Riders have been enjoying a motorcycle event Texas style with the annual Republic of Texas Biker Rally, running through this weekend.

Starting on Thursday, the event is expected to draw 40,000 motorcyclists and is considered the largest motorcycle rally in Texas. The event began in 1995 with a mere 4,000 guests.

Taking place in Austin the event will host musical acts such as the Doobie Brothers and Eddie Money, as well as featuring other entertainment such as American Hellriders Wall of Death, 2011 ROT Tattoo Exposition, Escape Artist Michael Griffin and a motorcycle stunt team.

Friday will see what the Guinness Book of World Records certified in 2006 as "Longest Parade of Motorcycles Known to Mankind," with an 11-mile Parade escorted by Austin Police from the Rally grounds to the capitol building on Congress Avenue.

Vintage is the key word for a motorcycle showcase offering Vincent Black Shadow, Triumph Bonneville, Norton Commando, Moto Guzzi and Indian with the classics coming from all over the United States. For those riders with a more unique taste, ten custom bike builders will be attending the ROT rally this year.

While motorcycle events are all about two-wheeled fun, three accidents before the rally’s official start on Thursday have reminded attendees to be cautious.

For the first time in the rally’s history, Austin Police has announced they are implementing a "no refusal" weekend. "No refusal" means police officers can obtain a court order to take a blood sample on the spot if they suspect a driver is intoxicated. Reportedly, APD officers are working with rally organizers to make sure participants know drinking and driving won't be tolerated.

"This is the first time we've had a "no refusal" for the ROT Rally. The impetus of this is last time we had three fatalities in three days for the ROT Rally. This is something we want to stop,” APD Commander Jason Dusterhoft said.

However,  Dusterhoft noted that the no-refusal initiative isn't only focused only on rally participants.