The 29th annual Four Corners Motorcycle Rally revved up on Friday with a full docket of races, stunts, live music and more lined up for the weekend for motorcycle enthusiasts and “bike curious” folks alike.
Whether it’s the Wall of Death featuring the Ives Brothers at the Harley-Davidson dealership at 750 South Camino del Rio, the Brawl showcasing stunt riders at the Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio or the pinstripe and leatherworking workshops hosted by Theresa Contreras, there is plenty to experience in and around Durango.
Shannon Welch of Southern California, event coordinator for the rally, said it’s her hope thousands of riders come through the area over the weekend to attend the rally.
She said the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally is one of just four yearly events that feature every Harley-Davidson bike model, all of which can be viewed at the dealership in Durango.
That’s not all that makes the rally unique, though. She said when people hear “motorcycle rally” they often think “Sturgis,” but the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally is running at its own speed.
“I think it’s really important to know everybody putting on this event really values the culture that is Durango and this is something that we want to do for the city of Durango to honor the city and to honor the beauty that this place holds,” she said.
“So this is not a Sturgis. This is a unique rally here,” she said.
Welch said Durango and Southwest Colorado boast some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. People come to the rally to enjoy the surrounding outdoors, ride the Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray or experience the motorcycle culture and community fostered at the event.
She said there is a motorcycle for everyone out there regardless of one’s personality. She said the community at the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally embraces everyone and the rally is a “great experience” to participate in to learn more about bike culture.
People have traveled from all over the country, including Tennessee, Texas, California and the Pacific Northwest.
Welch said she thinks the most alluring aspect of riding is the freedom of it all: “It’s a way to get out and explore the world and see everything this beautiful country has to offer,” she said. “It’s a way to get out there and experience life away from a screen and feel nature all around you.”
Bob Brammer, Durango chief of police, said the motorcycle rally has grown over the years and a lot of motorcycle riders are expected to be out on the roads this Labor Day weekend. He warned against drinking alcohol and driving and cautioned riders and drivers to remain vigilant on the asphalt.
“It is a holiday weekend,” he said. “Most of the negative things we’ve seen in the past are crashes (including) fatalities – all involved alcohol. We just need to ensure that we’re being responsible with our celebrations over Labor Day.”
Brammer said an increased police presence should be expected from Ignacio to Silverton where rally events are taking place.
“We’ve all enhanced our staffing models a little bit this weekend just to ensure a greater police presence out there,” he said. “Just to make sure that everything is going to go safe and that everybody enjoys the weekend.”
A full schedule of events is available at the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally website, https://bit.ly/3BcLxtz.
cburney@durangoherald.com
