<\/p>\n
Motorcyclists from far and wide are expected to descend this weekend on Southwest Colorado for the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally.<\/p>\n
The rally will feature new events and accommodations, including a women\u2019s-only ride, a \u201cride like a pro\u201d demonstration and class, and dedicated motorcycle parking at 10th Street and Main Avenue.<\/p>\n
More than 100 events are planned for the weekend spanning five locations, including the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio, Main Avenue in Durango and Durango Harley-Davidson on South Camino del Rio. There will be vendors, live music and demonstrations.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething John (Oakes) and I are proud of is almost all of the events are free,\u201d said Trevor Bird, co-organizer and co-owner of the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally.<\/p>\n
Bird said ticketed events include flat track racing at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and a concert featuring Great White and Slaughter on Saturday night at Sky Ute Casino Resort.<\/p>\n
One new feature this year is a women\u2019s-only show called \u201cDames in Durango,\u201d which will have three classes, including best paint, most miles and best in show.<\/p>\n
Harley-Davidson and Indian Motor Co. will bring their factory demo fleets to Sky Ute Casino Resort to give participants a chance to ride them for free.<\/p>\n
Jersey Claudio, a Colorado sheriff, will host the \u201cride like a pro\u201d demonstrations all three days and host a \u201cride like a pro\u201d class from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Sky Ute Casino Resort.<\/p>\n
Other new events include an arm-wrestling contest presented by Charles Hamby and a hill climb challenge at Purgatory Resort.<\/p>\n
Bird said the Wheelie Pig\u2019s Hill Climb Challenge is one of the largest new events planned. He encouraged people to come from noon until 3 p.m. Sunday to watch the free event.<\/p>\n
The rally draws motorcyclists from across the country, and Bird said he\u2019s aware of group rides this year from Texas and California.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe literally get people from all over the country that are coming in to attend the rally this year,\u201d Bird said.<\/p>\n
Bird declined to estimate the number of attendees expected but said early indicators, including hotel bookings, suggest it will be a \u201cvery well-attended event.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sky Ute Casino Resort, one of four hotels listed on the rally\u2019s website, expects a 100% occupancy rate Saturday through Monday, said Angela Herreia, front desk supervisor.<\/p>\n
Rally attendees can expect temperatures approaching 90 degrees each afternoon in Durango but can look forward to cooler temperatures in the mid- to upper-70s north of town around Silverton. A chance of showers is possible, especially at higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s incredibly inspiring,\u201d Bird said. \u201cWhen you get to ride a motorcycle with a complete stranger, it creates a level of trust and a really unique bond.\u201d<\/p>\n