Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/776310
13 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nFebruary 2017n An extreme bike show is spread out over the upper and lower level of the Malecón and all manner of motorcycle was laid out for the perusal of young and old. Families cruise in on quads, carts and two wheels to join the biker nation cele- bration. Several boys set up with wash gear to scrub up biker's rides curbside as smiling teens offered individual pizzas in exchange for donations. And people cheerfully gave. Over the course of the rally orga- nizers have proven to the state that they are capable of hosting an upscale, international event that not only draws riders from around the world but helps the town stay self reliant, which equates to some clout when it comes to negotiating on behalf of tourists who come out to visit their warm and welcoming community. Puerto Peñasco's city government prides itself in keeping the roadways safe for their biker brothers. Some years back the government imposed an unreasonable tariff on vehicles traveling across the borders into Mexico and the "Hassle Free Zone" road signs are a throwback to those times. These days there is no tariff and the signs are meaningless, but the warnings stand as a reminder to a different time in Mexico's recent history. Further down the highway are other indications of the country's changes as brightly painted recycle stations stand in the middle of the des- ert, offering travelers an opportunity to shed themselves of recyclable materi- als and organic matter as well as the ability to make an emergency cell call. Solar powered, of course. Traffi c was light and speed limit signs are in kilo- meters so we never were sure exactly how fast we should go, even though we knew the 1.6 kilometer to 1 mile ratio, and most who shared the road with us blew right past as we tried to respect the 90 kilometer signs. There is a helmet law throughout Mexico but few seemed to pay any attention as we got closer to the seaside city. A large number of expats have made Puerto Peñasco their home, so many American conveniences have found their way across the border, like Costco and Walmart, so it's only natural that the economy is much like America, also. Merchants are prepared to do business with dollars though bills were presented in pesos. Most gas stations are equipped to take cards at the pumps. The terrain into Mexico includes, of course, a wide range of vegetation See "Rocky Point Rally," page 14, column 1 Shannon "Dazzlin'" Venturo's super blinged out bike caught judge's attention and the Nevada native went home a winner Founding member of the band Mogollon, Duane Moore, shreds a tune on his signature blue fi ddle. The guys bring an energy to the stage that's hard to pass and it just wouldn't be a Rocky Point Rally without Mogollon. The huge bike show was spread out on two levels of the waterfront party Clubs from both sides of the border and around the world welcomed each other along the seashore of the Malecòn