By David Scott

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Downtown Austin -- more crowded and noisy than even a usual Friday night. The 18th annual ROT Rally has arrived, with 50,000 bikers or more, the largest bike rally in Texas and the fourth largest in the country.

The Travis County Expo Center is headquarters for the rally, with vendors, monster custom bikes and plenty to see. Friday's parade from the Expo Center led to Downtown Austin, where Congress Avenue was closed off from Cesar Chavez to 11th Street.

This is Jerry Sawyer's 13th ROT Rally. He says, "It's the camaradere. I've been riding 35 years and it's in my blood. It's man and bike and being around good Americans." The city has cordoned off 54 square blocks for the large street party.

Ted Nugent and Jesse James are among the musical performers this weekend. "I like to see the beautiful bikes, the beautiful women," said rider Henry Escalera. Asked if that bothered her, wife Lorraine replied, "No, not at all. I know who he's going home with." The ROT Rally runs through Sunday and will generate an estimated $36 million for the city.

ROT rally revs up with 50,000 bikers: kxan.com

Article courtesy of KXAN.com