Although for different reasons a similar action was taken in 2006 but then as now, bikers came anyway creating an informal rally. After such strong support from the riding community, City officials then tried to make the rally work financially by bringing in a company specializing in organizing motorcycle events.

But after last year's event, officials decided to cancel the rally once again.

'The decision to cancel the rally came after months of careful consideration,' the February press release read, 'Since 1997, the Hollister Motorcycle Rally has been an annual event. Spiraling expenses caused a review of the feasibility of continuing the rally. Starting in 2004, the City had to begin paying increased costs for assistance from state law enforcement agencies. Due to the downturn in the state budget, these agencies could no longer provide services without reimbursement. In addition, adjustments were made to ensure that contracts with officers from outside agencies conformed to state law. Of course, as attendance at the rally increased over the years, additional law enforcement personnel were necessary to ensure the safety of rally attendees and the residents of Hollister.'

Many consider Hollister a turning point in not only the evolution of the biker, but how the public perceived motorcycle enthusiasts from events which took place during and after the Gypsy Tour motorcycle rally in July 1947. The rally, which was sponsored by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), was attended by approximately 4000 people and would be later sensationalized in news reports and magazine articles reporting of bikers "taking over the town". However many eyewitnesses, motorcycle enthusiasts and otherwise contradict many of the more inflammatory news reports, magazine articles and controversial photographs which were allegedly staged.

The events led to representatives of the AMA trying to calm the negative press surrounding the rally by stating at a press conference that "the trouble was caused by the one per cent deviant that tarnishes the public image of both motorcycles and motorcyclists." This would lead to the term 'one-percenter' to describe "outlaw" bikers and the events would eventually inspire the 1953 movie 'The Wild One' starring Marlon Brando.

In the February statement from city officials, the financial burden faced by Hollister was outlined, 'In addition to law enforcement expenses, the City incurs costs associated with preparing for the event, as well as public works and equipment expenses.'

'Finally, there are other public safety expenses, such as supplemental firefighter/paramedic staffing,' the statement continued, 'These expenses exceeded reimbursement by over $100,000. This left the City with a general fund expense at a time the City is facing severe cutbacks and spending down its general fund reserve. Facing the possibility of even greater expenses and further reduction of its general fund, the City Council voted to cancel the 2009 Hollister Motorcycle Rally.'

Talk about this story in our forums