Over to your right, in the Letters department, is another note
from an out-of-towner admonishing Hollister for not getting this
biker rally thing right.
Over to your right, in the Letters department, is another note from an out-of-towner admonishing Hollister for not getting this biker rally thing right.
We get quite a few of these. The writer tells us the city needs to run this thing like they do in South Dakota or Daytona and we need to fire our police chief, city council, chamber of commerce, or anyone who questions Hollister’s ability to reap cultural and financial riches from a biker rally.
We are coming, goes a common refrain, and there is nothing you can do about it.
We would first like to say that we are in favor of motorcycles. And that we understand the romantic notion of the outlaw. Hollister is born of the American West. There are times out here when it seems everyone sees themself an outlaw of some sort.
We know you are coming, we hope in peace.
But we would also like to say we are in favor of our law enforcement officials. Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller does a superb job. We are lucky to have him. Same goes for Sheriff Curtis Hill.
We would like to say there is a flip side of the coin: the city made a decision not to cater to your every whim, so live with it. We will. We have to. Trust us, there are business owners, politicians, mechanics, bartenders, accountants, and regular citizens who wonder if, or believe, the city has made a huge mistake.
But if you come and tear up the town, leave, and then blame Hollister for everything that’s happened, next year’s Independence Rally may have a distinctly military flair to it. We welcome you. Please understand that if the city is swamped, adjustments will be made for next year, to put it mildly. And perhaps they will be the changes you seek.
And yes, we are concerned about a few things. This is not a blank check of support for the city. Take parking, for instance. Between Sixth and Seventh streets there are around 20 parking spots lining the sidewalk. Even if five bikes pack into each space, there is going to be a logistical challenge. These types of crowding situations often lead to problems of behavior.
If the situation becomes a miserable inconvenience for you, just think what it has been like for people around here. Many downtown-area residents simply leave for the weekend.
To say that the biker rally is an uncertainty this year is an understatement. We understand that you are coming regardless of what anyone around here thinks. And, again, we welcome you. Downtown businesses are worried, but they welcome you.
But please, cool it with the threats (The writer today shows admirable restraint). They don’t help. Whether you are coming from San Jose, Oakland, Carson City, or Denmark – welcome. And if you are an outlaw, keep in mind that any anti-hero worth his or her salt possess that one trait: they’re always the coolest customers.
