Run to the Sun 2025
The City of Lake Havasu is one of the friendliest places to own a classic car, hot rod, classic truck, or muscle car. When I drive around Havasu and see a garage door open, what do I see? Yes—of course—a classic car, or one or more or more, a boat, an off-road toy, and in some cases an RV. It seems the abundance of RV garages here in town has nurtured this affliction. Of course, this author has the same affliction.
That affliction started over 47 years ago when Relics and Rods started the “Run to the Sun,”. It’s one of the most participated-in car events in the region. I call it “Motorhead Week 2025.” I don’t know about you, but it’s on my “don’t miss” event list every year! Relics and Rods have turned this once-quiet city of Havasu into a haven of classic cars. This happens every year during the third weekend of October—“Motorhead Week.”
Run to the Sun Started Wednesday
Run to the Sun week started on Wednesday with registration for most of the day, seeing friends, making new friends, and of course the annual kick-off dinner. For those from out of town, this was a welcome relief—no waiting in line at local eateries. Check-in, by the way, was military-efficient with very little waiting. This author was in and out in 15 minutes flat. The goody bags were full of cool stuff and the current edition of Roddin’ AZ to read between activities.
Thursday
The next day, Thursday, was Poker Run Day. It was fun activity to drive around town, share your cool ride with the locals and see local sights. We enjoyed the sunshine with temperatures normally in the 70s to low 80s. Quite a change for Havasu, but that’s the time of year. After lunch and back on the road, it was time for my favorite part of the run: the Main Street Gathering. Yes—400-plus cars parked on McCulloch Boulevard, the street closed, with thousands of locals, tourists, and motorheads enjoying our pride and joy. This wrapped up after dark and got us back to sleep so we could rest up for the next day’s activities.
Friday
Friday was the first day of the Show and Shine portion of Motorhead Week here in Havasu. Over 600 classic cars, trucks, and 4WDs (now allowed) met up at the Bridgewater Links Golf Course at the London Bridge Resort. Parking on the grass, with hills, knolls, ups and downs, sand traps, water hazards, and trees, made this the perfect setting for the event. The layout was well done, with easy movement for cars, spectators, and staff. I will say this was the best-run event I attended this year. And if you think the day was over—nota! There was still a dinner and dance to see old friends, meet new ones, and talk motorhead talk. All of which are a big part of “Motorhead Week.”
Saturday
Saturday brought another day of Show and Shine, along with a well-stocked swap meet. Yes, I did find a few treasures, including a Hagen gas door/cap and some really cool books for my repair library. There were lots of cars for sale, some very fairly priced for the vintage. Don’t miss this next year, for sure. Since this is a car show, there were awards, with 33 classes where participants vote for their choices. So next year, bring all your friends to vote for you—LOL. Other activities during the day included drag race cars, RC boats on the golf course lake, vendors (lots of vendors!), rock crawlers, and of course the trophies and awards.
Sunday
No, the event wasn’t over yet. Sunday was a farewell to friends, motorheads, and cars at Birch Square for the pancake breakfast. If you missed this event, don’t let it happen again next year—this is one of the premier events in the region, drawing rides from all over the Southwest. The weather was perfect, and it was definitely a home run.
Great job to Relics and Rods for providing us with this venue. Kudos to the club for giving us “Motorhead Week 2025” in Havasu, and hats off for raising over $900,000 since inception to help those in our local community!
