Info — Frequently Asked Questions

Why Register?

Because when you register for $20 you get the Wristband, TourBook, Dog Tags, Ride Pin and Poster. The wristband will get you into all official events in and around Baker City, FREE rides on the shuttle buses and discounts at supporting merchants. Most importantly you get the RESPECT of your fellow riders and merchants who are supporting the event. This is a BIG one because this rally is ALL organized by BIKERS for BIKERS and is for FUN not PROFIT! Your registration is ALL we get to promote the rally, so your support is the key to the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally!

What do we do when we get to Baker City?

There is plenty to see and do in and around Baker City. Four comprehensive rides are in the TourBook. These range in length from 160 miles to 353 miles and include the Canyon Course, the Mountain Course, the Valley Course and the Gold & Ghost Course. In the evenings, after riding, lots of stuff will be going on. Just mosey around Main Street in front of the Geiser Grand Hotel. You can visit the Saloon at the Geiser, hit the Main Event across the street, or go two blocks north to Barley Brown’s Brew Pub where they brew Baker City’s finest beers and ales, Stockman’s Bar is always good for drinks, karaoke or pool. Papa’s Pub is also on Main Street and the beer always flows freely. Or just stay on Main Street for people and bike watching and the Baker City Elks Drum & Bugle Corp – these guys really rock Main Street and you won’t want to miss this. Don’t forget to hop on one of the Shuttle buses, they will take you to all of the action Friday and Saturday night. Others can ride to Haines and eat at the Haines Steak House or hang out at the Frontier Tavern. If you go to the Frontier be sure and tell Phyllis hello – she’s a character.

Where do I stay when I get to Baker City?

Anywhere you want. There are about a dozen Hotel/Motels in Baker City. Many campgrounds, like Catherine Creek State Park, are close by. You can check the links on our web site Hells Canyon Rally for the latest accommodations. Additional lodging is available in Sumpter, North Powder and La Grande. Also check out Bed and Breakfast lodging. Above all DON’T PANIC. Last year, as the rally approached, many Baker City residents opened their homes to bikers. There where many positive comments from homeowners and bikers alike and if you watch our forums you will likely find postings for accommodations.

Are we all riding in one group?

NO. First let me say this. The Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally is a self-guided tour. This means that if you have any problem – it’s your fault! It is never a good idea to rely on the rider in front of you for your intelligence! Know the route. You can download maps of all the rides in and around Baker City in our Rally Rides section. You should ride with riders of roughly the same ability as yourself. We would like you to go out in groups of not more than 12 or so. This will tend to naturally happen anyway as soon as the riders leave town and begin picking different points of interest to stop at. The rally is not a race, so when you see others leaving give them a few minutes before you take off.

What happens if I break down?

First of all – before you even think of going on a rally of any type have a comprehensive safety check done on your bike. Many of the shops that are sponsoring rides over to Baker City are giving FREE safety checks. More info available in our forums. Make sure that your tires are good and CHECK THE PRESSURE! Low tire pressure is the number one reason for tire failure. AAA, Honda Riders Club, Progressive, GEICO, and many other insurers and manufactures provide roadside assistance and towing. Check and see if you have one of these before you go. I know on my Progressive policy the Roadside Assist and Tow option is only $17 a year. Most important is to avoid breakdowns with proper maintenance and safety checks. Make sure your bike is ready BEFORE you go. The riders and residents of Northeast Oregon have been very gracious in the past. We have many stories of bikers who broke down and were helped by the riders and locals. Oregon Trail Yamaha, on Main Street, is always open during the rally and to their credit, have gone above and beyond to help riders.

What about CAMPING at BHS?

As of February 9 all of the Hotels are full. Some are taking wait lists but the High School may be the place to be. Camping Details:

Alcohol is not permitted on school grounds
Cost is $30 for all three nights
The high school has 3 football fields available for camping.
Reservations are optional, but if they are full you will be turned away. So Register
You can park your bike next to your tent
Showers are included, towels are not.
Lockers are available for an additional charge
The Shuttle Bus will stop at the high school
Co-founder and ‘cruise director’ Eric Folkestad will be camping at the high school and showing biker movies nightly

What if I don’t have fun at the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally?

GIVE UP. And don’t come back! We only want fun loving, genuine bikers to participate in the greatest rally in North America – the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally!

hellscanyonrally@gmail.com