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Posted on 06/27/2005 12:48:03 PM PDT by martin_fierro
eterans Motorcycle Rally returns to Sault Ste. Marie
By SCOTT BRAND/The Evening News
Story created Jun 27, 2005 - 11:37:47 EDT.
SAULT STE. MARIE - "We were very pleased, it was a big success for us and the town also," said American Legion Post #3 Commander Dan Inglis reflecting back on last year's inaugural Veterans Motorcycle Rally. "We had almost 400 registered and over 500 that showed up."
Inglis is predicting even bigger and better things this time around when the post hosts its second rally on July 15, 16 and 17.
"We will have more vendors and there are lots more events scheduled," he said. Word of mouth throughout the biking community has apparently been very positive and Inglis was quite certain that this year's event will be even bigger.
"We are even thinking that down the road we will have to move it if it gets that big," said Inglis with an eye toward the future. "We'd like to keep it close to the legion, but if it grows we will grow with it."
Inglis said the community has rallied around the bikers after the initial experience.
What we have heard from the bikers is how well they were treated wherever they went," he said, noting both entities benefited from the experience. "A lot of businesses have told us this was their busiest weekend of the summer."
The bikers not only spent their money here, Inglis noted, but were on their best behavior as there were not any unusual spikes in law enforcement or hospital activity during last year's visit.
"It's not the old biker crowd," said Inglis citing one example. "My dermatologist from Petoskey is bringing three of his doctor friends up to it. They are very respectable people - they like to have fun, but don't get into trouble."
Scheduled events are set to include various runs, live entertainment including the band Grinder which includes Darren McCarty of the Detroit Red Wings, a parade and a blessing of the bikes on Sunday. The ties between the bikers and the veterans will seemingly be further cemented in a solemn ride to the mobile Vietnam Wall when it appears outside the Big Bear Arena.
Interested parties will also have two opportunities to win bikes. The Soo Michigan Hockey Association will give away the Detroit Choppers Motorcycle on Saturday and the American legion will be conducting its own raffle in the form of a Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster with a drawing date of Sept. 11 for the second bike.
Inglis said he wanted local folks to understand that most of the weekend activities are not just limited to those who own motorcycles.
"You don't have to be a biker to attend," he concluded.
All proceeds raised by Post #3 during this event will go towards veterans and programs to benefit them throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
For more information or to register for this event contact the American Legion at 632-2881 or the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1 (800) 647-2858.
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Veterans Motorcycle Rally ~ Bump!
Friendly word to the wise to those coming up through lower Michigan; the inside lanes of the Mackinaw Bridge consist of open grating. This can make for a windy, white-knuckle slithering five mile ride with one hell of a view - straight down!
I'll be coming up through scenic Wisconsin . . .
I've only driven over that bridge once in a car and it scared the heck out of me.....Yes the wind but also the perceptible swaying of the bridge.
I've only driven over that bridge once in a car and it scared the heck out of me.....Yes the wind but also the perceptible swaying of the bridge.
If open grating is what I think it is, I think I'd just find another route.
"It's not the old biker crowd," said Inglis citing one example. "My dermatologist from Petoskey is bringing three of his doctor friends up to it. They are very respectable people - they like to have fun, but don't get into trouble."
OH, My Lord, NO. We don't want to attract THOSE people. Just the RUBs with MONEY.
MI bump
SOUNDS LIKE FUN! LET'S DO IT!
Lay low wizr, and ya might sneak thru . . .
Add a fake tatoo on the left forearm and you'll be Golden!
No sir, not on two wheels. I did do that bridge in an '81 Cutlass though (company car). I was lost as hell at the time, with Wisconsin plates . . .
Let's face it, the whole New York metro area is a biker's nightmare. I've seen potholes the size of VWs out there.
Damn . . .
The outside lanes are paved, so you have alternatives. Plus, local authorities are pretty good about warning motorcyclists about dangerous winds, which are the real problem . . .
The neat thing about that bridge is how high it is above the water. Ore boats look miniscule from up there. You have to ride the grating to get the full effect. Looking forward, it looks solid. Looking down gives you the impression you're riding on dirty air.
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