75,000 bikers expected at River Run

Throngs of bikers are expected to descend on small-town Laughlin this weekend for what is billed by promoters as the largest ride-in motorcycle rally in the West.

As many as 75,000 motorcycle enthusiasts are anticipated to attend the 26th annual Laughlin River Run, which goes through Sunday.

A large police presence will be deployed to Laughlin and the surrounding areas for the weekend festivities, Las Vegas police said. Laughlin is within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police Department.

River Run safety has been a priority for police since 2002, when a melee inside Harrah's Laughlin involving Hells Angels and rival Mongols motorcycle gang members left three bikers dead and numerous others injured.

Police said they will exercise zero-tolerance with lawbreakers and strictly enforce Nevada's helmet law.

Last year, police arrested more than 100 people and issued hundreds of traffic tickets during the River Run.

Children ages 18 and younger are not permitted on Casino Drive from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. this weekend without adult supervision. No bottles or cans are permitted on the street.