The rubber hit the road Friday as the first horde of bikers
descended on San Benito street for the opening day of the ninth
annual Hollister Independence Rally.
Hollister – The rubber hit the road Friday as the first horde of bikers descended on San Benito street for the opening day of the ninth annual Hollister Independence Rally.
An estimated 15,000 bikers and onlookers flooded city streets Friday following the trail blazed by Marlon Brando who became a biker icon and a part of the area’s mythology for his portrayal of “Johnny” in the classic move “The Wild One,” which was loosely based on the 1947 biker invasion of the town.
Between 100,000 and 120,000 are expected to swarm downtown San Benito Street by the end of the three-day weekend, according to Dave Ventura, president of the Hollister Independence Rally Committee.
While Friday, which is a regular work day for many people, saw a small percentage of the total expected throng, Ventura said about 60,000 should be out in force today – notoriously the largest day of the event.
“It’s going to be a mad house,” he said.
However, flashing chrome, noxious exhaust fumes, scantily clad women and the sound of popping grease from the multitude of food tents gave those attending Friday plenty to see and do in between events such as the Leather & Lace Show and the Harley-Davidson stunt show.
But for some people, like original Boozefighter Gil Aranas from Orange County, just sitting back and drinking in the overall rally atmosphere is the best part of the weekend.
“No one wants to ruin this for anyone,” Aranas said from his post at Johnny’s Bar. “Everybody just wants to say they had a good weekend.”
While there were some small logistical problems early Friday morning with the approximately 210 vendors that lined the streets, hawking their wares, Ventura said things ran smoothly overall.
“(Friday), luckily, we get the kinks out and we’re ready to go for (Saturday),” Ventura said.
Ventura said there were some problems with getting enough power to the vendor tents, and some merchants were upset that they were loosing money because they didn’t have power for their cash registers. Some extension cords were found stolen Friday morning, and HIRC employees had to rush to replace them, Ventura said.
However, after that minor setback was overcome, Ventura said tempers were calmed and rally festivities ensued.
“We’re ironing out the wrinkles,” Ventura said. “The customers seem to be happy, the vendors are getting there. It’s definitely going to be a good rally.”
Police were also out in force, but said Friday seemed lighter in crowd size from years past and officers didn’t encounter any problems. One man was arrested in the event arena for being drunk in public Thursday night, but, other than that, things were quiet, said Police Chief Jeff Miller said.
“So far it’s been peaceful,” he said. “Attendance is a little lighter, but it’s a good event.”
Law enforcement expressed some concern in the days leading up to the rally that rival motorcycle clubs the Hells Angels and the Mongols could cause problems if hundreds of members of each club attended wearing their colors. However, Miller said there weren’t any problems between the groups, and although he’d seen some bikers flying their colors – the emblem of the club, emblazoned on their vests or jackets – there weren’t any confrontations.
“I’ve seen some people wearing their colors, but I can’t tell what groups they’re in,” Miller said. “There have been no reports of incidents that have caused us concern.”
And the people from near and far who came to peruse the multitude of motorcycles lining San Benito Street were happy to be enjoying the beautiful weather and gorgeous bikes.
Salinas residents John and Alma Gutierrez attend the rally every year, and said while the events are nice, it’s the lure of the biker culture that brings them back again and again. While they park their bike on San Benito Street, walking around and drinking in the sights is where it’s at for them.
“My buddies got bombed on the leather and lace show. It was kinda cheesy,” John Gutierrez said. “It’s the people and the bikes.”
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected].
