Rocky Point Rally @ Phoenix BikeFest
Last week we had a great time at Phoenix BikeFest 2016! Thanks to all those who stopped by for info on the 16th Annual Rocky Point Rally and here’s a list of some of the top 5 questions! We look forward to seeing you all this November.
1. When is the 2016 Rocky Point Rally? SAVE THE DATE! NOVEMBER 10 – 13, 2016
2. Where is Rocky Point? We were thrilled to show folks the map of just how close Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, is the AZ border and talk about the 1 hour ride just down from the crossing at Lukeville. For many, we believe, this was the first time they also heard about the Coastal Highway ride to Rocky Point when coming from the West that makes it a lot easier for folks from CA and spots near Yuma to easily ride down to Rocky Point. Plus, a lot of people plan to do a loop from the West by riding in one way (Interstate 8 to Gila Bend, down AZ 85 to the border, and then to Rocky Point ….returning by way of Coastal Highway up through Yuma).
Distances / time to Rocky Point
From either Phoenix or Tucson, AZ – approx 4 hours (just one hour from the AZ border)
From San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora (just south of Yuma, AZ) – approx 3.5 hrs
From San Diego, Ca – approx 6 hours
3. Passports? Plenty of time to get that now before November. Yes, a passport or passport card is needed for reentering the US as per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative of 2009. More information at: WHTI Accepted documents include:
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. passport card (only valid for travel by land and sea)
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
- Trusted Traveler Program cards: Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST
- Children under 16 arriving by land or sea my present an original or copy of birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate
- U.S. lawful permanent residents: Permanent resident card (Form I-551)
- U.S. Military: Valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders
4. Where to stay? We of course encourage folks to check out accommodations with our local sponsors as they help us keep doing what we do. As we finalize sponsorship packages together for 2016 be sure to check out:
www.cometorockypoint.com (local Convention and Visitors Bureau with links & tel #s to area hotels)
Playa Bonita Resort (including Playa Bonita Hotel and Laos Mar Best Western) www.playabonitaresort.com
Peñasco del Sol Hotel (at the end of Calle 13) www.penascodelsolhotel.com
RPR Mexico – specializing in condos at Sonoran Sea on Sandy Beach www.rprmexico.com
Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort www.laspalomasresort.net
FMI Rentals (condo rentals near Calle 13 plus beach homes) www.fmirentals.com
SeaSide Reservations (specializing in condo rentals along Sandy Beach) www.seasidemexico.com
Castaways (condo and beach home rentals – also specializing in Sonoran Spa condos) www.castawaysrockypoint.com
4. Helmet law? Yes, there is a helmet law in Mexico….as many long-time Rocky Point Rally goers can tell you, there is quite a bit of leniency particularly around Rally dates. Ride safe.
5. Safety? Puerto Peñasco is a top tourist destination throughout the year and has added a Tourist Assistance Unit as a complement to local efforts to ensure safety for residents and visitors alike. These folks are bilingual and able to help with questions about the area and general safety. NOTE: The U.S. State Department issues updates to travel advice periodically throughout the year, including to Mexico. For the past years, tips on traveling to Rocky Point solely indicate “U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peñasco should use the Lukeville, Arizona/Sonoyta, Sonora border crossing, and limit driving to daylight hours.” This is also important as the border crossing at Lukeville/Sonoyta is closed from midnight to 6 a.m.
6. Insurance? If you are driving/riding in Mexico you must have Mexican insurance, with liability insurance. It’s worth noting the majority of policies from the U.S. do not cover you in Mexico – though some may extend 75 miles into the country (but CHECK to make sure you have liability insurance). You can get insurance online prior to the Rally, as well as over the phone or at various spots along the way. You need to have valid insurance for your entire stay, along with a valid driver’s license. We encourage you to check with our sponsors for rates. Plus, title sponsor SANBORN’S is planning on once again offering a special Motorcycle Insurance package just for the Rocky Point Rally – with coverage for medical expenses along with accessories and safety gear!
7. Registration? Registration will be ready online soon – $20 US – This registration fee is a donation to a number of charity organizations that benefit from the event. The 16th Anniversary registration packet will include Official Rally memorabilia – and gifts from sponsors.
8. Meet up points to ride south with a group? Stay tuned as at least two spots in Phoenix are planning to offer meet up spots on Thursday, Nov. 10th (one on Scottsdale side, another near Chandler) so folks can ride together. Important to note, these won’t be sponsored rides but a good way to meet up with others headed to the Rocky Point Rally.
9. Events? We’re working on the calendar now and we’re planning on more bands, more rides, poker runs, the traditional bike parade on Saturday to the malecón, bike show, toy donation spot (for the January Toy Run around King’s Day), and more. Watch for calendar info as it becomes available.
10. Bands? We’ve got some great ideas to welcome back awesome bands who have played the Rocky Point Rally – but would be interested in hearing from you as well as to what YOU WANT to see and hear! Let us know! Send inquiries and/or band info to: rockypointrally.com@gmail.com Attn: Oscar / Sami
