Much-Anticipated Cherokee Blue Ridge Run Offers Three Days of Motorcycles & Music

Bikers from around the country are revving their engines for the Cherokee Blue Ridge Run, September 8–10, 2017. Motorcycle enthusiasts will travel to Cherokee, NC, for this family-friendly event that features concerts, games, shows, prizes, vendors, and so much more!

“The Blue Ridge Run is in its first year, but at the same time, the tradition of having motorcycle events in town goes back decades,” says Mark Cresswell, event director. Mark has been organizing events around the country for nearly 30 years. He says that bike rallies have taken place in Cherokee since the 1980s.

Hop on for a Demo Ride

While there are some organized group rides, the main ride is how attendees get to the event. “When they come here, we have free maps of the best rides in the area. Then some of the manufacturers will be organizing demo rides where you can test ride.” Yamaha, Indian, Harley Davidson, and Royal Enfield are just four of the major names.

Cherokee is the last exit off the Blue Ridge Parkway, at the gateway to the Great Smoky National Park. “Cherokee is the place to ride,” says Mark. “It’s on everyone’s list to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway.”

Bike Shows Galore

With such a variety of motorcycles in the bike shows, there’s something for everyone! Custom bikes (with subcategories of their own) will be on display inside the halls. The other bikes (Vintage, Café Racer, and Old School) will be on display for a couple hours (before their owners need them back!). Participants with custom bikes will compete for more than $23,000 in prize money.

Café racers are lightweight, with minimalist bodywork. Mark, who has lived in Old Fort for many years, grew up in Birmingham, England—home of the largest motorcycle museum in the world. He says, “Café Racer’ is an old term. In England, in the ’60s, bikers used to get together in the evening and race from café to café. They used to time each other to see who had the fastest ride. It’s a style of bike—usually British.”

Prepare to be Amazed

The current entertainment lineup can be found here, although more bands are being added leading up  to the event. Headliners include Blue Oyster Cult on Friday, Foghat on Saturday, and the Michael Allman Band on Sunday. Local acts will be peppered throughout the schedule. Asheville’s Grateful Dead tribute band Phuncle Sam will take the stage on Sunday.

“Kids will love to see the custom bikes and stunt shows,” says Mark. The American Motor Drome presents America’s original extreme motorcycle show, the Wall of Death. In a wooden cylinder (30 feet across), daredevils ride along the wall, performing tricks. The American Motor Drome will produce shows every hour that are free to attendees.

Ever witness a motorcycle trapeze act? Circus Una is a motorcycle thrill show of all-female daredevils.

See you There!

For more info, visit Blue Ridge Run online.

Hours

Hours are 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Locations

Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds – 545 Tsali Blvd

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – 777 Casino Dr.

Tickets

Tickets are only available at the Fairgrounds (no online sales this year), the day of the event. Day passes are $15 on Friday, $15 on Saturday, and $10 on Sunday. Weekend passes are available for $30. Children ages 16 and younger are admitted free with an adult.