Apr 1, 2011
Dave Kasinski wants to attract 5,000 motorcycle riders to Batavia on the weekend of Aug. 12, 13 and 14.
Kasinski, of Le Roy, and his brother, John, of Lancaster have organized the inaugural WNY Round-Up Rally 2011, three days of live music, food, bike rides and exhibits.
“It’s a go,†Kasinski said Tuesday.
He and his brother are in the process of acquiring all the approvals they need for the rally. The duo has not selected a location for headquarters for the event, but it could possibly be in the downtown merchant district or at the Clarion Inn on Park Road.
“The goal is to draw people from every direction. I think the most important thing is the guys get to ride and get to see the area,†Kasinski said.
The Kasinskis have distributed thousands of fliers in communities within a 1 1/2-to-2-hour drive. Bulk e-mails have also been sent out to motorcycle clubs and more than 200 Harley Davidson dealers within a 200-mile radius.
Dave Kasinski said he will travel to Toronto next weekend to promote the event for riders in Ontario Province.
Kasinski, 50; his son, Samuel, 24 and brother, John, 34, are all experienced bikers who have attended rallies in places such as the Thousand Islands, Erie, Pa., and Johnstown, Pa.
He said Batavia’s ideal for a bikers convention because it is centrally located, close to the Thruway and has several major truck routes passing through it.
Kasinski said he wants to model WNY Round-Up Rally on Erie’s Roar on the Shore. In 2010, the fourth annual Roar on the Shore attracted an estimated 25,000 bike enthusiasts, he said.
Organizers of the Batavia event have already enrolled several sponsors, including Batavia Downs, Stan’s Harley Davidson, Oatka Milk Products, beverage distributor C.H. Wright, the Clarion and Clor’s Meat Market. The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is helping with promotions and logistics.
The Kasinskis have also dug into their own pockets to help finance the rally. They are encouraging local merchants to participate in activities that will bring potential customers into their stores such as a poker run, where riders have to pick up a playing card at five different businesses, and Cruzin’ the County, during which bikers stop at eight-to-10 shops outside of the Batavia area.
“The incentive for the rider is a cash prize,†Kasinski said.
The August rally will also raise funds for a local charity, Don Carroll’s Toys for Kids initiative.
“He’s local, he’s here,†Kasinski said.
WNY Round-Up will also feature a Mug Club. A rider will carry a commemorative cup and use it for discounts at participating bars and restaurants.
Vendors will sell motorcycle gear, food and beverages, Kasinski said.
Kelly Rapone, tourism and marketing director for the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, said a large motorcycle rally would provide additional business for hotels, restaurants and gas stations. It would also allow Chamber officials to showcase the area to visitors.
“The Chamber’s working hard to attract groups to the community,†Rapone said.
Elissa Leuer, group sales coordinator for the Chamber, said motorcycle enthusiasts who show up at rallies are not the stereotypical gang members who’ve become notorious for criminal activities. Bikers at rallies in the region often bring their wives and children to them, she said.
The Kasinskis, Leuer said, want a “family-friendly event.
“They are hoping for a good turnout. I think they are going to get it.
“We’d love to have them,†Leuer said.
Kasinski said biker demographics break down into men in their 20s to 50s, weekend warrior types, who bring buying power with them. They are most likely professionals with annual incomes of $50,000 to $75,000.
Most rally participants will show up wearing their best leathers. They attend because they like to ride and like a lot of fresh air, Kasinski said.
He said he’s hopes the city, county and business community get behind the event to make it a success.
“We’d like to see more sponsorships,†Kasinski said.
Anyone who would like more information about the rally or sponsors can contact Dave Kasinski at (585) 768-7260 or check the rally website.
