Goldwings fly into town

GRANTS -This weekend, Sept. 25-26, is another first for Grants.  The city welcomes the annual New Mexico District Gold Wing Riders Association Rally.

    The district includes all of New Mexico plus the city of El Paso, Texas. The Gold Wing Riders Association was formed in 1977 and this district in 1988. The association is an international organization of 80,000 members. Worldwide, the association is composed of national, regional and district organizations.

    In 2008, Farmington was the site of the district rally. More than 5,000 bikes took part in the National Rally at Tulsa, Okla., during the Fourth of July celebrations this year.

    Star Gonzales, executive director of the Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, remarked, “Grants is very pleased to host the Gold Wing Rally. Riders will be staying in local motels and receiving services from local venders.”  Included in the festivities are an ice cream social, live music on Friday evening, parade and bike games.

    Ted Bates, district director of the riders association, said, “Gold Wing is the premier touring motorcycle manufactured today.” He anticipates more than 250 riders - from New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado - to participate in the Grants rally.

    This is the second motorcycle rally for Grants this year. Since 2000, the city has been the site, each July, of the annual Fire and Ice Rally for bike aficionados. 

    Bikers appreciate the friendly community atmosphere and the challenges offered by the winding roads of Cibola County.  Scenic roads such as Highway 117 and Historic Old 66 make Grants an attractive destination for motorcycle enthusiasts.