Rev up your engines: Ohio Bike Week approaches

SANDUSKY — With Ohio Bike Week just around the corner, it's time to prepare for the events and concerts in store. The annual motorcycle rally and festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. This year's event runs for 10 days between Friday, May 30 and Sunday, June 8. Though many events are geared toward adults, some activities, including the block party, are family-friendly. Motorcycle rides One of the key components of any motorcycle festival are the rallies or rides. The first ride this year is the Ladies' Ride. The approximately 40-mile ride begins at Mad River Harley-Davidson on Milan Road (U.S. 250) and ends at the Speedtrap Diner in Woodville. The May 31 ride is the Huge Ass Poker Run. The ride will pay prizes for high hand, low hand and a random pull. Other rides include a brewery tour, a circuit ride, a prison ride, the Kelleys Island Dice Run and the annual Jesse James Dupree charity ride. Revenue from multiple rides is pooled and then distributed to area nonprofits such as Margaretta Boosters, Project Share, Kelleys Island EMS, local police and fire as well as the Sandusky State Theatre. Block Party The World Famous Block Party, a key component of bike week, begins on Thursday, June 5 and runs through Friday and Saturday as well in downtown Sandusky. The block party encompasses Schade-Mylander Plaza, Shoreline Drive, the Barrel House Saloon and Jackson Street Pier. Motorcycle parking is available throughout the downtown area. The pier is the site of the Progressive main stage. The block party will be home to food, apparel and services vendors. One popular vendor is Leon Leather. The business' huge green and white tent houses a store that peddles all manner of cowhide creations from purses and wallets to belts and saddle bags. More than 50 bands and solo singers will perform during Ohio Bike Week. The block party will feature five national headlining acts. Thursday features bike week staple Jackyl. They are known for their song, "The Lumberjack," in which lead singer Jesse James Dupree wields a chainsaw on stage. Jackyl will be joined by Darryl McDaniels from the legendary hip-hop group Run DMC. Thursday's openers include the Andi Jo Experience and the Michael Weber Show. Friday features dual headliners Saliva and Hinder. Local favorite Hard Pass will open on Friday. Then, Saturday night, the main stage will host Queensrÿche. Formed in Bellevue, Washington more than 40 years ago, the band is known for their Grammy-nominated power ballad, "Silent Lucidity." The Queensrÿche show has two openers: Revival and World Zen'd. All Ohio Bike Week concerts are free. Tickets for the VIP section are available for an additional fee.