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2007 Black Bike Week: A New Beginning with the Same Roots
Our Urban Bike Tour kicked off with the historical and controversial Black Bike Week (BBW) in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Historical in the sense this event is now in its 27th year. Controversial because of the large concentration of black bikers that swarm into to this quiet southern vacation get-away, and of course one of the main attractions – the bikini-clad bike passengers.
 As usual this year you could find the bikes, rides and the ladies. But what made BBW 2007 different from previous years was the increased presence of personalities such as Jason Briton of the NO LIMIT stunt team and SPEED’s “Super Bikes”, entertainers and rappers like Cassidy, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and funny-man Clifton Powell aka “Pinky” from the movie “Friday After Next.” Even the big man himself, Shaquille O’Neal, was drawn to this mass congregation of bikers.
These elements have been seen in Myrtle before, but one element noticeably missing in previous years was the bike manufacturers. That is until now. For example, Harley-Davidson (yes, Harley-Davidson) stepped onto the scene with more than 35 demo bikes available to ride, basketball hoops, pool tables, a touring museum, a bike wash, a stunt show by Team X-Treem riders Todd Colbert and Adam Chumita and to set it off a performance by Yung Joc. Redline Powersports of Myrtle Beach also played their part by bringing in other manufacturers, vendors, music, stunters, and a custom bike show. Why the wakeup call after so many years? For one, this year’s event was more organized and provided bikers additional places to go according to Yamaha’s Sales Promotion Manager Kim Knupp. Suzuki’s Dan Williams noted the high volume of their bikes represented and was pleasantly surprised by the turn out and expects to see more growth from their continued support during BBW. Suzuki reps were even approached and thanked for their involvement.
 Manufacturers can no longer deny the 250+ thousand bikers that attend this event if they want to increase their market share in this segment which now goes beyond the black audience as BBW continues to attract more riders of all ethnic backgrounds. This can only mean BBW will continue to grow as one of the largest bike events in the country. Simply put, there is no other event or gathering of this magnitude for this demographic where you can find every manufacturer represented in the form of stock bikes and the ultra custom bikes by the likes of Roaring Toys, Deathrow Choppers, Paul Boyd, and CSC. You name it and it can be found at BBW.
Of course we had to do things the Automotive Rhythms way by showing up in a steel grey 2007 BMW M6 convertible and matching Yamaha R1 with our Shell V-Power gas card promotion and Meguiars’ car care products giveaway. And what better place to kick off this promotion than being surrounded by a sea of glistening high performance custom sport bikes that require a fuel such as Shell V-Power. Make no mistake about it; with gas prices rising and thousands of thirsty bikes cruising the strips, our gift gas card giveaway was a hit.
To all the clubs below and those we missed connecting with, thanks for showing the love and stay tuned for our ARtvLive coverage of BBW as only we can bring it to you!
| LoonaChix |
Ruff Ryders |
Double Lyte Posse |
| Black Tigers |
Krupt Mob |
Uptown Ryders |
| S.W.A.T. |
95 South Ryderz |
Rowdy Ryders |
| Freeway Fanatics |
All Stars |
Flaming Knights |
| #1Stunnas |
Blast Squad |
No Limit Divas |
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