National Bikers Roundup

 

The National Bikers Roundup is the largest camping motorcycle rally in the United States and is organized by a group of African American motorcycle clubs. Its location changes every year but every decade it returns to its founding city of Kansas City, Missouri. More than 1,000 motorcycle clubs attend the event and black women make up close to half of participants.

 First organized in 1977 by Dallas Thibodeaux and Rozell Nunn, Jnr attracting 49 riders, it has since grown to a five-day event, with up to 30,000 participants, who enjoy camping, exhibition, parades, stunt shows, entertainment and a host of other motorcycle-related experiences including drag racing and a "biggest gut contest".

 The event serves to unite the Black motorcycle community and promote camaraderie. Starting from 1998, each year participants donate food and money to support local food paid programmes. By 2000, donations had reached 16,000 tonnes and $9,000.

 This year the annual gathering's location is Springfield, IL. About 25,000 to 30,000 bikers were expected to attend the 41st National Bikers Roundup, which started on Wednesday August 1st. and ending on Sunday August 4th. 2024.

 The five-day rally, put on by black motorcycle clubs, takes place on the Illinois State Fairgrounds and features concerts, a car-and-bike show, food and blood drives, as well as vendors, especially those selling motorcycle-related wares.

 Attendees for the roundup come from all over the country and the world. A big component of the event is to give back to the host community. Not only are bikers encouraged to patronize local businesses, they are asked to bring canned foods to donate to a local food bank. 

 This year the annual roundup location being Springfield, Illinois, coincided with the shooting of Sonya Massey. In order to show their respect and commaderie a Memorial Run to the State Building was slated for Saturday August 3rd. 

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