Austin, TX — The Republic of Texas (ROT) Motorcycle Rally returns from May 5-7, 2023, for a more intimate event at the Austin Speed Shop. This unique gathering, which attracts motorcycle enthusiasts and music lovers alike, combines the excitement of motorcycle culture with Austin’s rich musical heritage.
In prior years, ROT has been the largest motorcycle rally in Texas and the largest ticketed admission motorcycle rally in the United States. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, in South Dakota, and Daytona Bike Week, in Florida, often have more attendees, but they are not ticketed events.
Being such a large event, ROT has been one of Austin’s largest money-making events. The Austin Chronicle reported that in prior years the event has brought in as much as $36 million. That works out to $11.5 million per day for the three-day motorcycle event. Compare that to similar reporting by the Chronicle of $11.0 million per day for the South by Southwest event.
The organizers aim to regroup after the challenges posed by the pandemic and venue changes in recent years. And, Austin could certainly use the additional visitors, with a downtown recovery from the pandemic still at 58% according to downtownrecovery.com. ROT is working on securing a permanent location for 2024 and are committed to making this year’s open-house event memorable.
This year’s event at the Austin Speed Shop kicks off with a Friday evening pre-party, the 2023 ROT Biker Rally offers food, drinks, and live music. Saturday features the Derwood Invitational Builder Show, including an open ride-in category, ride-outs into the Hill Country & Bastrop County, local and national vendors, art & Americana exhibits, local food trucks, drinks, live bands, and custom cars and hotrods on display.
The rally wraps up on Sunday with a breakfast hosted at the shop, serving coffee and tacos, followed by the “Blessing of the Bikes” and a ride-out to the famous Devil’s Backbone to close the weekend.
Despite its more intimate setting this year, the Republic of Texas Motorcycle Rally continues to showcase the latest gear and product innovations in the motorcycle world, thanks to its centralized location and ease of access for vendors.
With a unique blend of bikes, music, and the vibrant culture of Austin, Texas, the ROT Motorcycle Rally is an unmissable experience. If you plan on attending, get ready to have a true motorcycle adventure story to retell.
For more information visit republicoftexasmotorcyclerally.com.
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