Local motor shops report increased foot traffic during Steel Horse Rally
How do local motor shops and businesses experience the Steel Horse Rally? The nature of the event is increased traffic and loud pipes. But no one is complaining. The traffic is good for the economy, especially supporting those that serve and important local charities. Plus, the pipes sound like life. We know what is going on downtown. What is happening on the peripherals? Does an event like the Steel Horse Rally have an impact away from downtown?
I started at BRC Bike Works. I met Briana first, in the gear and merchandise store. I told her what I was doing; she took me to the shop where I interrupted lunch. They offered me a chair and I asked them questions. Rod, the mechanic, had the exact look you’d expect: working man’s hands, a beard at length and a straight-shooting look in his eye. It was easy to see he knew his trade and is a guy you can count on.
BRC works on all types of bikes and our conversation focused on inclusion. During the Steel Horse Rally, BRC sees some increased traffic in merchandise and gear sales. Brad, the owner and self-proclaimed janitor, said some locals bring their bikes in to get tuned up ahead of the event. He also said out-of-town riders stop in for small maintenance issues encountered here while away from their home shop.
They gave me a sense of community, even among competitors in the local bike scene. The whole staff at BRC Bike Works was very welcoming, and Brad, owner/janitor, gave me a list of other bike shops I should talk to.
Over at Wheeler Motor Sports I spoke with the sales manger Dee. He owns three bikes: a Harley Davidson Street Glide, Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic, and a Kawasaki Ninja 650. He said Wheeler’s proximity to downtown gives them a bump in foot traffic. And with a similar effect as BRC in merchandise and gear sales.
Dee said there is a great local bike community in the area with a diverse taste in make and model. “Being on a bike makes you proactive. You assume nothing. It’s family, tribe, and freedom,” he said.
Larry at Westark Yamaha said locals are still his core business even during large events. There were local shoppers in his showroom while we spoke. He said, however, he keeps his maintenance schedule open during the rally weekend just for attendees that need maintenance and repairs.
Honda Powersports reported similar results as the other bike shops.
For lunch I stopped at Benson’s Grill on Rogers. It was pretty quiet, and I got my BLT quickly. One biker was sitting at the counter. He sported chaps and two holsters – one for his cell phone, another for an open carry handgun. I felt fine. My waitress told me business would pick up late tonight when the downtown venders and most local places were closed and everyone was hungry.
Each location was friendly and happy to serve locals and visitors alike; and each were open to possibilities of greater involvement as they are presented.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: What is the local impact of the Steel Horse Rally outside of downtown?
