Sweetwater "Rooster Rally" Getaway For Bikers This Weekend

Spring has sprung and it's past time to get off the couch, put down the video game controllers and cell phones, pack up the family and friends and hit the road. If you're a motorcycle enthusiast and ready for an inexpensive weekend getaway that won't leave you exhausted come Monday, Sweetwater Lake, in Sweetwater Texas, is just what the doctor ordered.

Friday through Sunday, April 15 through 17, the "Sweetwater Jaycee Roosters" host their "15th Annual Motorcycle Rally and Cook-Off" event. The festivities kicked off yesterday at noon, and, within the first 45 minutes, 17 bikers had already registered and staked out their spots for the next couple of days. Registration person Sherrie Parks said, "The bikers check in here at the entrance, pay their registration fee, and sign a liability waiver."  

There are also raffle ticket sales for various items at her table, as well as event memorabilia for sale. So far, there have been riders from Stephenville, Sweetwater, Amarillo, and Abilene who have checked in, but Parks said, in past events, they have had guests from out of state attend as well. She anticipated many more will wait until the morning to come out based upon the weather forecast.

Parks' husband, Rooster Jaycee Treasurer Cal Parks, said, "I've been doing these events for a long time, have met a lot of really nice people, and have seen some great bands. A lot of these bikers are stereotyped from what people see on TV, when, in reality, most of them are hard working family men who love motorcycles, and just want to get away and relax for the weekend." 

Cal Parks estimated there are around 150-200 Jaycees in their chapter, 110 Roosters, 35 Lifers, and their event today is where a lot of them get together to basically unwind after their Rattlesnake Roundup a few weeks ago.

Coordinator David Sager said (regarding the Jaycees), " The age group is 21 to 41, then one becomes an associate member Roostering out, and then eventually a 'Lifer.' Once you get involved, you don't want to leave because it's all for such good causes."

Besides helping the community with feeding the elderly and veterans, the Jaycees play a big part in the local Project Graduation program, sports teams and scouts, Easter egg hunts, cancer research funding, community Thanksgiving meals, and Police Academy Scholarship funds. The non-profit group does several different types of fundraisers throughout the year.

"With this rally, half of the proceeds will go into improvements on the park off 264 (where this event is held) and the other half to the local Children's Advocacy Center," said Sager.  

In years past, they have had anywhere from 700-1,200 people come out and participate, so, in addition to the Spring Rally, they will also have one in the fall.  

Sager said, "[Friday], we're mostly all going to get acquainted, settle in, and get everyone who comes in on a bike fed." Today, there will be a "Bike Show," Bike Games," and trophies and cash prizes will be given to the winners. 

Sager added, "There will also be a Poker Run, live music from Austin Band "The Bomb Squad," who cover Classic Rock Songs;" and, as the day progresses, vendors will arrive and set up selling anything from car and bike parts to t-shirts, food, scented oils, flags, and specialty beef jerky. 

In the park, and along the caliche road, there were already various groups of tents, recreational vehicles, campers, and booths amongst the mesquite trees and grassy areas. Families and friends of all ages enjoyed the warm sunny day sitting near BBQ pits chatting near the many different makes and models of motorcycles. Blue Oyster Cult and Black Sabbath echoed through the airwaves and people sat watching people, many with their four-legged friends in tow.

Many people have made it an annual affair and have built long lasting friendships even with competing cook-off teams. Johnny and Penny Eivens' team, "the Foursomes," shared a section of lawn with BBQ teams "The Bruda n Laws," and Sandy Wilson's "RayBell's Rat Row."  Wilson, a local antique dealer, said her team is named after her shop located in the historical part of Sweetwater.  

"Decades earlier, the area was referred to as Rat Row due to an issue with rodents," she said with a smile. "But it's all good now."

Eivens said he "enjoys coming out and just being outdoors."

"It's family oriented, and there are usually a lot of kids playing and having fun instead of sitting around messing with their phones or video games," he said. In regards to the weekend forecast for rain, Eivens grinned and said, "If you wait until you have perfect weather, you'll never do anything."  

All agreed they were looking forward to the weekend full of good music, games, food and relaxing. 

As per the Sweetwater Jaycees website http://www.rattlesnakeroundup.net/s…, gates open at noon Friday and the cost is $5 per person/per day. There will be live music on Friday and Saturday. The Poker Run is scheduled for Saturday morning with the cook-off beginning at 9:00 a.m. Bike registration is $25, with a hospitality camp available. Cooker registration is $80 or $25 each (Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, Chicken, and Chili) with 70 percent payback, $5 Jackpot beans and $5 Jackpot Bloody Marys. Team Calcutta--50 percent payback. Restrooms and free warm showers are available. Camping is by reservations only.