Pennsylvania Wants More Bikers

The Southern Alleghenies Regional Tourism Confederation, a conglomeration of elected and appointed officials from a seven-county area in Sou...

The Southern Alleghenies Regional Tourism Confederation, a conglomeration of elected and appointed officials from a seven-county area in Southwest Pennsylvania, unveiled a plan to attract more motorcycle tourists in their area.

They cited the much financially successful Thunder in the Valley as a model, a biker event that takes place in Johnstown, PA. They estimate the next Thunder in the Valley event, which takes place this weekend, will pump $10 million into the greater Johnstown economy.

In summary, the plan involves seven guided tours of the region's points of interest. The Confederation has published brochures containing maps and an outline of each stop of the seven tours will be available at visitors centers throughout the region. To make it more interesting, the Confederation has also created ride pins for each tour, hoping that motorcyclists will seek to collect all seven.

Brad Zepka of Zepka Harley-Davidson Inc. of Richland Township said the program will make his job easier in serving tourists.

"When they come into the shop, motorcyclists want to know where to go and how to get there," Zepka said.

"It takes time to pull out a map and give each one directions," he said. "Now, I can just hand them a brochure; it has the map and lists the attractions. It's a great idea."

I agree, I think this is a great idea, not only to promote the enjoyment of motorcycling, but to bring attention to various places of interest around the state. And this is not just something specific to motorcyclists either.

The Confederation has created a website specifically to promote the motorcycle tour.