8 stories spotlighting Myrtle Beach biker culture

Myrtle Beach's biker culture encompasses a vibrant mix of custom motorcycle artistry, pet-friendly gatherings, and uniquely themed events. From the neon-lit motorcycles at Black Bike Week to the presence of furry friends like Sweet Sophie and Sexy Lexi at the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally, this community showcases its passion in diverse ways. Highlighted by unique events like motorcycle rodeos featuring barrel racing and waitress carrying contests, and the competitive yet risky burnout contests at venues such as Suck Bang Blow, riders demonstrate their devotion and ingenuity.

Fashion also plays a significant role, with attendees donning distinct and bold outfits to stand out during these large-scale events.

The Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2023 Spring Rally officially started May 12 with riders cruising into popular venues across the Grand Strand area. The event, which is expected to bring more than 30,000 bikers, runs through May 21, 2023. May 12, 2023. By JASON LEE

NO. 1: ‘KEEP THE RUBBER SIDE DOWN’: BIKERS SHARE VIDEOS OF RIDE TO MYRTLE BEACH AREA FOR RALLY

2024 Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Rally has begun. Thousands of motorcyclists will be rolling into the Grand Strand for a week. Here’s what they are saying. | Published May 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson

Custom motorcycles were on display at The Beaver Bar in Murrells Inlet S.C. during the 2024 Myrtle Beach Spring Rally on Thursday. May 16, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 2: A JOKER-THEMED MOTORCYCLE, ONE WITH A DOG CARRIER TURN HEADS AT MYRTLE BEACH BIKE RALLY

Motorcyclists from across the country made their way to South Carolina for the annual Myrtle Beach Bike Rally. Here are some of coolest bikes. | Published May 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy

A biker rodeo is held at the Rat Hole in Socastee during the Myrtle Beach 2024 Spring Rally. May 16, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 3: BIKERS BARREL RACE WHILE CARRYING TRAYS OF WATER AT MYRTLE BEACH BIKE RALLY. SAY WHAT?

The Rat Hole, located outside Myrtle Beach, SC, put on a motorcycle rodeo for the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally. Events include the waitress carry and barrel racing. | Published May 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy

Bikers compete in the burn out pit at Suck Bang Blow bar in Murrells Inlet, S.C. during the 2024 Myrtle Beach Spring Rally. Their spinning tires burn rubber often shredding tires and filling the air with smoke, the roar of engines and the cheers from the crowd. May 16, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 4: BIKERS BLOW SMOKE, TIRES IN THE PIT AT MYRTLE BEACH BIKE RALLY. A LOOK AT BURNOUT CONTEST

Burnout contests are common during Myrtle Beach Bike Rally. Here’s why the margin of error is small and why the competition holds a deeper meaning to some. | Published May 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ben Morse

From custom bikes and trucks, to their clothes and accessories, Bikefest attendees go in style. A look at the trends for the 2022 Atlantic Beach Bikefest. May 28, 2022. By JASON LEE

NO. 5: BARS, HOUSE PARTIES SET FOR BLACK BIKE WEEK. HERE’S WHERE THEY’RE PARTYING THIS WEEKEND

Black Bike Week, which lasts the entirety of Memorial Day weekend, will bring in thousands of bikers to Atlantic Beach and the Myrtle Beach, SC area. | Published May 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy

People walk Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, S.C. to see and be seen during the Memorial Day weekend Black Bike Week. Many of the participants showcase their own unique style. May 25, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 6: FOR BLACK BIKE WEEK, PEOPLE DRESSED TO IMPRESS. SEE THE FASHION ALONG OCEAN BOULEVARD

As Memorial Day weekend and Black Bike Week are in full swing, attendees wore wigs featuring every color of the rainbow and coordinated outfits. | Published May 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy

The 2024 Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, also known as Black Bike Week, came roaring into the Northern end of the Grand Strand Friday night. Bikers gathered at the Myrtle Beach Mall to show off their rides, cruised through Atlantic Beach, and partied under beach houses in North Myrtle Beach. S.C. May 24, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 7: CUSTOM-PAINTED, STEREO-COVERED MOTORCYCLES ARE IN AT BLACK BIKE WEEK. TAKE A LOOK HERE

Motorcyclists arrived in Atlantic Beach, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach for Black Bike Week. These are some of the coolest bikes. | Published May 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ben Morse

Sweet Sophie and Sexy Lexi, owned by Danette Larsen of North Myrtle Beach, rode on the back of a motorcycle secure in a custom dog bed to Captain Archie’s bar on Friday evening. Bikers brought their animals including dogs, and even a ring tailed lemur to the bars during Myrtle Beach Bike Week’s Fall Rally. Oct. 4, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 8: HUMANS AREN’T THE ONLY ONES ATTENDING THE MYRTLE BEACH BIKE RALLY. MEET THE BIKER DOGS

Dogs and other four-legged friends could be found at Murrells Inlet and North Myrtle Beach bars during the Fall Bike Rally. | Published October 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emalyn Muzzy

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.