Here’s how to survive Bike Week 2023 in Myrtle Beach, according to locals
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Everything you need to know about MB Bike Weeks
Read The Sun News’ coverage of Myrtle Beach Bike Weeks.
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Myrtle Beach’s motorcycle season is just around the corner and we wanted to know how locals survive the influx of bikers.
During the two upcoming events in May, thousands will flock to the Grand Strand to show off their motorcycles and enjoy the South Carolina coast.
The 2023 Myrtle Beach Bike Week, also known as Spring Bike Rally or Harley Bike Week will take place May 12 through 21.
And during Memorial Day weekend, Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, also called Black Bike Week, will be held May 26 through 29.
Here is advice from Myrtle Beach-area residents on how to live like a local during Bike Week, from a Sun News survey. Some responses were lightly edited for clarity.
Should I leave town?
Four out of the 20 respondents to the poll said they leave the Myrtle Beach area to avoid the noise during either Harley or Atlantic Beach Bike Weeks.
In explaining the reasoning for staying in town, Jamie Knetzer of Surfside Beach said, “We enjoy seeing people enjoying their self. We actually join in the fun by visiting all the places.”
While John ONeill remains at home in Conway during Bike Week, he adds, “I stay away from the beach for that whole week to avoid the traffic, crowds and mayhem.”
Tips for driving
Locals advised avoiding busy highways and roads when bikers are in town, including both Highway 17 Business and Bypass, Highway 501 and Ocean Boulevard.
If you do need to take these thoroughfares, drive with extra caution. Respondents suggested slowing down and giving motorcycles extra space.
A long-time North Myrtle Beach resident, identified as Beachmiser, suggested that drivers “pay special attention to side mirror blind spots.”
Enjoying Bike Week as a non-biker
While some Myrtle Beach-area residents prefer to stay home and avoid Bike Week events, others seek out a taste of the festivities by checking out motorcycles from afar or going to biker hot spots.
Tamara Carter of Murrells Inlet, wrote, “We like to walk around down in the Inlet and look at all the bikes.”
Gomer of Myrtle Beach wrote, “We will usually hit the Backyard or another bar popular with the bikers to people-watch. They can be an interesting group.”
Bike week mindset
With a variety of ways to approach living through the upcoming motorcycle events, here is some parting advice from Myrtle Beach locals.
Steve Wydra, who’s lived in the area for six years, advised residents to “stay away from busy bike events.”
Tamara Carter of Murrells Inlet added, “Just embrace it. It is only for a short period of time. It brings a lot of revenue to our community and most of the people coming for the event are law-abiding and pleasant.”
Jamie Knetzer of Surfside Beach wrote, “Join in the fun, but be safe and careful.”
This story was originally published April 25, 2023 at 8:00 AM.
