Tijuana Bike Fest welcomed by Baja tourism secretary

As many as 8000 motorcyclists are expected to converge this weekend at the Plaza Monumental bullring in Playas de Tijuana for the third Tijuana Bike Fest.

The three-day event is scheduled to get under way on Friday, June 14, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Over the course of the following two days, event planners say they will raffle off a $15,000 Harley-Davidson.

Among the events planned are a tattoo contest, a bikini contest, a wet T-shirt contest, a "slow race" in which any model of motorcycle may participate with no restrictions on the sex or age of the rider. A classic car show is scheduled, as well as a motorcycle show featuring all kinds of bikes — from Harleys to scooters to off-road bikes.

A series of live concerts will be interspersed throughout the three-day festival, featuring 11 musical groups — though the names of the groups have yet to be announced by sponsors. (Dirty Tequila and the Hong Kong Gentleman's Club are among the many sponsors.)

Food will be on sale from vendors setting up shop on the bullring grounds. Sponsors say around 40 different motorcycle clubs from as far away as Mexicali and San Luis Río Colorado are expected to attend, including Caballeros de Tiajuana, Ángeles Avisoma, Sólo Ángeles, Ángeles del Camino, Correcaminos, Ángeles del Desierto, Guerreros, and the Tijuaneros.

At a press conference, the Baja California secretary of tourism welcomed the bike fest, saying it would bring a younger set of tourists to Tijuana's beaches and help boost the city's flagging economy.

The event is open to the general public. More information at tijuanabikefest.com.