People in the Seattle area are starting to talk about the upcoming Oyster Run in Anacortes, WA. It has traditionally been held the 4th Sunday in September each year since 1980. This year it falls on Sunday, September 28th in the small town of Anacortes.
Anacortes has had some famous residents. Burl Ives lived there. Graham Kerr lives near there. The town's population is usually around 11,000. The Oyster Run expects 20,000 bikers to take over town on that one day. There are lots of vendors, including my local Cycle Barn. It is the largest gathering of motorcycles in the state of Washington.
To find out more about the event, including information on where to stay if you decide to make it a weekend get-away go to the Oyster Run website.
I know people who've gone to the event and they recommend hitting town early, because after 10 or 11am you will have a hard time even finding a place to park your motorcycle. I've been told it's like a mini Sturgis. I can only imagine!
On Sunday the 28th of September, All Roads Lead To Anacortes.
Last year I remember riding over near the Mukilteo ferry dock on Oyster Run Day. Each time a ferry would dock and begin to unload, there would be a steady stream of motorcycles coming off of the ferry for 5 minutes or more. The Ferry System lets motorcycles on first and off first during unloading. Alot of the riders take the Whidbey Island route back south and you must take a ferry from there back to the mainland in Mukilteo. It was a pretty cool sight to see.
People ride from all states to the Oyster Run, so if you're looking for a beautiful destination to see the best part of the Northwest consider Anacortes, WA. in September. I promise it won't be raining that day.
12 comments:
20,000 ?? How on earth do they organize that? We have a pretty big ride here in May but it is only 1,000 riders ... police are everywhere trying to keep traffic safe... but, maybe because Anacortes is small they don't have to worry about traffic...they ARE the traffic and everybody else stays home...
I'll have to write my sis and ask more about it.... she lives there and just got a bike this year....
Hmmmm....? I have never been up there. I guess there is still time to maybe do that since I didn't make Sturgis this year.
Bumblevee: Yes, the whole town is taken over by bikers. The locals stay home most likely.
flhx_dave: You definately could make it up here in 2 days. If you decide to come, let me know and maybe we can meet up as you pass through.
Bikerchickz
Sorry i don't live closer. That looks like a blast!
Rick: There is still time to organize a trip out West. You won't be disappointed.
Bikerchickz
I'm afraid I've used up all my road trip tokens for this year, LOL! It does look like a blast and I'm sure one of these years I'll make it out there. After all, if I can make it out to rattle Dave and BB's cages, what's in a turn north?
One thing though...you didn't mention if you were going or not??
Joker: Ummm No. It looks like a nightmare to me. I'm the lone rider. I wish I had it in me. I plan to look up Dave and BB after I move back to CA in Jan. Can't wait.
Bikerchickz
I'm a Seattle-area rider, and went to the Oyster Run last year. It's a kick. It's not "formally" organized, it just grew from a small group of friends many years ago. But the town embraces it now and like Sturgis, all the streets are lined w/ bikes & vendors all weekend. Bikes come in from all directions, and the streets are lined w/ locals rooting on all the incoming visitors. If the weather is good, it's fun!
If you use the ferries, be sure to go to the Oysterrun.org site to get info about the ferries. They are requiring reservations and the wait can be LONG! I live here and this will be my first OR as a Harley owner. Also taking my 12 year old daughter. Anacortes is a great town but I can't wait to see all the vendors. If you're interested, too, at Skagit Harley in Burlington (off I-5 on the way to Anacortes) they are having a Pre-Oyster Run Party with band and burgers and many hook up for a Run on Saturday. The Anacortes event is only Sunday with vendors but the town is rocken all weekend. There are great places to bike to in the area and if you get on to Whidbey Island, stop in at Toby's in Coupeville. I live in Coupe. and a great little town, too. I CAN't wait till tomorrow and Sunday. Happy riding! Mermaidmama
Anonymous: Thanks for the info. Weather looks good so I am now planning to go!
Mermaidmama: Good information. I know the ferries will be full of motorcycles. It should be a sight to see. The guy who owns Toby's is the brother of my good friend. Fun place. See you there.
Bikerchickz
Well that's pretty cool. My picture I took 2007 with the cockatiel made it to your website.
I think 20K is a bit low. When I got there at nine there was at least 8 or 9 thousand. You guys did a great job, thanks.
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