A motorcyclist’s guide to OTT Rally

How old is the oldest town in Texas? In 1716, Spain established the Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches, the first European construction in the region. The town, which derives its name from the existing Caddo Indian settlement, dates to the 1760s. If that’s not old enough, there is evidence of a settlement dating as far back as 10,000 years. It sounds credible then, that rally organizers dubbed their event the Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Motorcycle Rally.

While certainly not the oldest rally in Texas, organizers have been donating to local veteran groups and scholarship funds since 2009, and in 2015 started a ride to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. There is plenty to do at the 8th annual OTT Motorcycle Rally:

• OTT BBQ cook off with sampling
• Thunder in the Pines concerts
• Globe of Death stunt show
• Biker games
• Historic downtown parade
• Bikini contest
• Burnout contest
• Bad tattoo contest
• Crawfish eating contest
• Custom bike show
• Vendors
• Torch fire performer
• OTT Warrior Ride, for the Wounded Warrior Project
• Beer gardens
• Camping
• Scenic rides
• CMA Blessing of the bikes on Sunday

The motorcycle rally events are located on the 30-acre Nacogdoches County Exposition Center. In addition to the modern expo facility, the site features three outdoor pavilions, on-site camping and 150,000 square feet of shade to escape the Texas sun.

The local climate in April is mild with an average day/night temperature of 76 degrees and 55 degrees, respectively. Nacogdoches is located in Texas Forest Country, which is known for its scenic beauty, lakes, rivers, and towering trees, making for great motorcycle riding opportunities.

Till next time ride safe!

Key Event Information

Location: Nacogdoches County Exposition Center, 3805 NW Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, Texas

Dates: April 29-30

Hours: Opens 9 a.m., Saturday and Sunday

Admission: Two-day pass – $35.00; Daily – $20

Promoter: Motorjam Productions

Telephone: (936) 632-4936

Website: ottrally.com