Thousands of motorcyclists will rumble and roll into Scottsdale on Friday for the start of Arizona Bike Week.
The eighth annual festival of leather, hogs and partying begins with a Kickstart Party from noon to 9 p.m. at Hacienda Harley, 15600 N. Hayden Road.
Actor Gary Busey will join semifinalists of the Miss Arizona Bike Week contest for a day of live music, games, food and drink.
"Every year we grow by leaps and bounds," said Whitney Market, event marketing director. "What started as a local gathering has grown into the top five bike weeks in the country."
As many as 100,000 motorcyclists from around the country and the world are expected to attend the 10-day event, Market said.
"We have a lot of German and Japanese riders coming because they love the desert," she said. "I even spoke with a Russian group that is coming."
Activities run through April 4 and include a variety of tours, races, poker runs and parties around Scottsdale and the Valley.
The largest gathering will be Cyclefest, a four-day motorcycle vendor exposition at Rawhide Wild West Town complete with nightly concerts, biker bull riding and the Handlebar Saloon.
The saloon, which is set up each year for the festival, will host bands Molly Hatchet and the Little River Band.
Other Cyclefest activities include bike races and demos, stunts, professional wrestling, kickboxing and a toughman contest.
"The biggest change from last year is we moved Cyclefest from WestWorld to Rawhide," Market said. "We just outgrew WestWorld and have so much more flexibility at Rawhide."
For a list of events, visit www.arizonabikeweek.com or call (602) 393-1658.
CycleFest
When: 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. April 1-3; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 4
Where: Rawhide Wild West Town, 23023 N. Scottsdale Road
Cost: $8 adults; $5 children 6-12, children 5 and younger free
