The streets of Cottonwood were full leading up to the weekend, as thousands of bikers showed up for the annual Thunder Valley Rally. Organizers said that the 19th iteration of the motorcycle rally may have been among the biggest in the event’s history, with attendees traveling from all over the state and beyond.
The source of this year’s excitement was not hard to find, with the headliners of the event being 1970s and ’80s hit-makers .38 Special and Great White, on Friday and Saturday night respectively. According to Bob Moallman of Law Tigers, a biker law firm that has sponsored the event for years, .38 Special brought in the largest Friday night crowd to the event in memory.
“I think it’s so far been better than in recent years,” Moallman said Saturday night. “We’ve been gaining momentum with each year in terms of the talent we can attract.”
“I think it’s a draw all over the state,” Cottonwood City Councilman Michael Mathews said. Mathews himself said he was excited to see Great White, one of his favorite bands for decades. “I like the fact that we draw in a lot of people from out of town.”
“This year, it’s been wow,” said Nick Cavender, a biker from Kingman who came with his wife Marcelle and brother Dave from Camp Verde. “It’s the best year so far.”
Cavender’s only complaint was that with the event growing as it seems to be, it might be time for certain additions such as bleachers or large TV screens showing the stage in order to allow visitors in the back to see the bands. Other visitors said that the more low-key quality of the event was part of what made it worthwhile.
“It’s pretty nice,” Phoenix biker Juan Scarpati said of the event. “It’s a lot more laid back than when they do bike week in Scottsdale.”
Scarpati said that TVR benefited from being smaller and less commercial than some of the other similar rallies.
“It’s more focused on the people,” Scarpati said. “That’s how it always starts out. Any of them that start out as a great time eventually start trying to sell you something.”
Attendees noticed how Thunder Valley Rally, with features such as the Mingus Union High School Choir singing the national anthem, Main Stage holding its annual “Miss TVR” beauty pageant, and local firefighters serving soda, really shows off its local character to the people coming in from out of town.
“The people are really nice here,” said Frank, a biker from Cave Creek who preferred not to share his last name. “They really are. The whole town treats us well. I’ve never seen any fights. It’s really family friendly.”
“I just love the companionship that motorcycle people have,” said Brandon Brady, a Cornville resident who came to see Great White while his sister staffed the event. “They show a lot of respect. It’s all about family.”
Jon Hecht can be reached at 634-8551 or email jhecht@larsonnewspapers.com
