Local reactions to a proposal to hold the 2002 Four Corners Iron Horse Motorcycle rally in Cortez varied from apprehension to cautious optimism to downright excitement Monday.

But the pros and cons of inviting some 30,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to spend Labor Day weekend headquartered at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds still need more community discussion, said Cortez Mayor Joe Keck.

Questions needing further study are whether Cortez and surrounding towns have enough police, lodging and camping facilities to handle the influx; how to deal with traffic increases; whether there are groups already relying on the fairgrounds during or around Labor Day; and what measure of support the community feels for such an event.

"Obviously there would be some positive economic impacts, but we need to hear from more people on whether they want this," Keck said.

Last week Warren "Easy" Bernard, board president of the popular but controversial rally, approached the Montezuma County Commission on the possibility of moving the event from Ignacio to the county fairgrounds because of space.

Without committing either way, the commissioners encouraged Bernard to coordinate more with local law-enforcement agencies on the event’s potential, noting that many issues would have to be worked out before it could go forward.

The rally would more than double the population of the county for at least several days — an impact that is a major concern for law officers responsible for controlling traffic and criminal behavior in the area.

"I have some concerns because of the pure number of people and our ability to handle that, but this is my only real concern," said Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane. "It does not matter who the crowd is — that many people will cause disturbances and, of course, bringing in good people doesn’t mean the bad won’t follow."

Lane said that preparedness depends on how many extra officers can be brought in from outside agencies to help out. Budgeting adjustments would also be needed to accommodate for overtime.

"We’re a lot smaller force than Durango and La Plata County, so it would depend somewhat on how many more officers we could borrow," Lane said, adding that he has not been contacted by rally organizers as of yet.

Montezuma County Sheriff Joey Chavez said, if the rally comes, it will definitely create more work for his agency.

"My feeling is that if it came here it would create a lot of extra work for our department, but that is what mutual aid from other agencies is there for," said Chavez.

"If it is decided that it will come here, then we will handle it. A lot of coordination would be needed to keep track of when and where each one of their functions is taking place to ensure that they do not get out of control."

For big events that affect traffic such as a motorcycle rally, the Colorado State Patrol beefs up officer presence, and did so on roadways into and out of Ignacio during the rally’s eight-year history there.

Rally organizers estimate that the event brings $13.5 million to area economies each year. More sales taxes mean more money for government coffers. And even with the event now focused in Ignacio and Durango, the participants eat, buy gas and stay overnight in Cortez, Dolores and Mancos.

"It is a boost even now," said Keck. "I have had several business owners tell me this year that (rally) customers helped them get over the hit in tourism caused by the Mesa Verde fire."

Still, some of those that would benefit are being cautious with their support.

"It would bring in a lot of dollars, but I want to know more of the actual problems that the event really had before I could be for it or against it," said P.G. West, owner of the Best Western Turquoise Inn, in Cortez.

"It’s a trade-off in that you’re looking at more revenue, but also I don’t want Cortez to get a bad name because a bunch of crazy stuff goes on. I’d like to hear more from local officials on how it would be handled and how much it would cost to do have it here so it is worthwhile," West said.

Others are more definite in their opinions.

"It would be awesome, just awesome to bring the rally to Montezuma County; they should do what needs to be done to make it happen," said Lars Bjorkqvist, owner of the Dolores Mountain Inn.

"A lot of bikers come through here and stay at my place, and they have always been very respectful, never have bounced a check, and they do not use my towels to clean their bikes," he said.

"That rough image is more of a social stigma for this group that is not really true any more. Behind all that leather are doctors and lawyers."

But for police officers protecting the public in the midst of rally activities and the raucous partying that can go on all night long, the possibility of hard-core gang members and troublemakers buffered by huge crowds is worrisome.

"You have to be very prepared; otherwise it will be disastrous and chaotic," said Dusty Whiting, BIA police chief for the Ute Mountain Tribe.

Whiting participated in law-enforcement efforts during the infamous Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota, an event that attracts some 100,000 participants each summer.

"We learned that you have to let the club leaders know that they must keep control of their people," Whiting said. "There has to be direct communication between those leaders and the police. They have to work cooperatively to prevent problems."

Whiting would double his force of seven officers to handle increased traffic at the Ute Mountain Casino if rally headquarters end up in Montezuma County. He points out that the majority of rally participants are non-Indian, which means the BIA does not have jurisdiction over them, so there would need to be more involvement than normal with local sheriff and the State Patrol at the casino.

The prospect of more publicity for a region coveted for its serene isolation and calm lifestyle was also a concern expressed by some.

"My personal opinion, and it’s only my personal opinion, is that the community has to decide on this because these events can change a place, where suddenly little Cortez becomes a big attraction like Sturgis," said State Patrol Trooper David Van Bibber.