Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival wraps up with music, stunts and a chill vibe

Depending on who you ask, there are actually many reasons not to attend a motorcycle rally, most of them having to do with overly aggressive, drunken, crank yahoos who have sullied many events .

Welcome to the Tennessee Motorcycles And Music Revival, now in her 5^and year and one of the most chilled, hospitable and easy-to-navigate gatherings a motorcyclist could hope to find of the many held each year across the United States. The atmosphere of about 6,000 attendees on the 3,500 acre ranch was relaxed and open, the people friendly and despite the hordes of machines, no traffic jams, overdoses or dramas.

It remains the largest event of its kind in Tennessee, featuring stunt shows, bike shows, field games, motorcycle racing, Harley-Davidson demo rides, off-road rides and music, music, music all day and into the night. by the two local talents, such as Cody Bolden, below:

Down to national headliners like ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, who rocked the crowd with classic hits like “Sharp-Dressed Man,” “Legs,” “Gimme All Your Lovin'” and more.

Or legendary sidemen like Tim Watson, the man with the violin, who has shared the stage with countless legends from Tammy Wynette to Kid Rock.

The BC Moto Invitational, a showcase of custom motorcycles, featured selected craftsmen showcasing some of the best custom motorcycles in the country.

As usual, there was plenty to eat, and a surprisingly healthy portion for this type of event.

But don’t forget the dessert.

Part of the mellow but still exciting atmosphere is that the event is taking place at the ranch of country legend Loretta Lynn. It’s a bit like being at grandma’s house, so you’re not going to step on her furniture with your motorcycle boots, or swear excessively, or do anything to annoy her so that she doesn’t invite you over. next year.

There was plenty to do, see and buy, of course, from t-shirts to cigars to motorcycle gear and more, but there were also plenty of places you could take yourself and be quiet when needed, including beautiful coves or near Mrs. Lynn’s gift shop and museum.

“It takes a lot of hard work throughout the year,” said singer-songwriter Tayla Lynngranddaughter of Loretta Lynn and family ambassador for the event, in an interview that took place next to a creek where families splashed around.

“I’ve seen more kids this year than any other year,” she said. “I always try to post pictures of my kids to let people know it’s a family event. People can just relax. It’s authentic.

This year’s event turned tenuous last August, when a massive flood, considered one of the worst natural disasters in Tennessee history, decimated the area, killing 20 people, including the ranch foreman. “The water was over our heads,” Lynn said. “The area we are on right now was completely under water. It was awful, really awful.

There was nothing to do, ultimately, but rebuild and move on.

“We knew we didn’t want to go ‘crazy’ here,” Lynn said, referring to the rowdy atmosphere at other motorcycle events. “That was not my grandparents’ intention when they built this place. They loved motorcycles, they’ve always had motorcycles here, and it’s a family thing. So at the end of the day, if the family isn’t included, it probably won’t work. I think everyone understood that in the first year and was thrilled with it, and here we are.

“I didn’t see too much craziness at all. It is a kind of island of fraternity and camaraderie. We don’t necessarily want to make the event bigger year after year, just improve the quality as we go. We started from scratch. »

Lynn admits to being less than new to riding. “I don’t know anything about motorcycles at all,” she said. “I love motorcycles, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to master one. At first they tried to teach me all things about motorcycles, but forget that. I just got a t-shirt from Harley that says, “That bitch don’t ride.”