Egos checked at the door...HOGS "Game it up" in Wyoming!
Maverick - Jul 20, 2009

Lying along the banks of the Popo Agie River are the stunning and majestic Wind River Mountains and the friendly town of Lander, Wyoming. The Wyoming State Harley Owners Group (HOG) Rally was held in Lander July 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th.  

 

Lander and the surrounding region is a land that is largely insulated from the tumultuous world many of us know as “a rat race.” Stop in at Atlantic City or South Pass City and the previous statement takes on meaning.  Not only are the buildings old, but the values held by the people are grounded in the ways of the region’s settlers and ancestors including Native Americans.

 

The region’s current caretakers are made up of resilience and fortitude. One of the joys of motorcycling around our country is to learn about local people, to learn about how they cope with current social and economic challenges, and to learn of their strength of character. The Wyoming HOG Rally gave us a glimpse of some of Wyoming’s finest and it is a humbling experience.  

 

                              

 

In addition to arriving in Lander from all points in Wyoming, upwards of 200 motorcyclists traveled from New York, California, Maine, Minnesota, Georgia, Kentucky, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Florida (the longest distance at 3082), and Canada. 

 

                              

 

According to event planners, the mission of this rally was to create a menu of games and activities from which motorcyclists could pick and choose to participate with emphasis on meeting fellow motorcyclists, getting to know them, and connecting in a way that serves as a foundation for friendships going into the future. 

 

 

The rally committee, made up of Gary Rusk, Rally Coordinator, Eric Keyes, Bryke Cook, Tosca Jones, Phil Jones, Nancy Nelson and Scott Nelson, worked very hard as evidenced by the extent of on and off bike games, Poker Runs and Observation Rides in the region surrounding Lander, and the number of event sponsors. The large list of sponsors and gifts meant that everyone left with a prize.

 

                              

 

In addition to the usual bike games including the slow ride, wiener bite, bagel toss, and pig toss, rally activities included a bike show, where this lovely 2005 Harley won its class.

 

                            

 

Then there were the off bike games. You really had to be there, but most rally goers got involved, got silly, and got wet; all in the context of intense competition. 

 

                            

 

Poker Runs went from Lander to Rock Springs, WY (approx. 350 miles) and from Lander to Dubois, WY (approx. 170 miles). Observation Runs included:

 

                            

                           

                               

                              

 

Notably, motorcycling involves some risk and Wyoming rally participants were reminded of the dangers of operating a motorcycle. Of the three accidents that occurred, two were at or near the host hotel.  

 

                           

 

Fortunately, each rider will heal and ride another day. Not all accident victims are so lucky. We wish each a speedy recovery and encourage motorcyclists to be careful and to ride defensively. 

 

                              

 

The festivities ended with a generous pig roast and awards sufficient to satisfy those who matched the motorcycle operator skills, their physical skills, and their motorcycles against others. 

 

Some were winners because they were good, and some were winners because they were lucky. All won because they ventured by motorcycle into Lander and the surrounding region of Wyoming.