Born to be Wild: Motofiesta Guayabitos Coming
Tara A. Spears
Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from across Mexico hook up in Jaltemba Bay next weekend. Imagine the gathering of super hogs, cold beer, moto gear vendors, sunshine and the beach-got to be wild! If there is a Spanish version of Steppenwolf’s song, it should be their anthem: “Get your motor runnin’/Head out on the highway/
Looking for adventure/In whatever comes our way!” Rincón de Guayabitos is ready for the 17th edition of Motofiesta Guayabitos, a family-friendly motorcycle event that’s taking place beginning noon on Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5, 2022. For many the highlight of the event is the motorcycle parade through the three towns that culminates at the exhibit field in Guayabitos. For others, the best part of the weekend is the bands each night; for some of the riders it’s hanging out with your brethren from other states.
Every year, hundreds of motorcyclists and thousands of visitors come to the Riviera Nayarit to enjoy this annual event, which gives motorcycle enthusiasts a place to show off their spectacular machines and enjoy time together – and this year will be extra special after the two year no show due to the pandemic. The festivities are scheduled to begin around noon on Friday and promise to keep everyone entertained for the entire weekend.
Generally the Motofiesta Guayabitos is a loud but well behaved gathering. Unfortunately, the 2019 event left a couple of men dead and a bad taste in the local citizens’ mouth. According to eye witnesses who were dining on Ave. Sol Nuevo that Sunday morning, five motorcycle riders (some without shirts on) were racing and weaving through traffic on the avenida. The guy who took the lead turned around to flip off his companions and failed to see a van observing the stop sign at the intersection, and he crashed into the stopped vehicle containing a local man and his son. The rider was not wearing a helmet and appeared to die instantly. A couple of his buddies were infuriated and jerked open the door of the van, yanking the driver out to beat him. In the heat of the moment, one assailant used a knife on the van driver, killing him in front of his son. Just as quick as it began, the four riders grabbed their deceased friend and sped away before the police arrived. Several witnesses posted videos and photos on social media for days afterwards. This tragic occurrence is the only reported violence in 14 years of the event but local residents did not want the event to return. Covid created a cooling off period and hopefully the participants will behave this year.
During the day, Motofiesta is family-friendly with all kinds of motorcycle games and contests, DJ music, raffles, vendor stands selling all kinds of things, from food, drink to t-shirts and souvenirs and, of course, motorcycle gear and accessories. Don’t miss the Desfile de Motos (motorcycle parade) on Saturday, as it is always a rip-roaring good time! The party continues into the night(s) with fun adult activities including wet t-shirt and naughty “biker chick” contests, and rock concerts by some great bands.
Entrance to the event grounds is free, but please support the vendors by purchasing t-shirts, souvenirs, food and drinks. Also, please keep in mind that coolers, bottles, firearms, knives and other sharp object are not allowed on the premises. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
“I like smoke and lightnin’
Heavy metal thunder
Racing with the wind”
Welcome Motofiesta 2022
