OK, here is how you should think about your ride. Friday, breakfast at Love Leathers Outpost or where ever. On the road, using an inspired route, riding safely, arriving in Baker City Friday afternoon. Head to the RideCenter/HCMR booth at the Sunridge Inn, check out the Long Distance Iron Butt Riders booth, DamTour, Patriot Guard, Edge Motorsports, BearCat Lodge, bikes, HCMR merchandise, secure your motel, camping or home.
Cruise Main Street. Lots of bikes, more vendors, back to the curb in front of the Geiser, Main Event, Stockmans, Barleys, Papa’s. Take a little walk around, soaking up Historic Downtown Baker. You’re probably a little dry by now so swagger into one of the Main Street joints and have that Club Soda, Ice Tea, or Root Beer, you’ve been dreaming of for the last 100 miles.
If you have a little too much Root Beer be sure and take the shuttle bus, don’t drink and ride for ANY reason. On about evening, start thinking about FOOD. Baker City Cafe, Main Event, Barley Browns, Geiser Dining Room, Papa’s, Stockmans, and the Chamealeon Cafe all have great food we can vouch for. Even Domino’s will do in a pinch! Many will have live music as well. This could take awhile, so have fun!
Now it’s time to start thinking about the ride Saturday. Talk up your plans, meet others who might be interested, head over to the RideCenter and get your bike cleaned up at the Hog Wash! It might not get cleaned just the way you like it but, boy, it’s fun to watch! Live music at the RideCenter starts in the evening, Rock and Country, what could be better than that. Check with the RideCenter for road conditions and call it a night. Or not!
Saturday morning, wake up to BRIGHT SUNSHINE, Oh man, this is going to be great! Head to the RideCenter, pick your Course, find your buds, get your motor running and hit the road to adventure! OK, I know that the adrenaline will be running, so this is the time to breath deep and enjoy the ride. Ride smart, ride safe. All the gear, all the time! Make your ride all about discovery.
Plan to be back in town by about 6 or so. Bike Show judging is getting real serious at about 6pm, LifeTime M/C awards at 7pm and the Bike Show Trophies at 8pm. All at the RideCenter. Now it’s party time. Big fun at Sonny’s by the Hog Wash, stories, beverages, food, fun – this is the real deal. Miss Oregon will be cruising in, be sure and say hi! She’s up for photos and autographs, and is a great ambassador for the rally. Take the shuttle to your room or camp. Don’t ride!
I know Saturday is always a late night, but remember there is more riding Sunday. Out to the Dam, Hells Canyon or Owyhee, more discovery and fun. Check out Sumpter and the Gold Rush country if you haven’t done that. Explore the area, it took us years to uncover what we have shown you and there is so much more! Remember, If you don’t have fun at the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally, GIVE UP!
I hope to make the Hells Canyon run one day. Maybe while the rally is going on – that would be great!