It all started over 27 years ago, when some crazy bikers wanted to try their luck at the card tables, and just like back in the Wild West, the draw of easy cash is what got the riders in town. The only difference today is that now they ride motorcycles, not horses. The Laughlin, NV River Run is billed as the "West Coast's Largest Motorcycle Event," and it seems to be getting bigger each year. This year, the rally was held from April 25-29, and by the weekend over 30,000 bikers had rolled into town to dance with Lady Luck. Some came up and some left broke, but that is the gamble. The good thing is, if gambling is not your deal, there are plenty of things to do, like taking a swim in the Colorado River or riding out to one of the oldest ghost towns in the county, Oatman, AZ, featuring re-enacted gun fights, on historic Route 66. The ride is about 70 miles round trip from downtown Laughlin. Just try to head out early; it is a small ghost town and fills up with bikes and bikers fast.
The Grand Canyon South Rim is about four hours away, and the London Bridge in Lake Havasu is about an hour and a half south.
There were over 700 different vendors and bike builders in the parking lots of every hotel in town and parking lots across the river, so there was plenty of things to do and see with the sun up, and as soon as the sun set there were just as many things to do at night. At one end of the strip there were clubs and bars with small shows, and then the new Aquarius (remodeled Flamingo) had ZZ Top headlining. It was a great show; the one thing we can say about ZZ Top is they sound as good today as they did 20 years ago. Laughlin River Run includes some of the best custom motorcycle builders, vendors, and manufacturers, so come down for a good time good weather and good-looking women. Check out the web site www.laughlinriverrun.com for all the info for next year.