More than 1,500 people are expected at the 2008 Kentucky State H.O.G. Rally in Pikeville June 12-14.
It’s the first time in history that the rally will be held east of Lexington, said Rally Coordinator Tim Spencer.
H.O.G., which stands for Harley Owners Group, is a non-profit, factory-sponsored motorcycle organization. H.O.G. Rallies, which occur annually in 48 states, attract visitors from all over the country and beyond, Spencer said. They consist of live music, organized motorcycle rides, games, food vendors, bike vendors and, of course, bike shows. Only those who own Harley-Davidson’s can become H.O.G. members, according to Spencer, though individuals can become associate members if they know someone who owns a Harley. The organization consists of more than one million members, with chapters based all over the world.
This year’s rally in Pikeville will kickoff Thursday night with an Early Bird Party at the Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center for those who pre-registered for the event. A bike show will run all day Friday and Saturday, followed by a different live band each night, and there will also be observation and poker runs, a slow-race obstacle course, and field events those days, Spencer said.
The observation runs will visit Loretta Lynn’s homeplace, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail, Breaks Interstate Park and Jenny Wiley State Park. After the observation runs, riders will answer question about specific details they could have noticed while traveling to and from their destinations. The one who answers the most questions correctly will be awarded prizes.
During the poker runs, riders will travel to different stops, acquiring one card at each. The rider with the best hand at the end of the run wins.
Also on Saturday, Harley-Davidson/Buell of Pikeville will sponsor a rally event at its dealership, though particulars have not been finalized. Sherry Adkins, the dealership’s general merchandise manager, said the event will probably be a cage fighting tournament.
Spencer, who is originally from Allen but has since moved to Lexington, said he is thrilled that this year’s rally is going to be held in Eastern Kentucky.
“There’s a lot of unique riding experiences on the mountain roads in Eastern Kentucky. I’m excited about bringing people to the eastern part of the state so they can see the beauty and friendliness of the people.”
Spencer said he would also like to thank Pikeville’s community leaders, namely Pike County Chamber of Commerce President Brad Hall and Pikeville City Manager Donovan Blackburn, for all the help they have given in organizing the event, which he expects will bring anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 people to the city. He said riders from as far as Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Louisiana and even Anchorage, Alaska have already registered to attend.
Because the organization is non-profit, organizers of the H.O.G. Rally do not try to capitalize on the event. But any proceeds they do make will go to charity. Spencer said they have not decided which charities will receive the proceeds, though they have discussed giving the money to Operation UNITE, the Shriners, or Habitat for Humanity. He said they could decide to choose more than one charity, depending upon how much money the rally makes.
Each H.O.G. member who signs up to attend the rally is allowed to bring one non-member guest. The cost is $45 each, which includes a T-shirt for those registrants who are H.O.G. members, entrance into events held inside the Expo Center, an arm band and a rally pin. The rally events outside the Expo Center will be open to the public, Spencer said.
Those who pre-register for the event will also be able to attend the Early Bird Party on Thursday. Pre-registration is occurring now and runs through April 24. The deadline for regular registration is April 27. People can register by going to www.kystatehogrally.com or by calling (800) CLUB HOG. Individuals must have their H.O.G. member numbers to register.
