Rally in the Gorge 2014 News

Summer is in full swing and the rallies are flying by as we speak. The last rally of the summer is just ahead with the upcoming Sound RIDER! Rally in the Gorge, slated for 8/29-9/1.

What makes this rally unique is its emphasis on Sport Bike, Sport Touring and Dual Sport riders, combining three small gatherings into one larger event. A lot of planning has been underway and the schedule for this year’s event is coming together. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

Featured guest speaker: Greg White - Maybe you've seen him on his Greg's Garage TV series, or watched him during his many Two-Wheel Tuesday broadcasts on Speed Chanel some years ago. Greg White stays busy in the motorsports industry doing TV and other appearences, as well as working as an instructor at Jason Pridmore's Star School. Greg will be presenting on several evenings and joining Mike Sullivan during the Maryhill Loops Cornering clinic on Sunday morning.

Loops and more loops – When you arrive at the rally, you’ll be provided with a copy of the brand new Motorcye Rides through the Columbia River Gorge guide. Inside you’ll find details about the endless rides in the area, where to eat while you’re on the road and a number of loop rides that string together the best roads the Gorge has to offer.

Sunday Night Bike Show – Did you buy a motorcycle, only to spend as much as you paid for the bike, or more on accessories and so on? Or do you own the epitomy of a rat bike? Well then, you need to submit your motorcycle into our Sunday Night Bike Show and show us what you've got.

Leah’s Food Rocks! – In the winter she consults the menus for six eateries at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area. But in the summer, this woman goes to work and makes some of the best food we can find in the area. And during the rally she will be our onsite food vendor providing a number of meal options each day. Your taste buds will thank you.

Pack a Chair – Small portable camping chairs are becoming standard items to carry for rallies nowadays. Oh yeah, we’ll have a few wooden benches for those who don’t, but if you want to be comfortable at your campsite and during our evening presentations, pack that Travelchair Joey, Alite Monarch or Big Agnes Helinox chair and make yourself comfortable.

Camping Gear Rentals – Hotels and motels sold out? You can use the links on the rally site to find out. But if they are, there is another alternative. You can rent a 21 ^st century tent, sleeping bag and cushy air mat from us during the rally. There’s no need to pack anything to or from the rally, simply reserve your gear once you’ve registered for the rally. For more information CLICK HERE

Win a GoPro - Don't miss out on your chance to win a GoPro camera. Sign up at the Ride West booth while you're at the rally. The winner will be announced Sunday night.

If you’re a sport bike or sport touring enthusiast, these next highlights are for you.

Mike Sullivan Maryhill Training Session – Anyone who’s ridden with Mike Sullivan, either during one of his track schools, or during his cameos at the Rally in the Gorge, knows what a fine instructor he is. This year Mike is elevated to being our instructor on the Maryhill Loops cornering clinic and he'll be teaching together with Greg White. Learn from an AMA champion and a Jason Pridmore Star School instructor and get some great training under your belt for just $109. The class is limited to 20 riders and it always sells out. Sign up for the rally, then sign up for the clinic.

Gromstacle Course – If you think Honda’s new Grom is a cool little runner, come find out how you fare on the bike during the Gromstacle Course event on Saturday night. Riders get a practice lap and then ride their competition lap through a maze of cones and corners. Even if you don’t plan to ride it, come cheer on those who do. Signup is available when you arrive at the rally.

Click here and watch the video.

If you’re a dual sport rider, these next highlights are for you

Giant Loop Ride - Jeff and Justin have completed their routing for the Giant Loop gnarly dirt ride. If you’re up for some challenging single and two-track riding, you’ll want to check out this ride. Ride it with a buddy, or take the group ride on Saturday morning.

Gary LaPlante Presentation – Bone up on your dual sport riding skills with a special presentation by Gary LaPlante. LaPlante's long history of off-road riding includes a history of champion trials and motocross racing that he fuses together as the basis of his latest dual sport training curriculum. Don’t miss his presentation Saturday morning in the Community building on the rally site.

GoDirt Basic Rider Session – Are you new to riding off-pavement? GoDirt can help you improve your skills. On Saturday morning they will provide a 3 hour basic rider session that will assist you with braking and cornering techniques based on Gary LaPlante's curriculum. The session costs an additional $50. Space is limited. Click here to learn more and sign up in advance.

Oregon OHV Rules - There are a number of double- and single-track areas near our basecamp at the Hood River Fairgrounds. But Oregon does require a DOT compliant spark arrestor as well as a Class III ATV tag to be affixed to your motorcycle. For more information on how to obtain the tag click here.

Our vendor list is growing. See the updated list on the rally website.

For a listing of all the seminars we have planned click here.

To begin registration, click here.