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Do You Know What a Blue Halloween Buck Means?

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Article Contributor: Nichole Zamora

It is almost that fun time of the year when kids dress up in their favorite costumes and go door to door chanting “Trick or Treat“! If you’re lucky, you will get a “Thank you” before they zoom off to the next house, giggling and checking their buckets to see what they got.

What about the kids who show up at your door and do not have a costume on? Or those that show up to your door and do not say “Trick or Treat” or “Thank You”? What do you do when kids that aren’t small kids, but still are waiting for you to drop that piece of candy in their bucket? 

It’s possible that an adult child or quiet child might have autism and be non-verbal.  If a trick or treater comes up with a blue Halloween bucket, do you know what that means?  We live in a different time, and we need to all become more aware that trick-or-treaters at your door may have different needs.

Alicia Plumber started an amazing trend in 2018 for her 20-year-old son BJ, who was autistic and non-verbal, just by a social media post:

Whether you’re out and about this Halloween or staying home to hand out sweets to well-costumed kiddos, you might spot a blue pumpkin today — whether it’s a plastic version used as a sweets-holder or carved and sitting outside someone’s home. This isn’t just a fun style choice. A blue pumpkin symbolizes autism and will be carried by trick or treaters to signal that they may have certain needs.

“This trend seems to be gaining momentum. As the general public becomes more aware of it, we think it could be a wonderful way for kids —the little ones and the bigger ones—to participate in Halloween festivities without the judgment that they sometimes face in social situations,” Wendy Fournier, president of the National Autism Association, stated in a recent Newsweek article.

For those who choose to use them, the blue buckets could provide a subtle, dignified way of alerting people that this child or young adult may not be able to make eye contact, or tolerate wearing a mask, or even say ‘thank you’, but they certainly deserve to enjoy the fun of Halloween as much as everyone else,” she added.

“1 in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASDs begin in childhood and tend to persist into adolescence and adulthood. While some people with ASD can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support,” the World Health Organization (WHO) reports.

Halloween’s history is for adults and children of all ages to have a night of fun, so keep the true spirit of Halloween and just give from your heart and have a variety of treats, even some available for kids that can’t have sweets.

Colorado Motorcycle Expo 2022

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We’re excited to announce that the Colorado Motorcycle Expo is back for 2022! It will be held on January 29th and 30th at the National Western Complex in downtown Denver.  Formerly known as the Colorado Motorcycle Show & Swap, the Expo has been held annually in Denver since 1978. After starting at the Adams County Fairgrounds, the Expo moved to the National Western Complex in the early 1980s, and it draws people from all over the country.  The Expo has always had a large and loyal following among motorcycle enthusiasts, with 20,000-25,000 people attending the event each year. 

The 2022 Expo is especially exciting because we’re back and better than ever after COVID canceled our 2021 show.  During COVID, we actively promoted motorcycle-related events throughout the Denver area during our off-year to help local businesses during these trying times. Now that our main event is back on for 2022, the responses we’ve received from sponsors, vendors, and attendees have been astounding. 

The 2022 Expo will have 3 main components: 1) The largest indoor motorcycle swap meet in the country, 2) The largest custom & antique motorcycle show in the Rocky Mountain Region, and 3) Live entertainment and other attractions, like live bands, a VIP lounge, tattoo competitions, a wet T-shirt contest, the used bike corral, a kid zone, giveaways, and so much more.

We are committed to maintaining and improving upon the core elements that have made this an amazing event for the past 44 years–bringing together bikers and all who love motorcycles to buy and sell parts and goods, display and view unique motorcycles, and have one hell of a party! You don’t want to miss this fantastic event, so get your tickets now at www.coloradomotorcycleexpo.com

Thank you!

Scott and Christy

Endurance Ride – Cool Biker Lunch and Rides Completes 1.5k Riding Challenge

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By Stormy

Cool Biker Lunch and Rides motorcycle group announced another challenge that they are hosting!  You have to ride 1,500 miles in 36 hours.  The ones that completed the 1K last year were invited to inaugurate the 1.5K in 1.5 Days challenge before it opens up to the rest of the group.  The participants were: Dave Setter, Stephen Gonzales, Steve Wilson, Rachel Baldwin, Ed Collins, Jason Ennis, Austin Prather, Kristi Strother, and myself.  Jason Massey and Steve Skalski did their 1K challenge the same day and joined the 1.5K challenge.  The route was from Watkin, CO, to Corpus Christi, TX, to spend the night and head back to Amarillo, TX.  We reached 1,500 miles near Snyder, TX, and pulled over to document it and stop the clock.  We celebrated in Amarillo over steaks and drinks at The Big Texan Steakhouse.

After I did the 1K last year with Krisi Strother to Sturgis and back, I told myself that was the last time I would do that again.  It was exhausting both mentally and physically to the point where I found myself needing to talk out loud to stay awake.  But I am glad I did this 1.5K challenge. It feels great that I can accomplish something only a few people can do.  There is no one way to measure it or weigh it, but feeling accomplished is so closely tied to our needs, desires, ambitions, and drivers that it becomes a personal achievement.  I know a lot will not understand why we, motorcycle enthusiasts, do these kinds of challenges, but we do, which is all that matters.  

Stephen Gonzales

“It sure sounded like fun after completing the 1k in a day last year.  Just like last year, after about 5 hrs. I’m wondering  what I was thinking.   After a few lost items, a check engine light, a small mishap that temporarily put one person on pause, and a couple of fill-ups, all was good.  We had taken our places in line and commenced on our trip.  Great guidance, leadership, and teamwork helped us get through it with two small celebrations of completing another 1k under 24 hrs and then the milestone of 1.5 k in under 36 hrs.  A great trip, can’t wait for another one.”

Jason Massey

“So people going for a 1K or a 1.5K challenge should be experienced riders.  It will challenge you mentally and physically.  Hydration and whatever the individual needs to stay focused are important during the ride.  5-hour energy drinks are beneficial.  Would I do this again?  Yes, absolutely!”

Kristi Strother

“The Limit

I thought I would sleep better the night I got home from a 1.5k challenge motorcycle ride. We traveled over 1,500 miles in a day and a half. My body was tired, exhausted. I tossed and turned all night, thinking about my adventure, our adventure, of pushing it to the limit (that song was stuck in my head too). I should have slept, but the road with all its hidden treasures flashed through my brain. 

Poet T.S. Eliot once wrote: “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” 

I am grateful for this trip. I learned I could push through exhaustion. Plus, I made lasting memories with new and old friends, who also took the leap and pushed themselves to conquer the road, the heat, the endless miles.

We left at the crack of dawn, still dark, only the peering eyes of wildlife followed us down the road. We set out on an adventure, none of us precisely sure how we would do…or how our bikes would do. All we knew was that we were leaving Colorado for Corpus Christi, Texas with a full tank of gas and many early morning biker grins. 

We had setbacks, mostly flying off bikes; an ice chest full of sandwiches, bandanas flying off heads, a bungee cord, and even a helmet.

On the outside, we navigated the road like experienced warriors roaring through the Wasteland; on the inside, each of us had our reason for taking part in the challenge. For some, it was to put their feet in the ocean, others to beat a record; I didn’t want to pass up seeing a part of our great country that I have never seen before. Yes, the merciless sun was relentless. Gallons of water drank, too many to count. But the hundreds and hundreds of miles of green hills, golden valleys, peaceful lakes, and unspoiled panoramic views kept me aching for more. Even the long stretches of interstate, staring at the parched land and decaying houses, kept me intrigued. Who lived there? Why did they let the house fall apart?

Colorado. Oklahoma. Texas. We kept moving. Time slowed. 

I enjoyed seeing gallant horses throw their heads up as we thundered by picturesque farms; I loved the wide-eyed looks of wonder from young kids in the back seats of mini-vans, and I was touched by the show of solidarity other bikers gave as we passed through towns and even on the highway. It may seem like a simple ‘biker wave,’ but the symbolism of safety never left me. It’s a good feeling to be home… and that we all got home safe! 

In the end, it doesn’t matter why each of us took on this challenge.  But I have to admit I do feel stronger. Sleepy but stronger. I pushed myself more than I ever have before. I learned a lot. Saw a lot. And I am grateful for my 1.5k friends who helped me find out how far I could go!

So put me on a highway

Show me a sign

Take it to the limit

One more time”

Steve Wilson

“This trip was many months in the making for me.  I’ve been planning to do a 1500 mile trek and tried to find destinations to go to.  My brother’s house, for example, is 1530 miles away from mine.  When Ed started planning this trip to Corpus Christi and back, I was excited.  About a month prior, I decided to bring my son, Gummy Bear, with me.  My wife and I lost him on 4 November 2017.  I brought his urn and made a little bed with his stuffed puppy in one of the fairing compartments.  He was as snug as a bug in a rug.  Having this memory with me made it all worth it.  Sure, I was hot, dirty, stinky, and tired… but I wouldn’t trade it for the world because I got to have an adventure with my first son.”

Steve Skalski

“This soul is more fulfilled after following leader Ed, and riding with the others for 1.5k miles in 1.5 days.  I expected it would be both physically and mentally challenging, and I wasn’t let down.  I couldn’t and wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for you and my fellow riders. THANKS TO ALL!”

Dave Setter

“What a great team effort by an excellent group on a mission!  Doing this 1.5K in 1.5 days with 11 bikes with folks on a bike for 40 out of 60 hours (with over 2,200 total miles) was just awesome.  Everyone pulled together and got it done.  Ed Collins (a/k/a the great cat herder), thank you for your leadership efforts.  You made it happen smoothly despite a few bumps but most of all, you made it fun.  Thanks again.”

Rachel Baldwin

“This was a fun event; with this many people going, it was a challenge that we had stacked against us.  We rolled through, and the ride was well organized from the start, which was our advantage.  Everyone played an essential part.  I was overwhelmed with joy that morning; everyone was prompt, ready, excited, awake, and passing out goodies to one another for encouragement on this ride.  We were a team!   We were focused.  We paid attention to detail, and I was so impressed we had a way to check codes on our bike, holy cow!  Prepared is the word that comes to mind, even with reminding everyone to add roadside assistance, bring batteries for key fobs, first aid, battery jumper, air compressors, and the like. The stop in Corpus woke my senses with the chirps of the seaside birds and the gorgeous water view from our hotel window.  I was able to run into a childhood classmate at our gas stop in Comfort, named Matt Herrera; I haven’t seen him since 2002. It was all by chance!  I had no idea he worked there, dope!  We kept in great communication with each other.  Leaders took the lead when the dynamics changed, and we all accomplished this great task together!  Thanks for this great opportunity!  What a ride!”

Ed Collins

“Bike is ready, and I am ready; everyone is ready!  And away we go into the dark morning, eleven bikes in formation headed for the Gulf of Mexico.  Twenty-one hours later, we had come through fog, a 100-degree stretch, a few turns, and the best McDonald’s burger I can remember to arrive at our hotel.

After the group congratulated each other on making it to Corpus Christi, we went straight to bed so we could ride 500 more miles in 36 hours.  The following morning I learned the definition of a CBLR member.  We had a member develop mechanical issues the day before; we got them a tow and safe before moving on.  I had set it up to grab parts and let the group move on to accomplish their goal.  They would have none of it – as a group, they decided to wait for me … that act of “selfless group sacrifice” set the tone for my experience.  I was honored and humbled to ride with this group.”

Austin Prather

“I broke down 550 miles into day one.  I got a tow to a motel from some cool rednecks. Then I diagnosed and repaired a broken wire to my electronic throttle body.  I rode back to Amarillo to meet with the rest of the team after they completed their mission.  I rode motorcycles, fixed stuff, met people, ate steak.  It wasn’t the worst experience I’ve had.”

Join Cool Biker Lunch & Rides on Facebook and get the guidelines if anyone wants to try this challenge.  It will be an epic experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

7th Annual Colorado Wounded Veteran’s Run

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By: Becki Bradley

September 18th was clear and warm as bikes arrived by the dozen at Takoda Tavern in Parker. Colorado Wounded Vet Run was underway. Veterans and their supporters came out to show support with their bikes, voices, and money. The 7th Annual CWVR event was underway, and the number of bikes far exceeded the previous years. It’s estimated that there were over 135 registrants for this year’s ride.  This annual event drew veteran motorcycle groups and  clubs, including but not limited to Veterans MC, Eagle Riders, Combat Vets, American Legion Riders, Marine MC, and many other

CWVR is a nonprofit organization that works year-round to raise funds for chosen honorees. Each year honorees are selected from Colorado veterans that people in the community nominate. Once selected, the board puts on fundraisers and volunteers at biker events for donations. Get Your Bike Off was held at Dirty Dogs and included vendors, an auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Serving beer at events is also a way the CWVR volunteers use to raise funds as well.

All the time and energy put into the fundraiser culminate with the actual bike run and this year’s proved great results. The Run itself is a parade route with the honorees following the flag jeep, each being chauffeured in their vehicle, making a small procession followed by so many supporting riders. The route down Hess and over to 105 in Sedalia is always a beautiful ride and anyone on the road that day knew something was going on. People honking, waving, and taking videos were all along the route that led to Highway 83 and north to The Stagecoach as the parade destination.

The ceremony is solemn and emotional. Bagpipes and the National Anthem set the tone for the day and hearing the honorees’ stories in their own words bring home what has happened in their soldier lives. It gives the bystander a glimpse into their journey from home to war and returning from the field of battle wounded. Being a part of this allows veterans and supporters alike to show a bit of appreciation and, in some cases, a proper welcome home.  

WOMEN’S WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

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by Laurie Montoya

The Guinness Women’s World Record second attempt was held at Bandimere Speedway on August 21st.  The goal of these women was to break the UK’s women’s record of 1132 riders, but event coordinator Susan “Miss Bubbles” Udero had another personal record she wanted to break.  Most women riders gathered in Colorado.  The Guinness world record wasn’t broken on this attempt, we believe she did create a record of most women at a biker event/ride here in Colorado.

More importantly, this world record attempt supports the Firefly Autism charity based right here in Denver.  Firefly treats children and adults with autism throughout the Front Range. Their services include clinical assessments and the development of individual treatment plans, an intensive early intervention program, a school-age program for students up to age 21, a home and community-based program, and weekly social skills groups.  Firefly serves children (as young as 18 months of age) and adults, and every program in their clinic has a 1:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Firefly’s treatment is based on leading, empirically-based interventions, primarily using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach functional skills.

While disappointed that they didn’t break the record, the attendees at this year’s attempt were just happy to be there in solidarity and raise money for Firefly.  Susan made sure that there were plenty of volunteers, vendors, and entertainment to make it a great day of fun.  

Janet Cook, Chief Executive Officer for Big Iron Sports and a main sponsor of the event said. “We are here to support Susan and the sisterhood of women riders.  Women are the fastest-growing demographics in the riding community, and 20% of all riders are now women.”

Rider Justice Motorcycle Lawyers

Trophies were awarded for Farthest Distance Travelled, Biggest group from Colorado, Biggest group from out of state

Extra thanks go to the key sponsors Max & Elaine (Zaidy’s Deli $15,000), Platinum Sponsor Scott O’Sullivan (RiderJustice.com), who sponsored the Bandimere Speedway parking lot, Big Iron Sports, and Janet Cook (2021 Royal Enfield Giveaway). 

Our gross revenue for our event was just over $35,000, in part to the generous sponsors. Our benefit Firefly Autism! We will do a final accounting and let our ladies know what is donated to Firefly.

There were many costs associated with an event of this caliber, but it was a resounding success, with 22 states joining Colorado. National media attention and the camaraderie and fellowship was priceless!

Bandimere hosts Motorcycle Challenge – kind of Run what you Brung!

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Bandimere Speedway – Motorcycle Challenge set for September 19th

Bandimere Speedway is hosting a Motorcycle Challenge on September 19th. This day of racing is open to all skill levels of riders with classes for Street Bikes, Pro Bikes, and ATVs.  No experience necessary! Kind of a “Run what you Brung” day of racing. 

All brands welcome. Simple rules for all riders. (valid driver license, Snell-rated helmet, leather gloves, leather or heavyweight riding jacket, jeans, and leather footwear that extends above the ankle). Riders only need full leathers if exceeding 120MPH. 

SCHEDULE

  • Gates Open 8:00 am
  • Time Trials 9:00 am
  • Eliminations 12:00 pm

ADMISSION

  • Adult Crew $20
  • Children (12 & Under) FREE

RACER ADMISSIONS

  • Street Bike/ATV $40
  • Pro Bike $50
  • Titan 16 Series $45

For more information, visit bandimere.com.

Hogback Twister Challenge

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By: Audrey “Stormy” Paulus

When I saw a challenge with the word “twister” in the title spreading around Facebook, I had to check it out and enter.  When it said it had to be completed in 9 hours, I wanted to do it in 8 hours.  A few of us from Cool Biker Lunch and Rides participated and had a blast!  It was a true challenge of endurance, with the combination of breathtaking scenery and endless twists and turns.  I even learned about two routes that I never knew about, Rist Canyon and Devil’s Gulch.  I felt like I was in a foreign country surrounded by green pastures and quaint little ranch homes.  It was amazing!!

I interviewed the man behind this challenge.  Graeme Wallace left his home in Scotland and moved to Colorado to pursue a life-long dream.  That was when his Hogback Distillery was established, and his goal to make Scotch-style whiskey in America began.  The name Hogback is inspired by the Dakota Hogback Ridge that runs along the entire length of the Colorado Rockies.  Traditionally, the spirit for blended Scotch whiskey is sourced from the most independent distilleries throughout Scotland. This is the model followed by Hogback, with the bulk of their blended whiskey coming from other U.S. distilleries.

Graeme expressed his passion to me, “as someone that has been riding motorcycles for over 40 years in Scotland, riding curvy roads is what motorcycling is all about for me.  Part of the reason for moving from Scotland to Colorado was to ride the mountain roads, so the first thing I did when I arrived four years ago was to buy a Harley Davidson Fatboy.  It did not take long to discover four canyons, including Clear Creek Canyon and Golden Gate Canyon.  Gradually, I explored more canyons to make a circuit.”

As Graeme toured me around his Boulder distillery, he explained how he came up with this twister challenge. “It occurred to me that others might enjoy the same roads, so I road each one in both directions to feel out which direction flowed the best.  The idea kept developing and growing until I reached the current 9 canyon route with minimal overlap and maximum enjoyment for riding curves.  The fact that the canyons cut through the Dakota Hogback Ridge and that my Hogback Distillery has the same name is a pure coincidence but an apt one.”

A few of the participants had some great stories to share about their experience:

Steve Wilcox

“I mostly ride alone to ride at my own pace, but I’ve been itching to branch out and ride with others on some local motorcycle events.  Luckily, I came across the Hogback Twister Challenge on the web and decided to sign up to meet other local riders and to ride not just a few but all of the canyons in the front range of the Rocky Mountains between Fort Collins and Evergreen.

With all events, you start the day on your own and end it on your own, but the in-between is all about riding with others.  Arriving at 6 a.m. at the Hogback Distillery parking lot with 30 plus motorcycles with their lights on in the late dawn is a wonderful feeling.  I’m not the only crazy one!  It’s great to see all these other riders coming out to challenge themselves with 350 miles of twists and turns.

I have ridden most of these canyons as part of my quiver of local rides but never gave it a thought to ride ALL of them in one day.  That seemed insane!

The first two canyons I rode alone.  Then three Harley riders caught me in Lyons, and I decided to tag along for the ride.  And what a ride it was!  It was great to ride with a group of very experienced riders and looked out for each other.  They had no idea who I was, but they paved the way for a great ride together!  I hung on for a few more canyons and then decided to ride on my own again for a while.

My 2020 Harley Street Glide Special threw some engine codes at Meeker on the Peak to Peak Highway.  I decided to continue on the route, which went close to a Harley dealership to stop by and see if it was anything serious.  The codes resulted from some temporary glitch, and I cleared the codes and resumed the Twister Challenge at the bottom of Lookout Mountain, where I joined up with a group of adventure riders.  Traffic was now an issue.  My left thumb started to cramp from all of the clutching throughout the day in the canyons – much more than any average long-distance road trip.  I got through Evergreen, and then the rest of the ride was doable since the traffic was less and the roads were freer of cages.

It was a great feeling when other bikers in the challenge were coming towards you, and you acknowledged them with the motorcycle greeting.  Although separated by our motorcycles on the road together, we were experiencing the great ride of the Hogback Twister Challenge.”

Becky Bradley

“Sometime in July, I saw an event that intrigued me!!  A twister challenge?  I love the twisties and often go out of my way to incorporate some into my route when I get a chance to ride – just to ride.  I wasn’t sure who was going and the 300-bike limit lit a fire under my butt.  I signed up.  I may have psyched myself out a few times, awaiting August 7th, but I have ridden more than one canyon in a day ride before this.  I was going to complete the ride regardless.  There was a 14-hour time limit on this 350-mile challenge.  More than enough, I thought to myself.  I decided to take an early wave to ensure I had plenty of time.  As luck would have it, I knew a few people planning to ride, and I could team up with a friend.  That always makes the ride a little more fun, in my opinion.  Our wave was at 6:05 a.m. We turned on our Rever apps to track our ride and time as we left the parking lot.  In my mind, the challenge was: to complete the ride unscathed and in the best time possible.  

The morning light was just starting to brighten when we left the Hogback Distillery with 8 other bikes.  We hit the first canyon before we had time to get warm in the safety gear we had donned.  At first, the bikes were pretty grouped up, and we caught the last of the 6 a.m. wave, but soon small groups of bikes were traveling at their own pace, and my riding companion and I were just two bikes taking the twisties with ease and enjoying the ride.  Lefthand, St Vrain, Big Thompson, Rist, Coal Creek, Bear Creek, Clear Creek, Golden Gate, and Boulder Canyons.  The option to stop was not one we took, as we both wanted to see what time it would take for us to complete this ride.  We stopped once for gas when we doubled back through Estes Park to just stand up and take off our helmets at the top of Lookout Mountain.  We did make it back to the Hogback Distillery in 8 hours and 33 minutes – including both stops.  Eight hours and six minutes was our riding time.  Not too bad if I do say so myself.  The Hogback Distillery put on a good event with BBQ, music, and whiskey at the end of the ride, making this a destination worthy of the ride itself.  Next year I plan to ride it again.  I may slow down and observe the scenery a little more.  Maybe even stop for lunch somewhere.”

Edward Collins

“It was dark as we turned our two Road Glides into the staging area at the Hogback Distillery in Boulder.  We were preceded by a woman riding a Ducati sports bike.  This exemplified the range of riders and machines gathered to accept the Hogback Challenge.  The times, the turns (1,300+) melted away effortlessly as our navigator negotiated every intersection, every route perfectly laid out.  It seemed we had only left the starting line moments before when we crossed the finish line.  We now have stories to tell, friends made, friends met, and memories shared.  It all made for a great day.  I am looking forward to participating in this challenge next year, although I would like to suggest that the route be run in an exact sequential order, and if there is any variance from the route, the rider should be disqualified.”

Kristi Strother

“This challenge wasn’t a challenge to me, but just a fun day riding the canyons.  We were in no hurry and even took an hour for lunch.  If I do this challenge next year, I will make this a challenge and earn my prizes and certificate.”

Shirley Kuuipo Soares 

“The Hogback Twister Challenge was exactly that, a challenge.  It challenged my endurance, riding skills, and facing my fear of heights while experiencing Colorado’s beauty.  It was an amazing ride with my group smiling every time we took a break and talked about what we saw through a canyon or over the lookouts.  The Hogback Twister has is now a great addition to our yearly riding must-dos.”

Tony Doukas

“If I didn’t follow the couple riding in my 6 a.m. group, I would have been lost because the Rever app was making me turn at roads that didn’t even exist on the map.  We had a great time riding the curves at fast speeds.  At the finish line, someone had asked me ‘what was my favorite canyon’.  I couldn’t answer because to me, it’s not so much about the road or the challenge from Point A to Point B, but it’s the people you ride with is what was important.”

Cheryl Lynn & Kui Bean

“The Hogback Twister Challenge was an awesome experience!  It was fun, interesting, and of course, challenging.  It was an unknown territory for us that turned out to be invaluable.  At first, we didn’t think anything about doing it.  We’ve never ridden the mountains or been on any long distance runs.  Coming from Hawaii, the longest we rode was twice around Oahu.  Not the same!  We started just talking about it then all of a sudden, we began our journey to the Hogback!  We made new friends, got some dinner whiskey and a cool shirt; we went to places that we will definitely head to again, and most importantly, learned a little bit more about each other.  The Hogback gave us the confidence to push past our limits and grab hold of more challenges.” 

From talking to some of the participants, each came away with something different from this challenge.  Some discovered that their stronger than they thought they were, some found that friends watch each others’ backs, and some felt they are a piece of something more significant than they could ever be alone.  I often wondered how many people can go through the same thing or see the same thing, and yet the experiences are different as night and day.  That is pretty awesome.  

I am sure some learned quite a few things from this challenge and are already planning on what not to do for next year’s Hogback Twister Challenge.  I know I am.

By Stormy

Thunder in the Rockies is CANCELLED For 2021.

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Thunder Harley-Davidson announced today that due to circumstances beyond their control such as COVID concerns, staffing, and supply issues, they sadly must cancel their Annual Thunder in the Rockies for 2021. This will be the 2nd year in a row that Thunder Mountain has had to cancel, however, this publication commends them for doing what they felt was best for the community, as well as not settling on an event that doesn’t meet the standards of what attendees are used to.

Here is their post on their ThunderInTheRockies.com website:

a group of rvs parked outside a building

THUNDER IN THE ROCKIES 2021 CANCELLED


We are heartbroken to announce the cancellation of the 2021 Thunder in the Rockies bike rally. This extremely difficult decision was made based on many factors including potential restrictions and entertainer concerns related to the most recent rise in Covid-19 cases. Lack of support due to supply chain issues and labor/inventory shortages throughout our vendor, sponsor, and business partner communities were additional factors.

All 2021 concert tickets purchased through our official Ticketweb outlet will automatically be refunded within 30 days. Any tickets purchased at Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson can be turned in at the Thunder Mountain front desk for a refund anytime within the next 30 days.

The Forever Family Ride will still happen on Monday, Sept 6th. It is very important to the Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson team to support Realities for Children and encourage our customers to get out in the fresh air and ride! Check-in and breakfast will begin at 9 AM at Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson, kickstands up at 10:30 AM. More information can be found at www.ForeverFamilyRide.com.

We have extended our Bike Night series an additional week to hold the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America giveaway. This event will be our last Bike Night of the season at Thunder Mountain Amphitheatre on Thursday, September 2, 2021, from 6 PM to 9 PM. The raffle prize drawing will be held promptly at 7:30 PM and the bike giveaway qualifier drawing/key turn at 8:30 PM. You must be present to win for both drawings.


The 2022 Thunder in the Rockies planning is already well underway so mark your calendars, Labor Day Weekend (Sept 2-5, 2022). We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your support. Ride safe!


THUNDER IN THE ROCKIES
4250 Byrd Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
Phone: (866) 646-6296
Fax: (970) 292-0440
For Questions Contact:
marketing@thundermountainharley.com