An Open Letter to Bisco Fans:
We’d like to officially welcome Camp Bisco to its new home. We understand that the band and their followers have had difficulties in finding a venue that will accept their unique music and fan base more than one time. We bikers have also had that all-too-familiar experience of being looked at with fear and suspicion by non-bikers. In fact, we share much common ground with the music scene. Bikers can rock, too. And we both share the desire for freedom to live life our way. The ILCC was built for bikers, by bikers, to secure that freedom for ourselves. On our little piece of the planet it’s “Our World, Our Way.”
Some years ago, we decided to share this freedom with a few select music festivals. One of the reasons was because we could see they were experiencing the same level of stereotyping pressure that we felt early on. Thirty years ago, The Harley Rendezvous was under serious attack by people who disliked or feared or hated the idea of hundreds and even thousands of bikers getting together and having a party. By setting up on our own land and instituting a few simple rules, we have survived and thrived and won the respect of the local population and area businesses.
Initially, the music festivals we allowed to share our land were also viewed with distrust and fear. But by applying the same simple rules, and providing our own experienced security teams, we managed to bring a similar level of trust to the music scene. Admittedly, there have been and always will be some difficulties. Any time you bring together thousands of people you will find conflicting personalities, attitudes and agendas. And getting those thousands of people through the gates with carloads of camping gear takes time.
And then there is the problem of rumors. I’m sure you’ve heard some by now: “The bikers will steal our stuff, or beat us up, or rape our women, or whatever the rumor du jour is.” That is just plain bullshit. We are there to keep you and your personal property safe and secure while preserving your right to assemble and party. These kinds of rumors are usually started by some jackass with an over-developed attitude who couldn’t deal with simple rules like No Glass, No Weapons, No Illegal Substances. And our golden, Number One Rule – No Bad Attitudes.
Then there are rumors from the other side. “The ravers will be deliberately trying to provoke the bikers, or starting fights, or vandalizing the property, or some other destructive behavior.” We don’t take these rumors seriously because as far as we’re concerned that’s all they are – rumors. We are going to proceed under the belief that you are coming here for a good time with mutual respect all around. We trust you will return the respect.
One of our staff members made a prediction about this new relationship with Camp Bisco: “If all goes well, they will be invited back. If not, we’ll make them come back till they get it right.”
We look forward to getting to know you.
The Management,
Indian Lookout Country Club