The Carolina Harley Davidson Association moved its rally to New Bern, North Carolina three years ago, in protest of the now repealed Myrtle Beach helmet law.

The city expects 5,000 people in town this weekend, a far cry from the nearly half-million who used to show up on the Grand Strand every year. But businesses in New Bern say, still, the bikers are good for their bottom line.

"The way its been, you know, the economy being down, for us it's really a God send," said Jeff Ipock, a business owner in New Bern.

Meanwhile, the roar of Harleys still fill the air of the Myrtle Beach area, in this the 71st year since the Cruisin' the Coast Spring Harley Rally first began on the Grand Strand. But, the volume of bikers has dropped dramatically in recent years, as many bikers have stressed resentment towards the city of Myrtle Beach's efforts to regulate the rally with stricter motorcycle laws.

Carly Swain with NewsChannel 15's ABC affiliate WCTI 12 contributed to this report.