.
Back in July the event, which brought about 20,000 people to the valley, was canceled when the main sponsor, PS Resorts, pulled out of the event.
The group sighted safety concerns after a shooting between rival biker gangs in Waco, Texas in May, which left 9 nine people dead.
“I’m very disappointed that it is not coming on to the street, there was an ambiance, there was excitement, the people were super nice it brought lots of business at least to me and I’m sure the restaurants and some of the other stores also,” said Marianne Hunzinger, owner of Marianne of Palm Springs.
Business owners we talked to say the cancellation of the event isn’t stopping some motorcycle riders from rolling into town.
“We are getting some people that we get every year for it, we have a few people that came in last night and today. I’m sure several thousand that will show up. They have their holidays planned from last year, they have booked hotels, it’s a regular routine for them no matter what,” said Greg LaRiviere, owner of Palm Canyon Roadhouse, a popular restaurant for motorcycle riders.
We caught up with Brian and Christeen Hanson at Village Fest. They ride motorcycles and came all the way from Carson City, Nevada to enjoy Palm Springs.
“I just think it’s wrong, it’s always done like this, for like a very small percentage, it doesn’t matter if they are bikers or it’s a Boy Scouts, something can go wrong,” said Brian Hanson.
“It’s so California to be worried about something that happened so far away, and that’s why we left California, we are so tired of their little attitudes about that,” said Christeen Hanson.
KESQ talked with the Palm Springs Police Department and they told me they do not expect any biker gangs to come into town this weekend, but with all the events already planned for Saturday and Sunday, they will be fully staffed and ready for a lot of people.
Now business owners are hoping next year the “American Heat Biker Weekend” will be back on. Whether it’s in Palm Springs, or somewhere else.
“There are several irons in the fire. No one is ruled out yet, no town is ruled out yet, but nothing is locked up either,” said LaRiviere.
DO YOU THINK THEY SHOULD BRING BACK THE AMERICAN HEAT BIKER WEEKEND NEXT YEAR? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR TELL JOE GALLI OF FACEBOOK OR TWITTER!
