Motorcyclists from far and wide are expected to descend this weekend on Southwest Colorado for the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally.
The rally will feature new events and accommodations, including a women’s-only ride, a “ride like a pro” demonstration and class, and dedicated motorcycle parking at 10th Street and Main Avenue.
More than 100 events are planned for the weekend spanning five locations, including the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio, Main Avenue in Durango and Durango Harley-Davidson on South Camino del Rio. There will be vendors, live music and demonstrations.
“Something John (Oakes) and I are proud of is almost all of the events are free,” said Trevor Bird, co-organizer and co-owner of the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally.
Bird said ticketed events include flat track racing at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and a concert featuring Great White and Slaughter on Saturday night at Sky Ute Casino Resort.
One new feature this year is a women’s-only show called “Dames in Durango,” which will have three classes, including best paint, most miles and best in show.
Harley-Davidson and Indian Motor Co. will bring their factory demo fleets to Sky Ute Casino Resort to give participants a chance to ride them for free.
Jersey Claudio, a Colorado sheriff, will host the “ride like a pro” demonstrations all three days and host a “ride like a pro” class from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Sky Ute Casino Resort.
Other new events include an arm-wrestling contest presented by Charles Hamby and a hill climb challenge at Purgatory Resort.
Bird said the Wheelie Pig’s Hill Climb Challenge is one of the largest new events planned. He encouraged people to come from noon until 3 p.m. Sunday to watch the free event.
The rally draws motorcyclists from across the country, and Bird said he’s aware of group rides this year from Texas and California.
“We literally get people from all over the country that are coming in to attend the rally this year,” Bird said.
Bird declined to estimate the number of attendees expected but said early indicators, including hotel bookings, suggest it will be a “very well-attended event.”
Sky Ute Casino Resort, one of four hotels listed on the rally’s website, expects a 100% occupancy rate Saturday through Monday, said Angela Herreia, front desk supervisor.
Rally attendees can expect temperatures approaching 90 degrees each afternoon in Durango but can look forward to cooler temperatures in the mid- to upper-70s north of town around Silverton. A chance of showers is possible, especially at higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.
“It’s incredibly inspiring,” Bird said. “When you get to ride a motorcycle with a complete stranger, it creates a level of trust and a really unique bond.”
bmandile@durangoherald.com
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