Motorcycle Rallies

by John Stumpner

One of the many good things about riding a motorcycle is the friendships between bikers. No matter what you ride, when or where you ride, the bikers you don’t know are just friends you haven’t met yet. One of the many places this friendliness is very apparent is at one of the many motorcycle rallies that occur every year.

Motorcycle rallies are usually large gatherings of bikers, the larger rallies drawing hundreds of thousands of bikers from around the world. Motorcycle rallies can be one- or two-day events or can last a week. Examples of some of the better-known bike rallies are Daytona Bike week and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Some of you may have been to one of these or to some of the many smaller events, including the ones put on by some of the ABATE of Wisconsin regions. This month, one of the bigger events in the mid-west will be happening right here in Wisconsin. The Tomahawk Fall Ride brings in thousands of bikers from all over to the little town of Tomahawk in northern Wisconsin. In addition to the normal bike rally activities, bikers at the Tomahawk Fall Ride get to enjoy seeing the leaves turn to their pretty fall colors.

Bikers can find plenty to do at bike rallies. In addition to plenty to eat and drink, bikers can get together to show off their motorcycles and see up close what other bikers are riding. There is almost always some live music and a variety of people selling motorcycle supplies and related stuff. Often, motorcycle events include contests where bikers can show off their skills or their motorcycles and win prizes. Motorcyclists attending rallies that last several days will often camp right on the grounds in tents or campers. The larger events, such as the Tomahawk Fall Ride will find all the motel rooms in the area occupied by bikers.

Bikers in general are free spirited and love to have fun. Motorcycle events are places where they can do just that. As long as motorcycle rights organizations, such as ABATE of Wisconsin are around, bikers will continue to enjoy the freedom of the road and the freedom to have fun and enjoy each other’s company at bike rallies.

John