SPI Biker Rally expected to draw thousands

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — It’s going to get loud next weekend and not even red tide is going to stop this big group of bikers.

They’ll be cruising from all around Texas and northern Mexico to participate in the second annual SPI Biker Rally.

Organizers said they are working hard to make the event an anchor for the off season annually.

The rally is expected to draw thousands of people to the Island.

“The bikers want to be on the beach, they want to walk on the sand and hear the water,” said Alex Hinojosa, SPI Bike Rally coordinator. “That’s why they come to the beach; they don’t want to be inside.”

Last year 3,000 people attended the rally. It was held at the convention center.

This year’s event will be held on the north parking lot at Isla Blanca Park.

Hinojosa is calling the event an adult spring break where people can let loose, hang out, have some cold beer, great food and see tremendous entertainment.

He said red tide affected the rally last year, but he does not anticipate it making a difference this year.

“The red tide is not like last year at all,” Hinojosa said. “I was on the island on Saturday and I couldn’t feel the difference.”

All the proceeds go to the Hino Electric Scholarship fund.

“We are trying to raise money for the Rio Grande Valley Stock show,” Hinojosa said.

Hinojosa expects a bigger turnout of bikers at the rally this year.

“Last year we had 40 bikes enter the bike show,” Hinojosa said. “We have $2,500 in cash and prizes for the bike games and the bike show.”

“It’s a bike rally with more of a party atmosphere,” Hinojosa said. “It’s not a bike fest, it’s a bike rally.”

Hinojosa said it’s the only bike rally in Texas that takes place on the beach.

“There are going to be all kinds of bikes for Texas and even Mexico,” Hinojosa said. “We expect more bikers to participate this year.”

“It’s a really beautiful venue and tremendously unique atmosphere,” Hinojosa added. “Folks from out of town are going to love it.”

He stressed that this rally is not at the convention center so it’s not indoors.

“In three to five years we expect 15,000 to 20,000 people out there, this is going to be a big, big deal,” Hinojosa said.

He said the rally is not a trade show. There will be no vendors at the rally.

“People ride bikes because they want to be outside and we go to the beach because we want to see the beach,” Hinojosa said. The rally is going to be yards away from the sand and water.

There will be events for people to be entertained and music all day long.

“The bike show is a big deal,” Hinojosa said. “It’s the biggest bike show in South Texas and it’s the only bike rally that’s on the beach.