LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Laughlin River Run, a notorious gathering of bikers, didn’t survive the pandemic but a new event might be emerging in its place.
This isn’t the first time the Mayhem Motorcycle Rally in Bullhead City, Arizona, has taken place, but it’s getting bigger and the event has a new owner. Materials on the rally’s website aren’t shying away from the outlaw image that grew around the Laughlin River Run.
“Where there is mayhem there will always be after mayhem,” the website teases. Mixed in with “A commencement ride with the mayor,” the site lists events including mud wrestling, tattoo contests “Ladies of Mayhem,” biker games, burn outs and wet babes.
One observer in the Arizona motorcycle community said Thursday that enthusiasts are taking a wait-and-see approach to the event this year. They want to know if it will be a wild party or if bikers will steer clear of that image.
Events are planned beginning Thursday, April 24, through the weekend. Bullhead City police posted a caution to drivers on social media as the event arrives, urging drivers to be extra careful around motorcycles.
Facebook posts by people traveling from Las Vegas indicate that law enforcement is patrolling on U.S. 95. There are also warnings of road work reducing lanes between the Nelson’s Landing exit down to Searchlight.
The Laughlin event was the center of attention in 2002 when rival Hells Angels and Mongols motorcycle gangs clashed inside a resort, Harrah’s Laughlin. Three bikers were killed in the fight and another 13 were injured. Police made nine arrests.
The same two gangs got into it again on May 29, 2022, in a rolling shootout on Interstate 11 as it enters the Las Vegas valley in Henderson. The Memorial Day weekend shooting shut down the major freeway and left six people shot.
