Rosetta Stone revs up for larger bike night

By Guy D’Astolfo

YOUNGSTOWN — Another week, another block.

That’s how the Rosetta Stone’s bike night — actually more of a bike day — has been growing.

The Sunday event started a couple of weeks ago. About 100 bikers showed up to the outdoor party, which took place on West Federal Street between Phelps and Hazel streets.

Last Sunday, between 300 and 400 bikers came downtown. This week, between 600 and 1,000 bikes are expected, and West Federal will be closed from Hazel all the way to Wick Avenue, said Michael Blake, manager of Rosetta Stone. The restaurant and bar is located in the middle of the pack, on West Federal near the corner of Phelps.

Blake and Co. got the word out by going to every biker gathering spot in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys. “People are excited about it because it’s in the daytime and in the street,” said Blake, explaining the typical bike night is in a parking lot in the evening.

Rosetta Stone’s bike night, dubbed Rally in the Valley, begins at 3 p.m. and runs until about 9 p.m. Blake said it is family-friendly.

Because of downtown’s central location, it draws bikers from all around, he said.

Rally in the Valley features live music and DJs, food (including barbecue, sausage sandwiches and hot dogs) and beer. Motorcycle skill games — for example, slow drags and picking up items off cones — are played with prizes going to the winners. And of course, there is cornhole.

“We want to promote downtown Youngstown,” said Blake. “It’s safe, friendly and beautiful.”

Radio station Y103 is partnering with Rosetta Stone for the bike night, and broadcasting live from the site. Blake said a motorcycle will be given away in a contest.