There’s nothing quite like the rumble of a thousand engines echoing along South Carolina’s Grand Strand as Myrtle Beach Bike Week rolls into town. As a motorcyclist who’s ridden through this iconic rally for years, I can tell you that the 2025 Spring Rally (May 9–18) is shaping up to be one for the books. From coastal cruises that’ll steal your breath to nights buzzing with live music and burnout pits, here’s your insider guide to the can’t-miss highlights.
1. Ride the Routes That Define Freedom
Let’s start where every biker’s heart lives: the open road. The Grand Strand’s 60-mile stretch serves up rides as diverse as the crowd it attracts. Don’t skip these:
- Ocean Boulevard Crawl: Cruise this iconic strip early to dodge crowds. The salt air, palm trees, and endless rows of bikes parked outside beachfront bars are pure rally magic. Pro tip: Stop at a seaside diner for a sunrise coffee—it’s a local tradition.
- Southern Route to Georgetown: Head south through Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. The marsh views here? Unreal. Keep going to Georgetown for a pit stop at historic plantations or waterfront shrimp shacks.
- Countryside Escape: If traffic’s thick, peel off onto backroads near Conway. Twisty lanes, pine forests, and the occasional roadside farm stand selling peaches—this is South Carolina at its laid-back best.
Last year, a group of us stumbled onto a hidden BBQ joint off Highway 701. Trust me: the best rides are the unplanned ones.
motorcycle convoy coastal sunrise road
2. Vendors, Upgrades, and “Bike Candy”
This isn’t just a rally—it’s a gearhead’s paradise. While there’s no central “vendor village,” these hotspots deliver:
- Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson: Demo the 2025 models, snag limited-edition rally merch and gawk at custom builds. Last spring, I spotted a chrome-drenched Road Glide that looked like it rolled out of a Mad Max reboot.
- The Rat Hole: Like swap meet meets block party. Vendors hawk everything from vintage leathers to LED underglow kits. Stick around for their rodeo events—it’s chaos in the best way.
- Jamin Leather: Need a new jacket? Their pop-up tents are packed with deals. Follow them on Instagram pre-rally; last year, they dropped a 24-hour flash sale on tooled leather bags.
Insider move: Hit vendors early. By Day 3, the good stuff’s picked clean.
motorcycle vendor tents custom parts display
3. Nights at the Bars That Live in Legend
When the sun dips, Murrells Inlet becomes the rally’s beating heart. Two spots dominate:
- Suck Bang Blow (SBB): Yes, the name’s a joke. No, you won’t forget it. Multiple stages, a rowdy burnout pit, and a crowd that parties till 2 AM. Get there before dusk—parking’s a bloodsport by 8 PM.
- The Beaver Bar: Their “County Line” location mixes live country bands, cold beer, and a sprawling outdoor setup. Try the “Beaver Bite” burger; it’s a rite of passage.
But don’t sleep on smaller joints like Spokes and Bones or The Bowery. Last May, I caught an impromptu blues jam at a dive bar off Kings Highway—total magic.
4. Concerts That’ll Blow Your Helmet Off
The House of Blues lineup is stacked:
- May 12: Thunderstruck (AC/DC tribute)
- May 14: Nightrain (Guns N’ Roses tribute)
- May 17: Killswitch Engage
Grab tickets early—these sell out fast. Pro tip: Skip the Uber surge by riding in, but triple-check your bike’s security.
5. Lodging Hacks
Half a million bikers = cutthroat competition for beds. Book now.
- Murrells Inlet Hotels: Ground zero for nightlife. The Compass Cove Resort offers bike-friendly parking and ocean views.
- Campgrounds: Myrtle Beach KOA is a rally staple. Their cabins are booked a year in advance, but tent spots with bike parking are worth the wait.
- Pro Move: Join the “Myrtle Beach Bike Week” Facebook group. Last year, I split a beachfront Airbnb with three strangers from the group.
6. Ride Safe, Ride Smart
Helmets aren’t mandatory for over-21s, but after seeing a buddy walk away from a 30mph spill thanks to his full-face? I’ll never ride without one.
- Watch for Cagers: Traffic’s thick, and tourists rubberneck. Assume every sedan’s out to merge into you.
- Sober = Survival: Cops will be out in force. Designate a rider or grab a shuttle.
7. Crude’s Veteran Ride: More Than Miles
On Wednesday, May 14, join 200+ riders for Crude’s 14th Annual Veteran Ride. It’s a 100-mile escorted loop ending with lunch in Conway. Free to join, open to all—just bring cash for eats. Last year’s ride raised thousands for vets. The camaraderie? Priceless.
Tips from a Rally Regular
- Parking: Hotels like Dayton House forbid trailers—read the fine print.
- Weather: Coastal mornings are chilly; layer up.
- Talk to Strangers: Compliment a build, swap route tips. That’s where the real stories live.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week isn’t just an event—it’s a vibe. A mix of throttle therapy, saltwater breezes, and nights that blur into dawn. See you on the Strand. ✊
