ABATE group boycotts Myrtle Beach H-D dealer

In another twist following the controversial announcement of Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson’s Spring Cruisin’ the Coast dates, the Horry County (S.C.) Chapter of ABATE has announced it will boycott the two dealerships involved in the event.

Gary Balcom, coordinator of the chapter, said his group will boycott at Phil Schoonover’s Harley-Davidson stores in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, according to a report on SCNow.com. The group is upset the dealer has planned to hold its event May 18-28, extending the dates of Myrtle Beach Bike Week, which runs May 11-20, and running the dealership event up against the Atlantic Beach Bike Week, which runs Memorial Day weekend, May 25-28.

Balcom said he supports the Horry County Council’s idea to prohibit vendor permits from being issued during the Spring Cruisin’ the Coast rally’s extended dates, but he doesn’t think the permits already issued for the Myrtle Beach Bike Week should be revoked. The council’s Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet on Feb. 14 to discuss its plans for the vendor permits.