Thousands of motorcycles are expected to roar into to Hollister this weekend for the annual Independence Rally downtown, featuring entertainment, motorcycle stunt shows, bike competitions and more. This year rally participants will be joined by TV star Erik Estrada, who will serve as the celebrity rally host on Friday, June 30.
Estrada played the role of Frank “Ponch” Poncherello for six seasons in the hit TV series “CHiPs,” which focused on the lives of two motorcycle officers. He still rides today.
Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velasquez, who was a BMX bicycle rider during “CHiPs'” heyday, actually rode in several episodes of the popular TV show with Erik Estrada.This will be a reunion for the TV star and the politician.
Now celebrating the 70-year anniversary of the first rally, the Hollister Rally draws thousands of riders and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. It’s free for the public, and motorcycle riders pay a fee for VIP access, bike competitions, celebrity meet greet and more.
Rally Steeped in History
The Hollister Rally began in 1947. It’s believed to be the event that gave rise to the “American biker” and was the inspiration for the movie, “The Wild One,” starring Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin.
The center of the rally is San Benito Street in downtown Hollister. The event will be filled with motorcycles, live music, vendors selling all things motorcycle, charity events, and festival foods throughout the rally.
Stunt Shows
Hollywood movie stuntman Monte Perlin will perform stunts at break-neck speed in his Globe of Death daily. Perlin, the stunt double for Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Terminator 3,” has been a stunt double for dozens of other stars and played roles in numerous films and TV shows. Recently, Perlin was in “The Wager” starring country music superstar Randy Travis. Perlin is a showman and his stunts are exciting.
Bike Shows
The International Master Bike Builders Association-sanctioned Mike Corbin Bike Show is presented by Hollister-based custom motorcycle seat manufacturer Mike Corbin on Sat., July 1. It will be held on the corner of Monterey and Fifth streets and will be judged by the members of the IMBBA.
Vatos Y Viclas Bike Show
Tripp Productions will present the Vatos Y Viclas Bike Show three-day block party featuring traditional viclas, radical builds, big wheel baggers, old school choppers, vintage and fat tire choppers, music and themed vendors. They will be found at the corner of Sixth and East streets behind Wells Fargo Bank.
Full Throttle
Roadshows, Inc., a motorcycle and special event production company from Reno and producer of some of the largest motorcycle festivals in the country, will manage the Hollister Rally for the second year.
“We’re really honored to be involved with this historic rally,” said Randy Burke, president of Roadshows, Inc. “We think the entertainment line-up we have scheduled will keep everybody happy.”
Top name tribute bands and musical groups will be performing everything from rock ‘n roll and blues to country throughout the rally.
Contact
For more information or registration as a vendor or motorcycle participant, visit www.roadshowsreno.com, Email admin@roadshowsreno.com or call 775-329-7469 or 775-609-2035.