[DiscoverMB]

The city of Myrtle Beach has yet to make a determination if the bike ordinances it passed earlier this year have been a success or not to curb bikers from coming to Myrtle Beach.

However, after this weekend, if the city does still claim victory, the city still loses.

Its no secret that bikers are fewer than in years past and that the cities ordinances have, in fact, kept bikers away from the city. However, those who have come are spending most of their time north and south of Myrtle Beach in North Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet. Along with their time, goes their tourism dollars.

Ocean Boulevard has been a ghost town in comparison. While numbers indicate about a 17% drop in reservation from last year, it does not account for the the difference in location. Hotels along the boulevard have reported dismal numbers, while those north and south of the city have been seeing their fair share.

"We're doing well. All things considered," said Rebecca Donevant of Myrtle Beach Resort. "Bikers I've spoken to say they'll continue to come next year, but just avoid Myrtle Beach."

Hotels are not the only businesses suffering. Most businesses like restaurants and shops have been extremely slow which will effect they're bottom line.

"You're going to see a couple of businesses close up just because of this week alone," said another hotelier who did not wish to be identified, "The city is making a huge mistake."

With fewer permits issued for vendors, the lack of bikers in general and those who came and are avoiding the city altogether, Myrtle Beach stands to lose millions in tourism dollars. Its estimated that bikers from both rallies spend several hundred million along the Grand Strand in the month of May.

"I don't get it," said a bike week vendor in Murrells Inlet, "The city thinks that bikers don't have families. Many I know come for both the spring and fall rallies and come with their families during the summer. Now they're not going to come at all."

Even the Myrtle Beach area Chamber of Commerce stands to lose out. The chamber's controversial co-op program which has participating hotels contribute $1 for every room night booked for the chambers advertising budget, is expected to take a hit as well.

Many locals say they are looking forward to November when elections are held, which indicates city council members and mayor John Rhodes may be in for a extremely tough reelection campaign.

[phroggy]

So how many council members are sitting at home saying, "Yes! This is exactly what we wanted! We've been dying for this city to fail miserably. We hate tax dollars!! We hate people even!!"

I'd smile at them, shake their hand and thank them for being so ignorant. They've succeeded at destroying their own town.

Who voted these idiots in anyway?