Republic Of Texas Bike Rally Descends Upon Downtown Austin This Weekend

AUSTIN, TX -- There will be thunder in the streets come Friday, with the massive Republic of Texas Biker Rally descending on downtown roadways.

This is the time of year when thousands of motorcyclists -- estimates place it at roughly 40,000 participants -- converge to show off their bikes and engage in camaraderie with their fellow bikers. It's known by its acronym, dubbed the ROT Bike Rally for those in the know.

Music acts will be on hand and motorcycle riding demonstrations will be featured. This marks the 21st anniversary of what is now the largest motorcycle bike rally of its kind in the country, bringing together bike riders and enthusiasts from all 50 states and international locations to the heart of Austin.

The Travis County Expo Center is ground zero for the rally, but motorcyclists will descend on popular spots along 6th Street and other fun spots as they gather.

But for motorists -- particularly motorists needing to use downtown streets to get to and from their destinations -- the rally poses some road challenges. Some 50 city blocks will be closed off to accommodate bikers, and Congress Avenue on Friday evening is handed off to the easy riders as they travel in what amounts to a very loud parade toward the Capitol and surrounding point downtown beginning at 8 p.m.

According to the Downtown Austin Alliance, Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez Street and 11th Street will be closed off Friday for the rally. Congress Avenue will be closed Friday from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. the following day. Parking along Congress Avenue will be prohibited beginning at 3 p.m. in anticipation of the motorcycle procession, and cars not in compliance with the parking ban will be towed starting at 4 p.m., according to the DAA.

A number of cross streets — 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Streets — will be partially closed between Brazos Street and Colorado Street, DAA officials said. Still, vehicles will be able to enter and exit parking garages within the closure area.

Along with bikers, police will be out in full force to make sure things don't get out of hand. On Thursday, police announced they would enforce a "no refusal" DWI initiative during which time they will be able to draw blood to check for intoxication among suspected offenders declining to take a breathalyzer test or blood sample.

The initiative will begin Friday, June 10, 2016 at 9 p.m. and end Sunday June 12 at 5 a.m., 2016, police said.

"The hours of operation for this initiative are 9 p.m. and will run straight through (day/night) to 5 a.m. on Sunday," police said in a statement. "The DWI initiative is an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe, and to conduct blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to give a breath or blood specimen as required by law."

While police want people to have fun, they also are aware that alcohol figures prominently at such gatherings. In its statement, the Austin Police Department said their aim was to protect the public rather than spoil the party.

"ROT Rally weekend is often associated with parties and gatherings in which alcohol is present," police said. "This announcement is to remind everyone that their area law enforcement agencies encourage them to make the responsible choice not to drive if they are impaired in any way.

"The Austin Police Department is focused on saving lives in the Austin metropolitan area and making roadways safe for everyone through education and enforcement."

The ROT Bike Rally generates a sizable economic impact to the city during its weekend run, particularly felt by downtown merchants along 6th Street. From its humble beginnings in 1993 when it drew some 5,000 participants, today's ROT Bike Rally numbering in the tens of thousands of participants yields about $36 million in spendable income to the local economy, organzers said.

Below is a ROT Bike Rally video primer, answering all the questions you may have had about the ROT Bike Rally but were afraid to ask:

>>> Images via ROT Bike RallyTwitter page