HOG Rally comes to lakes area

Residents will soon hear the rumble of hundreds of Harley Davidsons rolling into the area as part of the Harley Davidson Owners' Group (HOG) Rally June 28-30.

Riders plan to stop in Pine River.

So far 680 riders have pre-registered for the event, and Jeff Ledin, coordinator of the event, says he expects many more to register at the event itself.

Last year's event in Alexandria drew 630 riders, so this year's event is predicted to be much larger.

"With nice weather, it could get 900 people or so," Ledin said.

The rally is based at Cragun's resort, but rides and events take the HOG riders north.

The rally will feature a series of events, including a "Passport Ride" where motorcyclists will visit locations where they can have a book stamped. The more stamps riders collect, the more chances they have to win prizes.

The Passport Ride will take place during the day on Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30. Passport stops include the chamber building in Pine River, the chamber building at Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes, Lake Country Crafts and Cones in Crosslake, and at the chamber office in Nisswa.

A circle slow ride will take place on the turtle racing track in Nisswa on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ledin said the public is welcome to come watch as riders compete to go as slow as they can around the turtle race track.

Ledin said he believes the riders will have a positive impact on the community, and added that they are not a rowdy group.

"They're coming from a lot of locations to ride these beautiful roads," he said. "I hope people will see this as a good group to bring to town."