Motorcycle rally to bring at least 2,500 riders and $4 million to the Star City

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) – A new $4 million tourism opportunity in Southwest Virginia was announced on Thursday in Roanoke.

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge landed hosting privileges for the first kick-off of the "Merging Mountains Harley Owners Group Rally." Having hosting privileges for the  rally is not only exciting news for motorcycle enthusiasts, it's exciting for the local economy.

The event will run from June 7-10, 2017 and aims to draw motorcycle lovers to Virginia's Blue Ridge from the Mid-Atlantic Region consisting of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina, with an open invitation to Harley Owners outside of these states.

Although Virginia's Blue Ridge is no stranger to the Harley Owners group member events, this will be the first event of its kind in our area with the most in attendance.

These rallies are expected to attract people from 28 or more states and upwards of five countries. They are expected to have at least 2,500 Harley owners here and each owner is expected to spend about $300 a day.

"Virginia's Blue Ridge is privileged to host an event of this caliber.  Virginia has been home to motorcycle lovers for years and we are excited to welcome H.O.G. members from not only the region but around the world to Virginia's Blue Ridge today, in June for the H.O.G. Rally, and down the road," stated Landon Howard, President of Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Plans for the rally are underway and include a "Kick-off" theme night at the Salem Red Sox baseball stadium, unlimited self-guided rides and numerous guided rides each day of the event, live music, entertainment, a poker-run throughout the area, tours to wineries, restaurants, breweries, bike show, with more surprises in the works.