15 years of Sea, Sun, and Fiesta at the Rocky Point Rally™

By Shandra Keesecker-Rivero   Published in Quick Throttle Magazine – Southwest Edition – September 2015 issue

Dubbed by some as “Sturgis meets Mardi Gras” on the shores of the Sea of Cortez in northern Mexico, the Rocky Point Rally™ will be celebrating its 15th Anniversary this November (Nov. 11th – 15th). Just about an hour ride from the AZ border, and now with shorter routes from CA along the Coastal Highway dropping down from Yuma, the Greatest Motorcycle Fiesta just South of the Border in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora (aka Rocky Point) is adding an extra day, more activities, more charity events, over the border poker run starting points in AZ and CA, and of course más fiesta!

Since 2012 the Rocky Point Rally™, which benefits local charities in the area, has made an incredibly strong come back and Founder/Organizer Oscar Palacio Soto expects this year will bring in nearly 7500 bikers rolling through the once fishing village and still quaint popular tourism destination – often referred to as “Arizona’s beach”.

Registration bags this year have grown to include the coveted traditional pin along with patches, koozies, bandana, souvenir 15th Anniversary wristband, and more! Over the years, volunteer registration donations have raised over $150,000 US for a number of local charities including a school for disabled children, cancer awareness and prevention groups, a home for the elderly, the local office for family & children services, plus the Red Cross and local Fire Department. Last year, organizers added in a toy collection effort – so bring those toys with you – for distribution to area kids around the holidays.

The 15th Rocky Point Rally™ starts up this year on Wednesday, November 11th on the patio at Playa Bonita, where it all began 15 years ago. Country singer Matt Farris originally from Lake Havasu, AZ will take the stage at sunset, with American Legion chapters from AZ plus Rocky Point on hand for a display of flags. American Legion Post 109 Corona de Tucson, AZ will be holding the Bike Show again this year on Saturday, offering prize plaques for winners in each category. Thursday will include an even bigger kick-off party at Banditos over on Sandy Beach, which will be welcoming back The Black Moods out of AZ – along with Whiskey’s Quicker (AZ) over the weekend! On Friday, there’s a Ride into the Desert and the Pinacate Reserve and/or the Charity Poker Run making its way from resort to resort. That night, after all-day revelry and beads in the Old Port, the traditional Beach Fiesta hits Playa Bonita with parties going all night across city streets and cantinas. Bike Parade is on Saturday, ending up in Old Port with the Bike Show and Main Event concert stage, burn-outs, bike wash, and more! Arizona favorites, and long-time Rocky Point Rally goers, Mogollon will be topping off Saturday night on the Main Stage!

So, get your passport and plan on the Greatest Motorcycle Fiesta Just South of the Border – 15th Anniversary Rocky Point Rally™ – November 11th – 15th, 2015!   www.rockypointrally.com