pioche welcomes bikers

Even "bad boys" can be tamed at the Overland Hotel.

By ANN HENDERSON

Motorcycle riders have an open invitation at the historic Overland Hotel in Pioche. “The sign out front has a chopped Harley and says, ‘Bikers Welcome,’” says owner Candice Mortenson.

Every weekend the bikers line up in front of her hotel on the main drag. “In fact, three weekends during the year biking clubs from Utah, Nevada, or California rent out the entire hotel,” says Mortenson. “We entertain them with a barbecue, karaoke, a live band—whatever they want.”

“Bikers like Pioche because it is quiet, old, and there are some beautiful rides in the area,” she says. Most of the bikers are professionals in their fields.

Mortenson takes a no-nonsense approach to her guests, even a group of police officers whom she affectionately refers to as her “bad boys” On one occasion the burly cops got a little rowdy and found themselves nose-to-nose with an irate Mortenson. She won, hands down.

“Everyone knows the rules,” she says.