Freedom roars in Algona
Thousands attend annual motorcycle rallyBy HANS MADSEN, Messenger staff writer
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Fact Box
At a glance:
What: 25th Annual ABATE Freedom Rally
When: Through Saturday
Where: Freedom Park, Algona
Normal Attendance: 7,500 and 11,000 people.
Events include:
Today
Music by Blue Oyster Cult, Edgar Winter, The Gibbs Brothers Band, T.S. Sherlock, Elevation and Whiskey Meltdown.
A Share the Road presentation, sled pulls and opening ceremonies.
Saturday
The Kentucky Headhunters will perform on the main stage. Other music will be by The Edge of Forever, 35 South, The Bryan James Gang, and Splinter. Other events will include a a ride-in bike show, beard and tattoo contest, duck races, and sled pull.
ALGONA - If freedom can make a noise, then the roar of hundreds of motorcycles - most built at the Harley Davidson factory in Milwaukee - would be the sound it makes.
At the 25th annual Freedom Rally of A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education of Iowa Inc., those bikes, bringing their riders and passengers, gather for a long weekend of brotherhood, music, food, relaxing, showing off, shopping and celebrating the freedom that is the open road.
According to Kent Clemons, the ABATE public relations officer at the site, he is expecting 11,000 to attend the rally, some coming from quite a ways away.
"I've seen licence plates from both the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Missouri," he said.
He says that riders are drawn to the event for the camaraderie and their common love of riding as well as to enjoy the many events scheduled for the weekend.
"It's a great time, good music and great food." he said, "The people are great."
The vendors area offers just about anything you might need to compliment your motorcycle: leather riding gear, patches, sunglasses, boots, a fresh tattoo and for those a little sore from the ride in, a massage from Libby "PBR" Claeys, of Sioux City, who had a booth set up to take care of those road-induced aches and pains.
Spiff and Jayne Bremer are both volunteering their time at the rally. He works security backstage for the bands and she helps sell official ABATE merchandise.
For both of them, the people that gather at the rally are the real treasure.
"It's like hanging out with your brothers and sisters," Spiff Bremer said.
Jayne Bremer reinforced the message.
"It's like extended family," she said, "It's the mixture of fun and volunteerism that makes the rally work."
Another of those volunteers is Buck Boring, of Fort Dodge, who serves as the security chief for the weekend, although he doesn't see much trouble. He was taking advantage of a little quiet time Thursday to watch the people setting up camp and getting settled.
Like many participants, he camps in an area with people from his local area.
"Everybody sticks together," he said.
There is going to be plenty of things for the participants to do over the weekend. There will be presentations on the ABATE Share the Road program, a bike rodeo with many events where riders can test their skills, a tattoo and beard contest, as well as a long lineup of musical acts including Edgar Winter and Blue Oyster Cult, who play back to back tonight.
In the past decade, many women have joined the ranks of riders.
Amy Reichel, of Mankato, Minn., is one of those. She began riding in 2000. She is currently piloting a Harley Davidson Street Glide, her fourth bike.
She thinks that having more women riders is a good thing and offers some simple advice to anyone thinking about it.
"Quit thinking about it and just do it," she said, "If you can ride a bike you can ride a motorcycle."
Attending the weekend long rally lets her let go of her day-to-day life.
"It's one weekend to let loose," she said.
There's a strong spirit of brotherhood and friendliness at the rally. While on his rounds, Kent Clemons spotted a bike with its headlight left on, he quickly found the owner and got it shut off before the battery wore down.
The Christian Motorcyclists Association was helping out wherever they could too. Roger Heckathorn, of Alton, explained that they offer ice water, share their meals, offer a Saturday evening church service and make themselves available to anyone that needs them.
"Whatever the need is," he said. "We want to fill it."
They have a tent in their camping area for meetings and services or just as a place for someone to come if they need a quiet place.
"The tent flap is always open," he said.
The rally continues today and Saturday. Admission is at the gate.
For more information on ABATE of Iowa Inc. and its motorcycle safety, education and legislation programs, see www.abateiowa.org.
Contact Hans Madsen at (515) 573-2141 or hmadsen@messengernews.net
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kobra52
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07-04-09 6:42 AM
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Yes, It used to be in Humboldt estimates were that it brought in close to a million dollars in.now with a 7% sales tax in webster county think of possibillities. oh but we must think of our image or lack of brain power with our local leaders.
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tjrwdm
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07-03-09 2:30 PM
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didnt this used to be in humbolt? bet that they hate they lost this and all the money it brought in,
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