Bikers from all over the country have rolled into Austin for the 14th Annual Republic of Texas Biker Rally.
Harleys and other souped-up motorcycles revved their way from the Travis County Expo Center into downtown Austin for the biker parade.
"I love it. I'm having a ball," biker John Crowe said. He just made it into town and this is his first trip for the rally.
Just across the street sits Pete Isaacson of Garland, in a custom-made dune buggy. This is third time to make the trip.
"It's a blast," he said. "I'll probably come down here until I die."
While the bikes are mighty fine to look at, it's an expensive hobby, too. Bikes cost upwards of $10,000 and that's not taking into account all the needed accessories.
Take the apparel, for starters. At the Travis County Expo Center, you can find more than 250 vendors selling side satchels for $109, some chaps for $69.95 and a necessary leather jacket for $119.
"I think I spent $200 in 20 minutes," biker Roderick Caldwell of Houston said.
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ROT Rally
Bikers share why the ride - and how much they spend.
 
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"They say 'H.D.' Harley Davidson. It really stands for 'hundred dollars.' You can't go into the store without spending a $100," Diane Osgood of Austin said.
"At least $100. That's taxes," John Crowe of Monroe, LA, said. "But, you go bass fishin' you buy a few lures, you spend $100."
Bikers say you can't put a price on brotherhood.
"It's all bike riders. They sort of stick together and have a ball. And party. That's what it's all about," Crowe said.
"We all take the same chance on two wheels. And, I guess, we just get closer," Caldwell said.
The rally continues Saturday and Sunday with vendors, activities and nightly concerts.
