National Bikers Roundup comes to Gonzales beginning July 29

It’s billed as the single biggest gathering of minority motorcycle enthusiasts in the United States— the National Bikers Roundup — and for six days next week, it will call the JB Wells Arena, Park and Expo in Gonzales home.

The roar of heavy metal thunder — from thousands of Harleys, Hondas, Kawasakis, Yamahas, Triumphs, Ducatis and Indians — will fill the air when as many as 30,000 to 40,000 attendees convene beginning Tuesday, July 29, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 3. From cruisers to cafe racers, from choppers to flatheads — if someone rides it, you’ll probably see it on display at the NBR.

While many who come to the festival stay in RVs or pitch tents to camp for the “full experience” of this convention, others stay in hotel rooms not only in the host city, but within a one to two hour radius. Hotel rooms in Gonzales County have been sold out in many cases since January. Restaurants and gas stations are getting prepared for the influx of customers by stocking up on extra essentials.

Each year the event brings in musical acts to perform. This year’s lineup includes the following (general admission to the event is usually $30 and is the cost to attend with no other cover charge):

• Friday, Aug. 1: Marcus Ardoin & Da Zydeco Legendz from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; DJ Interlude from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Keyun & the Zydeco Masters, 10 p.m. to midnight.

• Saturday, Aug. 2: Marco Richh from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Fat Daddy from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Mr. Smoke & The Smoke Band from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.; DJ Interlude from 11 p.m. to midnight.

• Sunday, Aug. 3: DJ Interlude from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Trae The Truth from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.; DJ Interlude from 10 p.m. to midnight.

An all-female ride group called the “2025 Texas Takeover” has events planned with a Wine Down Wednesday, July 30 at 6 p.m. at San Antonio Distillery; a historic tour of the Edwards High School Community Center and Afro-American Museum at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 30; a Ladies Hang NightPart 1 at the Women’s Pavilion at JB Wells Arena at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30; a Ladies Hang Night Part 2 at the Women’s Pavilion at JB Wells Arena with The Black Motorcycle Set Page at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1; a continental breakfast and Steel Horse Awards presented by SBRF from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 at Edwards High School Gem; and an all-female ride beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 from Edwards High School Gem (register at https://tinyurl.com/CTXAFR25).

Gonzales County Emergency Management Director Jimmy Harless said a number of meetings have been held to make sure first responders are ready for an event that could bring twice as many people to town as Cattle Country Festival did in April — though likely far short of the record estimated 85,000 fans that came to Gonzales for the Willie Nelson Fourth of July picnic in 1976.

It also does not approach the sheer number of people who attend what is considered to be the largest motorcycle rally in the world, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which annually brings half a million people to Sturgis, South Dakota, which since 1938 has had a substantial economic impact on the town of Sturgis and the surrounding region.

While Sturgis — which begins Thursday, Aug 1 this year — is open to all motorcycle enthusiasts, the vast majority of attendees that go are white and there is a large number of “outlaw” groups present and the event is often marred by alcohol and drug-related crashes which turn fatal.

Meanwhile, the National Bikers Roundup is the largest camping motorcycle rally held in the United States each year and is organized by several primarily African-American motorcycle clubs. There are strict rules that all attendees must follow: no weapons; no ATVs; no drones; no four-wheelers and no glass containers allowed.

More than 1,000 motorcycle clubs attend the event each year, and African-American women make up close to half of the participants. Last year, the roundup was held in Springfield, Illinois. Attendees say the event gives black bikers the opportunity to celebrate their passion in an atmosphere where they aren’t in the minority.

Motorcyclists from across the country are expected to attend, bringing an unusually large increase in motorcycle traffic to the area. Officials are urging residents and travelers to drive cautiously and be mindful of visiting riders.

Attendees are encouraged to register for emergency alerts by texting NMR2025 to (618) 589-1337. This system will be used to communicate important updates throughout the event and will be deactivated afterward.

The first roundup was organized in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1977 by Dallas Thibodeaux and Rozell Nunn Jr. and attracted 49 riders. It has grown in stature since then to become a multiple-day event with as many as 30,000 to 40,000 participants who enjoy camping, exhibition of their rides, parades, stunt shows and other entertainment, including drag racing and contests.

Because it primarily attracted African-American riders, the event was largely ignored by mainstream media and the motorcycle industry early on in its history, but has since attracted the support of manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Honda because it is family friendly and open to people of all ethnicities.

Since 1998, participants have been donating food and money to support local food banks and have since raises thousands of dollars and contributed tons of food.