It’s the largest event to grace the streets of Hollister on a
local scale, but the Hollister Independence Rally has finally hit
the big time with its own one-hour special airing on The Travel
Channel today.
It’s the largest event to grace the streets of Hollister on a local scale, but the Hollister Independence Rally has finally hit the big time with its own one-hour special airing on The Travel Channel today.
The special is part of the channel’s “Motorcycle Magic Week” programming, and will highlight the rally from Johnny’s Bar to a barbecue with the Indian Riders Group, according to the channel’s Web site.
Recognition on a national level will not only increase attendance for the rally in the future, but will bring motorcycle enthusiasts to Hollister year-round, said John Loyd, treasurer for the Hollister Independence Rally Committee.
Most of the media coverage for the rally is done by local newspapers, magazines and television shows, which limits the rally’s scope as far as advertising, Loyd said.
This kind of priceless coverage puts Hollister in the ranks with Sturgis and Daytona Beach, which can only be a boon for both the rally and the city, he said.
“To be thrown into that category – it’s like proving yourself, you become a major,” Loyd said. “Now because we’re a major, it will draw more sponsorship, more revenue and bring more people to the city.”
Loyd said reporters with The Travel Channel have attended the rally for the past couple of years and have included Hollister in coverage of other major motorcycle events.
But this is the first time Hollister has had its own 60 minute special, which is incredibly exciting, Loyd said.
“We work hard all year long, year after year, and when we’re picked up by a national TV network, you kind of sigh and say, ‘Wow,'” Loyd said. “We’re finally getting some recognition.”
The “Hollister Motorcycle Rally” will air on The Travel Channel, locally channel 45, today at 4pm, 8pm and 11pm (ET/PT). For more information visit The Travel Channel’s Web site at http:travel.discovery.com/.
