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Bikers head out for Red River, New Mexico: Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally
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Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally
May 22 - 25, 2009
Get ready for the rumble as 20,000 bikers from all different backgrounds line Main Street for one crazy party. Live music can be found all over town, along with vendors carrying everything from leather and lace, to food and fun. Monday morning everyone heads out together to visit the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Angel Fire, then it’s back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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As tents start to go up and motorcycles start to roll in, public safety officials are busy behind the scenes preparing for another Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally. “It’s essentially business as usual on our end,” says Fire Chief and Incident Safety Officer, Ron Burnham. “Everyone knows what they need to do to prepare for the influx of traffic and they’re just doing it.” Red River Marshal, Jerry Hogrefe, agrees; “Most of the staff from Red River and the cooperating agencies have been working this rally for ten years. We know what it takes to provide a safe environment for our guests.”
The current forecast calls for a chance of rain throughout the weekend. Hogrefe says, “That can be a double-edged sword. There tends to be far less traffic congestion and fewer high-speed accidents, but larger crowds indoors which can lead to cramped quarters. We try to always be prepared for any situation and adjust accordingly.”
Each Memorial Day weekend, the Enchanted Circle hosts 25,000 to 30,000 motorcyclists, with up to 15,000 in Red River at any given moment. Through combined efforts with multiple law enforcement agencies (Red River Marshal’s Office, Rio Rancho Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Taos Police Department, and the New Mexico State Police), Red River hopes to provide an atmosphere where visitors, both on and off motorcycles, can feel safe to enjoy themselves in a relaxing environment.
Activities for the weekend include events at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Angel Fire, bike shows, live music at multiple venues, and a trade show and expo. There is limited availability in RV Parks and Campgrounds in Red River, and the US Forest Service has opened all campgrounds between Questa and Red River along Highway 38. The event concludes Monday morning with a Flag Walk and Memorial Day ceremonies at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.
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