Bikers flock to area for rally

Bikers flock to area for rally

August 30, 2001

The bikes are back in town — today is the first official day of the ninth annual Four Corners Iron Horse Motorcycle Rally.

While the rally is held at the Sky Ute Events Center in Ignacio, its rumbles are felt throughout the streets of Cortez, Durango and surrounding communities over the Labor Day weekend.

Last year the rally drew approximately 30,000 two-wheeled tourists to the area, with the same numbers projected for this year, according to rally organizer Warren Bernard.

The schedule of events includes biker bull-riding, arm-wrestling contests, comedian shows, a parade, bike demo fleets, concerts, organized rides through the mountains, a wet T-shirt contest, worship services, biker drill-team performances and evening fireworks.

Friday morning, Montezuma County residents will have a chance to see many of the bikes close up when rally-goers head for Mesa Verde as part of an organized ride.

Colorado State Patrol Capt. Alan TeBrink reminds drivers to watch out for motorcyclists, giving them reasonable room on the road and using caution when changing lanes, as the bikers are often difficult to see.

"I wish we could go the entire rally without a serious injury or fatal crash," TeBrink said. "Last year there were six people killed that were attending the rally. Our job is to prevent these tragedies from happening. We can’t do it without your help."

Rally organizers also caution motorcyclists to travel safely, watching out for wildlife and for highway construction.

Admission to the rally grounds is $15 per day; $35 for a four-day wristband; or $25 for Saturday and Sunday. No one under 18 is allowed on the grounds without an adult and minors are not allowed in the beer garden/entertainment area at any time. This year the rally has an 8 p.m. curfew for anyone under 21.

For a complete list of events, visit the rally’s web site at http://fourcornersrally.com