Rally Overview 2016

The season is upon us

Here it is May, and it won’t be long before June kicks in and rally season is in full swing. Here’s a look at a few highlights you’ll want to consider for your next rally adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

Chief Joseph Rally 6/17-19, John Day OR

This longtime favorite is put on by the BMW Riders of Oregon, but fear not, you don’t need to own a BMW to go. Rides include both paved and dual sport routes around the area, which is really a stunning place to ride. Part of the fun of this rally is getting there and coming home. Guest speakers this year include David Hough and Giant Loop Moto.

Touratech Rally 6/23-26, Plain WA

If dirt is your thing and you live in or near Seattle, here’s your chance to get out and play in the backyard. Of course others will venture to this one from places afar. The event has been growing each year and you can expect 300-500 riders. Be advised this is run together with the Overland Rally, which means you may come across 4x4’s when you’re out on the rides, which all happen on local forest service roads and vary in skill levels all noted when you arrive. Dry camping only.

Need something from the Sound RIDER! store when you get to the rally? We’ll be a vendor there, so if you make contact with us ahead of time, we can have it waiting for you when you arrive.

Hells Canyon Rally 7/7-11, Baker City OR

The thunder rolls into Baker City again for the annual gathering of mostly cruiser bikes, but they do have some local dual sport rides for those interested. There are five scenic byways in the area, so you be sure your ride to and from the event, as well as the rides you do while there are going to be beautiful. Hotels go fast, but there’s always camping at the high school.

Pendleton Bike Week

Now in its second year, Pendelton bike week is on its way to being a top grossing event quickly. A number of features from last year return including the ride options like the Rattlesnake 400, .45 caliber poker run and otherwise. The big news this year is the addition of the classic 70’s band, Three Dog Night to the lineup. Tickets are available separately for the show. Once the concert was announced the RV spaces went fast, but there’s still plenty of onsite camping available for the event.

For more information, go to http://www.pendeltonbikeweek.com 

Cascade Country Rendezvous July 21-24, Republic WA

The annual rally for the Washington State BMW Riders plays out in the mountains between Omak and Kettle Falls. There are rides for both pavement as well as dual sport riders. The Saturday dinner (it’s been prime rib in the past) is available only to those who pre-register at an additional charge.

Nakusp Hot Springs Rally 8/18-21, Nakusp BC

So you need to get out of the country? The Canadian dollar is trading at about 75 cents against the US dollar. That means your money goes a long way in Canada right now. The BeeCee Beemers will show you around some of Canada’s best roads. There are three catered meals included, but you’ll have to pre-register to get them. Registration is also limited to the first 250 people. And yes – there are domestic hot springs you can slip into nearby if you pay the small resort fee.

Rally in the Gorge

Gliding into its 14^th year, the Rally in the Gorge is a perennial celebration of some of the Pacific Northwest’s best roads in one of the most scenic places you could put a motorcycle rally – The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The year sees a visit from the around-the-world traveler, Dr. Gregory Frazier. Frazier will present a slideshow based on the research he’s done about Carl Stearns Clancy who was the first rider to circumnavigate the globe by motorcycle back in 1912/13. Several other new speakers are on tap as well. Team Oregon will once again present and show off their newly acquired road burners that are one-of-a-kind. With a massive system of roads, the fun run will once again feature an all-new routes for both pavement riders as well as dual sport adventure enthusiasts. These routes showcase the stunning scenery of this spectacular area. The popular Thursday night Burger Feed and Sunday morning Pancake Feed both return too at no additional charge. Camping and RV spaces are available at a small additional fee.

More details at www.soundrider.com/rally 

SR!/May 2016