2012 National Bikers Roundup – Texas Style
The Texas Motor Speedway in Ennis Texas (approximately an hour south of Dallas) was the host location of this year’s National Bikers Roundup. Not familiar with the National Bikers Roundup?
In brief, the “Roundup” is considered the largest camping motorcycle rally in the country, not only for the African-American community, but for all. Although the Roundup may not have the commercial popularity of Daytona Bike Week or Sturgis, it still remains one of the most anticipated events of the year within the African-American motorcycle community. We’ve had the pleasure of attending the Roundup since its Dinwiddie, VA appearance in 2002 with only missing a few cities since. Why? For the same reason hundreds of thousands attend this event, the camaraderie and unity.
This year’s Roundup attracted more than 24k riders, literally from coast to coast. The Roundup included a female riders seminar, demo rides from long time supporter and corporate sponsor Harley-Davidson, a custom bike show, the unveiling of a tribute bike by Howard White in honor of his son, a soldier in the U.S. Army who was killed serving our country, stunts via the ICON Limiter Live featuring Team No Limit’s Eric Hoenshell and of course drag racing with special guest World Champion Rickey Gadson. The highlight of this year’s Roundup was the entertainment. The Texas Roundup committee did their thing setting a new precedent for the level of entertainment for others to follow.
MC’ing the nightly entertainment was D. Elli$ aka Mr. Entertainment. With his on-stage spirited and approachable persona mixed with laughter and dance contests, the crowd was never bored. Omen’s m/c Big Mucci had the crowd stepping with his infamous Bikers Shuffle along with a new step he dropped. Filling the night air with a truly electrifying performance was Zapp. These dudes put on an energetic show making the most of the entire stage while incorporating several costume changes. Making a surprise appearance during Zapp’s act was Harley rider and Grammy award winning gospel artist Fred Hammond with an absolutely uplifting faith-filled performance. Adding a smooth neo-soul ingredient to Saturday night’s line-up was a captivating performance by Billboard Award winner and Grammy nominee R&B singer KEM. Throughout his performance, the ladies were entranced singing along with to songs while the fellas were vib’ing to his groove. If you ever get a chance to see any of these artists, do it. You will not be disappointed.
The 2013 Roundup will take place in Tunica, Mississippi at the Tunica Arena & Exposition Center from 31 July to 3 August. No doubt, we will be there. The Texas Committee brought their A-Game with the entertainment, so we can’t wait to see what the Miss’ has in store for everyone. After all, the Roundup has some of the most dedicated followers traveling from great distances and deserve the best. See you in Miss!
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Written by: Leon L. Brittain
motorcycle journalist and photographer
