Biketoberfest rides into Cave Creek

Originally Published on AZ Central

Biker-friendly Cave Creek can expect to see its population almost double during this weekend’s Biketoberfest.

This year’s three-day revelry of custom bike vendors, live music and biker-oriented games features a new venue that includes a restaurant; a motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel store; and a biker museum. Among the museum attractions at Hideaway’s Roadhouse are vintage bikes hung from the ceiling.

The grand opening of Hideaway’s  Roadhouse coincides with Biketoberfest, happening from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. ​ Hideaway’s Roadhouse, formerly the Cave Creek Tap Haus, will host non-stop events in tandem with the Hideaway Bar and Grill, its neighboring sister bar. Both are owned by Mark Bradshaw, who started  the biker gathering when the Hideaway opened 17 years ago.

It wasn’t called Biketoberfest until recently. It was just called a good time for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts for the first decade and a half. Over time, the choices about live music, vendors and games have evolved so Bradshaw doesn’t have to exert much effort.

“One thing led to another thing, which led to another thing,” Bradshaw said. “I don’t have to plan anything really. And bikers are such a loyal group. They show up.”

Bradshaw gives priority to Arizona vendors for custom bikes and assures that among the weekend’s festivities the “slow race”  will continue. To win, a biker must ride the slowest while keeping his bike upright.

The scenic, unspoiled desert in Cave Creek has long drawn bikers from around the state, but Bradshaw says he expects bikers from as far as Canada and Germany. About 2,000 bikers journey to the town on a typical weekend. Bike Week in March, which is five days of concentrated celebrations, attracts up to 20,000 motorcycles. This weekend’s Biketoberfest will draw somewhere in between those two numbers, doubling the town’s 5,000 population.

The town tolerates the roar of bikes well, though some residents have complained of traffic delays during Bike Week because of road restrictions.

Cave Creek Councilman Ernie Bunch said the biker events benefit a town that relies on sales tax dollars spent in its bars and restaurants.

“I think we get a bump up when those folks come through. It’s a nice ride to a town with a welcoming atmosphere,” Bunch said. “There’s always going to be some emotions involved when that many bikes show up. But it’s a neat community and 90 percent of the people are in favor of it.”

Biketoberfest 

What: Charity rides, lives music, vendors and giveaways, custom-bike builder events.

When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, to Sunday, Oct. 18.

Where: Hideaway Bar and Grill,6746 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek and Hideaway’s Roadhouse, 6900 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek.

Details: www.hideaway-usa.com or 480-595-0358, or Hideaway’s Roadhouse at www.hideawayroadhouse.com or 480-488-3300.

Original Article: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2015/10/15/biktoberfest-rides-into-cave-creek/73820422/