Bikes parked by the popular "hot spots" on Atlantic Avenue. Photos by Lauren Suit

WILDWOOD — The roar of hundreds of bikes will be heard throughout the Wildwoods, during the annual Roar to the Shore motorcycle rally.

An estimated 100,000 bikes are expected during the Sept. 4-7 event.

In addition to the festive atmosphere and rows of bikes parked up and down nearly every street, the event’s official Roar to the Shore Web site boasts “organized rides, a slew of vendors” and contests, such as the “best biker babe.”

For some, the draw to buy motorcycle memorabilia is strong and many businesses are only too happy to receive the throngs of bikers, who were widely regarded as being “big spenders."

Business owners, it seems, are more than willing to trade a little noise for an economic boost. Restaurants and bars hang banners welcoming the surge of black leather and chrome. Merchants on the boardwalk proudly display wares from motorcycle themed shirts, to leather jackets, to stuffed animals perched on Harleys.

A few tourists, that aren’t bikers, even travel to Wildwood just to be a spectator to all the leather, the red beer cups, the beads, the bikes and the noise out in full force.

Contact Suit at: (609) 886-8600 ext. 25 or lsuit@cmcherald.com