Good rules to follow during Ohio Bike Week

SANDUSKY — All year long, many look forward to Ohio Bike Week so they can let loose and go a little crazy.After all, the biggest attraction of the 10-day long affair is the official block party that takes place on the final Thursday, Friday and Saturday. As with any party, while it is important to have fun, it is equally as important to make sure you're doing so as guidelines prohibit.Despite having been around for almost two decades, Ohio Bike Week has been fortunate enough to never need to set an official listing of rules and regulations. According to Head of Security, Mike Bailey, if there was ever to be such a list, it wouldn't consist of many things outside of normal fair and festival common etiquette.For those who may be attending for the first time, some solid, unofficial "Dos and Don'ts" of Ohio Bike Week are:Dress for, and be aware of, the weatherAs with any outdoor event scheduled in late Spring, the forecast can be unpredictable. It could be a blazing 80-degree day one moment and downpour the next. Having both sunscreen and a poncho or umbrella is highly recommended.Leave your dogs at homeUnless they are a professionally trained and certified service animal (not just an emotional support animal), do not bring your dog. "You may think you have the most well-behaved dog but there is chaos and noise everywhere," Bailey said. "The block party is just not a place for them."Stay within the designated event space if you want to drinkPart of the fun of the block party is being able to wander around downtown, drinking in the streets. Just be sure not to wander too far, as normal public intoxications laws do still apply outside the Ohio Bike Week sanctioned areas. Children are welcome, but be mindful of what's appropriateOhio Bike Week is a great opportunity to expose kids to new culture and experiences. As exciting as seeing a live rock band is for little ones, it's not the best for their ears. Earplugs, and being a safe distance from the stage and thick crowds, are a great way to let them enjoy the shows safely. Additionally, be mindful that as the sun goes down, the party kicks up. "We're certainly family friendly throughout the day, but at night it is an adult party, and may not be suitable for young children," Bailey said. "It's a motorcycle rally. It isn't all unicorns and butterflies."Show respect and courtesy to the event workersYou should always treat others the way you wish to be treated. During large organized events, it's especially prudent to show consideration for those who put it on. For attendees, each day is a non-party, but for the vendors, security, bartenders, food merchants and more, it's a 14-hour work day. "They come for 10 days worth of work to make sure everyone has a good time," Bailey said. "They deserve the gratitude and respect."Other obvious, but worth noting suggestions include checking out and patronizing local businesses, not touching people's motorcycles without permission, being sure to stay hydrated, designating a sober driver or utilizing one of the area's many taxi services, and being mindful of all vehicles on the road, no matter the number of wheels. Crowds check out the Ohio Bike Week festivities at Mad River Harley-Davidson and downtown Sandusky on Friday, May 25, 2018.