The Associated Press

Fri, Apr 25, 2008 (1:17 p.m.)

Up to 75,000 motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to swell the small Colorado River resort town of Laughlin this weekend for a rally that has been raucous but relatively peaceful in recent years after being marred by violence in 2002.

The 26th annual Laughlin River Run is billed as one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the nation.

Along with bikers from throughout the West, it draws police from Nevada, Arizona and California to keep an eye on revelry along the main drag of the tourism and gambling resort. Fewer than 9,000 permanent residents live in Laughlin, about 100 miles south of Las Vegas.

Last year, police reported making 88 arrests and issuing about 600 traffic citations, mostly for speeding. Another 51 tickets were given to juveniles, mostly for breaking a curfew banning people under the age of 18 from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Casino Drive.

Police have imposed vehicle checkpoints and closely monitored the rally since three people were killed and dozens were injured in a 2002 brawl and shoot-out between Hells Angels and rival Mongols motorcycle gang members at the Harrah's Laughlin casino.