Via Flickr user Aleksander Markin
Harley-Davidson and other motorcycle riders will hit Austin this weekend for the Republic of Texas Rally.
Bikers from San Antonio — and from across Texas and the nation, for that matter — are set to descend upon Austin this weekend for the
Republic of Texas Rally, the largest motorcycle meetup in the state.
ROT Rally organizers expect about 200,000 attendees for this year’s event, who could generate upwards of $40 million to the Central Texas economy.
Although there were some concerns about event safety after a May shootout between rival biker gangs in Waco left nine people dead, ROT organizers Austin cops alike have both gone out of their way to assuage any doubts.
After the shooting, ROT officials released a statement saying “we continue to consult with and implement recommendations of these law enforcement organizations so that everyone can have a fun and safe...experience.”
An undercover police officer in the Austin told
KVUE in Austin that he wasn’t expecting any violence at the event.
"Over the last six or seven years that I've been involved with the R.O.T. Rally, it's been low-key," the officer said.