The Benton County Daily Record reports that Star Touring & Riding, the official riding group sanctioned by Yamaha's Star Motorcycle line, was paid $15,000 to hold their 2008 rally in Rogers, Arkansas.

The town is so desperate to become a tourist mecca for bikers that it's willing to give out incentive money.

$7,500 came from the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, while another $7,500 was paid by Bentonville Advertising and Promotion Commission.

According to the newspaper, Star Touring expects to bring about 1,600 riders with them, and this is translating into big dollars...

The group is expected to attract 1,600 Yamaha riders to town. Using the bureau's $200-per-day multiplier, spending from attendees could generate a $ 1.6 million economic impact, executive director Tom Galyon said.

Labels: Arkansas Motorcycle Rallies, Star Touring Riding

Northwest Arkansas Times is reporting that the Discovery Channel will broadcast a show featuring Bikes, Blues, BBQ on February 22.

Bikes, Blues, and BBQ is one of the largest motorycle rallies in the United States, and takes place in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Those who can't attend the event can watch it on the Discovery Channel. However, the show will actually focus on last year's rally, featuring primarily the Biker Build-Off.

Either way, it sounds like it should be good for the folks in Fayetteville, and gives the motorcycle industry another opportunity to promote itself.

Labels: Arkansas Motorcycle Rallies, Bikes Blues BBQ