OFF THE WIRE
BY: Lauren Suit
Source: shorenewstoday.com
WILDWOOD — The constant roar from motorcycle tailpipes may have gotten a little noisy and a few bikers may have looked a little rough around the edges, but the Wildwood Police Department said their were no major problems over the Roar to the Shore weekend.
The event draws thousands of motorcycles to the city for a weekend filled with beer, bands and biker babes. This year there was also a Tattoo Beach Bash ,with artists from across the country held in the convention center.
The business community in the city is especially welcoming toward the bikers, who normally come to conventions prepared to spend money.
Hotels hang out banners touting “Welcome Bikers” and many bars and restaurants make special shirts to sell for the event. At Tucker's Pub and the Bolero, two businesses located in the heart of much of the activity, had customers overflowing out their doors on to the sidewalk.
“It was a large crowd this year,” said Lt. Det. Terry Oslar of the Wildwood Police Department. “But it really wasn’t too bad.
“We haven't had many problems over the years,” he added. “We've had fewer incidents than we would normally have for an event this size.”
Oslar said they are aware that outlaw motorcycle gangs do come through the town during the event, but he said they have not caused problems for the city.
Members of the Pagans motorcycle gang were in plain view throughout the weekend rally, but the local police said there were no issues.
“They’ve had a presence here for at least 10 years,” Oslar said.
Most of the establishments in town don't allow them to wear their indentifying club patches, or colors, and they comply, he added.
Oslar said that police also maximizes the manpower during the weekend with 12 hour shifts and everyone in the department working.
“We take precautions to make sure there are no major incidents,” he added.
