10?
- Nah - Make it 12 Reasons to go in 201010?
- Nah - Make it 12 Reasons to go in 2010Now in it's 8th year, The Sound RIDER! Rally in the Gorge is a once a year celebration of some of the best riding and events in the Northwest. Riders from all over the US and Canada convene for this five day extravaganza aimed at the sport bike, sport touring, dual sport and maxi scooter communities. There are many who have said - "I've always wanted to go, but I have yet to make it there." As the rally progresses each year, the schedule gets more robust, the events get richer and the flavor just gets bolder. Sounds like a good cup of rally? You bet! 2010 is set to be a great year for this event and here are 10 reasons why:
Wind
Your Way to Unsurpassed Riding - There are few places in the
US and Canada that can match the Columbia River Gorge when it
comes to the many miles of twisties that make up this area. No
need to ride a hundred miles to get to a great set of corners
when they're waiting for you just outside the fairgrounds where
the rally is held. Take in our numerous suggested rides
Wednesday and Thursday and, if you're up for it, ride all 200
miles of the Tucker Rocky Fun Run on Friday and enjoy an
entirely different route on Saturday. Between what Mother Nature
carved out and what the genius road engineers structured around
it, you'll never get this much great riding in one place
anywhere else in the Northwest. Dual sport riders are provided
their own map sets that include many Forest Service and county
gravel roads. You like to ride? This is the rally to do it at!
Learn
from Top Name Guest Speakers and Instructors - The lineup of
guest speakers includes a number of top-rated authors and
educators unmatched at any annual Northwest rally event. This
year's lineup includes Lee Parks (Total Contol, Suspension
Handbook), AMA Hall of Famer David Hough (Proficient
Motorcycling series, Street Strategies), Bret Tkacs (Owner and
lead educator for Puget Sound Safety), Ramey "Coach" Stroud
(owner of Cascade Endurance Center/ridecoach.com) and Tom Mehren
(Sound RIDER! publisher and author of numerous Northwest riding
books). A chance to learn from each of these educators all in
one place is worth the price of admission alone. All clinics and
seminars are at your option.
Soak
in the Spectacular Setting - The Rally in the Gorge is the
only rally in the Northwest held in a National Scenic Area. The
area is close to three volcanoes, numerous rivers, stunning
geologic topography, fascinating man made structures dating back
to the beginning of the 20th century and a wealth of renowned
museums and interpretive centers. Crisp morning sunrises and
blazing red sunsets are par for the course this time of year.
And at night the stars come out in full glory. Whatever your
fancy, there's something for everyone in the Columbia River
Gorge National Scenic Area.
Dine
on Fantastic Food - The promoters are working with a new
food provider this year who is creating a delicious, healthy and
nutritious lineup of on-site food that will be available
throughout the event. In addition, the town of Stevenson has a
number of tasty restaurants. 
Ride
a Piece of History - This is the only rally in the Northwest
that puts you on a piece of history, the Historic Maryhill Loops
Road. Perhaps you've seen it from atop Highway 97 as it
serpentines its way up the canyon below. "How do I get on that
road?" many ask. Enjoy it as much as you like on Saturday
afternoon during the rally. A limited clinic is available
Saturday morning (separate admission fee applies).
Experience
the Latest Innovations - Vendors this year will include
Happy Trails, Lee Parks Designs, Sound RIDER!, Ride West BMW, Corrazo Design, Kymco and many others. As part of your
registration, you'll get to peruse the latest innovations in
motorcycle luggage, touring gear, clothing and much more first
hand. 
Enjoy
Fun Evening Entertainment - Evenings at the rally are a
three-ring circus with a multitude of guest speakers, visual
presentations and don't forget the Friday and Saturday door
prize giveaways rich with great items you could win. The lineup
for this year's MotoFlixFest, which continues each night of the
rally, is sure to put a grin on your face. The onsite beer
garden will feature a number of Northwest microbrews and wine
selections.
Bid
at the Silent Auction - The Silent Auction, held throughout
the event, includes lots of great gear, accessories and gift
certificates for local lodging and events. Place your bid and
you may get a steal of a deal on any of the aforementioned.
Monies raised go to support our Gorge Kids Explorer Fund which
provides support toward educating local children about the area
in which they live. 
Meet
New Friends - Many a past-attendee has arrived not knowing a
soul and ridden away with a number of new friends and
acquaintances. The Rally in the Gorge is your place to come
connect with like-minded riders who enjoy the same sport and
specific interests as you do in real time. 
Escape
the Norm - If you're one of those who attends the same rally
year after year, you might be ready for something new. Make this
the year you break away! With so many great places to ride,
we don't repeat the same routes, clinics, food and events
year after year. Those who return each year know this and enjoy
an entirely new rally each year.For more information, visit the rally sub-site that suits you:
Sportbike
Northwest
Sport Touring Northwest
Dualsport Northwest
Maxiscoot Northwest
PT/Spring 2010