While the city of Lake Ozark is hoping – and expecting – the best for this weekend’s Bike Rally on the Bagnell Dam Strip, they are preparing for the worst by bringing in around 50 law enforcement officers from surrounding agencies as well as investigators who track motorcycle gangs and outlaw biker activity.
Although BikeFest will include more than 50 live music and entertainment events at some 300 participating bars and restaurants all around the Lake area, the Bagnell Dam Strip will once again be the epicenter of the festivities.
Chief James Boren said the heavy law enforcement presence would help deter crime and/or diffuse situations.
“The investigators, who are coming from out of state – multiple states, actually - are highly trained and travel around to events like BikeFest,” Chief Boren told aldermen at their Sept. 9 board meeting. “They’ve been in contact with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and they are going through a lot to be here. They will be taking the Missouri POST test so they can have that licensing and they’ve requested that we give them a city commission in the event they do have to take enforcement action. We are happy to have their help with this event.”
City Administrator Harrison Fry told the board that the investigators would be on the Strip because of the general growth of the event – not because they expected trouble, adding “It’s not the level of Sturgis, but it has grown in notoriety nationwide.”
Chief Boren agreed.
“It’s basically more resources for us, but it’s worth mentioning that if these investigators are interested in coming to our event, it should be an eye opener for us and that our event is a large event that is gaining attention,” he said. “I think we have done a good job as a city of keeping things under control, but as it continues to grow, I think we’re going to have to keep changing our methods and grow with it.”
The special investigators, who likely will be wearing street clothes and badges, will be working alongside members of the MSHP Gang Unit.
The Miller County Sheriff’s Office will have its transport van on or close to the Strip throughout the weekend in case arrestees need to be taken to jail. In addition, the sheriff’s office recently installed cameras along the Strip that will allow them to monitor the crowds.
“More than anything, I think the cameras act as a deterrent. They have flashing lights on top – like those that are in some of the grocery story parking lots – and the folks that have no intention of causing harm aren’t going to mind them. If this goes like most BikeFests, we won’t have to arrest a lot of people - very few actually – so hopefully it goes in the same order, but if not, we definitely want to be ready,” Chief Boren said.
The Strip will be closed to all but motorcycles, delivery vehicles and residents with addresses on streets off the Strip from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily Thursday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 14, from the School Road intersection to Bagnell Dam. Valley Road will be open as an alternative route.
Center lane motorcycle-only parking will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.
History
Bikefest was created 19 years ago to extend the tourism season. The two-day event drew a small crowd who just wanted to enjoy the beauty of the area. In just five years, Bikefest had grown into a five-day event – and the attendance grew with it. Organizers estimate that the number of bikes now tops 100,000 providing an economic impact of more than $20 million.
Because Lake Ozark has an open container law, aldermen voted to approve an ordinance allowing alcoholic beverages to be consumed outdoors during the event in the same defined area – from School Road to Bagnell Dam. As in the past, drinks purchased outside must be consumed outside; drinks purchased inside must be consumed inside.
During this year’s Bike Rally, film crews with Lucky 8 TV will be riding along with Lake Ozark officers.
Per an ordinance adopted by Lake Ozark aldermen in 2022, Indian Motorcycle, which will have trucks, trailers and tents set up to display and market their merchandise, will once again be sponsoring “Rally on the Bagnell Dam Strip,” at a cost of $25,000. Those funds will be used, for the most part, to pay the salaries of the assisting officers and deputies.
Vendor areas will be set up at designated locations throughout the Lake area and mapped out rides are available online for those who want to take in the scenery. Visit lakebikefest.com to download the maps and to get more information on lodging, entertainment and more.
