Event Highlights

PRESENTATIONS

Suspension Sag w/Bret Tkacs - Having your motorcycle's suspension dialed in means you'll be making the most of every mile while you're at the rally - and long after. Learn the basics about sag from a seasoned pro and, regardless of what you ride, get your bike dialed in and enjoy the trip!

Introduction to Motorcycling in the Columbia River Gorge and Rally Orientation w/Tom Mehren - the Columbia Gorge is an area rich in history, beauty and fantastic roads; this seminar is a great primer for the first time rally-goer. Learn about the past and present, the geology, things to see and do and much more. New this year, we'll reveal some rare photographs from the early 1900s of motorcyclists' early travels into the area.

Riding the Continental Divide w/Clement Salvadori - At the turn of the century, a group of bicyclists created a route from Canada to the Mexican border. The route was subsequently modified by several motorcyclists and ridden by Clem Salvadori in 2002. The article he wrote about his trip, which originally appeared in Rider magazine, created quite a buzz and continues to inspire dual sport and adventure riders today to run the route.

Crash Scene Management w/Rick Wallace - Imagine you're out on a ride, a rider goes down, is bleeding and unconscious. Do you know what to do next? A cell phone call comes to mind, but what do you do to lessen the bleeding and stir the rider awake? Knowledge is power and this kind of knowledge saves lives. Don't miss it.

Packing Light/Packing Right w/Tom Mehren - Get it straight from the rider who wrote the book on the subject. Learn what to carry and what to leave home. Riding a motorcycle isn't the same as back packing or  touring by rail. If you've ever been caught short an item or two, called a tow truck for a flat, or gotten cold on chilly morning, then it's time for you to snap up some informative tips and tricks for comfortable, successful rides.

Happy Trails Update w/Tim Bernard and Ed Hiatt - Our main stage sponsor has a long history of creating innovative gear and accessories for the adventure, touring and dual sport markets. Come find out the latest from this Northwest innovator, learn about where they've been and where they're going, ask questions or share your own feedback.

Stupid Hurts w/David Hough - We make mistakes whenever we ride and sometimes we don't even know it. Sometimes we find out after it's too late. What steps can we take to ensure we'll have a safe and sane experience every time we ride? David Hough has amassed a vast selection of photographs and movies to exemplify why stupid hurts and how it happens.

Cornering Control w/David Hough - If you've ever arrived at a corner and realized you came in too hot, you know what happens next. The brakes get slammed on, the bike goes where you don't want it to and maybe you even cross the center line. Well, it's not too late to do something about it. Take in this seminar and use the skills you take away to improve your entries and exits on your next ride.

Ergos and Mods w/Chris Johnson - Every style of motorcycle is different and every ride comes with a different size and shape. So what can you do to create a better fit between you and your motorcycle. How about the next bike you're thinking of buying? We'll have a number of varied bikes on hand and use audience volunteers to compare and contrast and discuss the various modifications to provide for a better fit between rider and bike.

The State of Rider Education w/David Hough, Steve Garets (Team Oregon), Stacey Axmaker (Idaho STAR) and Bruce Thomas (WA DOL) - What happens when you get the state directors of motorcycle safety from Idaho, Oregon and Washington and run a panel discussion moderated by the author of the best selling riding skills book of all time. Anything can happen and it's your chance to learn about where rider training is going in the near future.

Riding w/Passengers w/Puget Sound Safety Instructors - Two up travel is a lot of fun and even better if you know the secrets to doing it well.

Dual Sport Basics w/Puget Sound Safety Off-Road Instructors - PSSOR instructors are providing a 3 hour training primer for dualsport and adventure riding. They will cover some of the core riding skills that every dualsport and adventure rider needs to know in preparation for riding roads and trails in the Columbia Gorge area. The skills taught will be drawn from PSSOR training courses and modified to address the terrain found on the routes during the Dualsport Northwest rally. An additional fee applies. Space is limited. CLICK HERE for more details.

---

ROLLING CLINICS

Mastering the Marbles w/Bret Tkacs & PSSOR Instructors - Wherever you go on unpaved surfaces, it's bound to happen sooner than later. A long section of large crushed rock. Not very fun, but with the right mindsets and techniques you can conquer the rough stuff and reach your destination.

Adventure School: Mission Impassable - PSSOR instructors Bret and RJ dare you to join them on a quest to ride your dualsport/adventure bike through places you normally wouldn’t be able to. They will guide you in developing additional off pavement riding skills, coaching on riding technique and assist you in getting through impassable terrain. The highlight will be to utilize the new Warn portable winches designed for adventure bikes. This is an all-day premium training event and only has space for 6 hardy dualsport/adventure riders who are ready to challenge their riding skill.  CLICK HERE for more details.

Line Selection w/Chris Johnson & WMST (Washington Motorcycle Safety Training) Instructors - You can sit in a parking lot or classroom and talk all day long about line selection, but getting it right while you're riding is another thing. Ride out with Chris and his instructors and get on-site tips and feedback on choosing the right line for a corner and setting up for the next one. This free rolling clinic is limited to 30 riders and you can sign up at the SR! desk in the Exhibit Hall as early as Wednesday morning.

Reading the Road w/Puget Sound Safety Instructors - Everyone who rides a motorcycle knows how to ride - right? You can never stop learning and Reading the Road provides techniques beyond those taught in basic and intermediate courses. This will be taught just before departing for the ride to Goldendale, providing you an opportunity to put to use what you just learned and get feedback along the way at several stopping points.

---

RIDES

Choose from our suggested rides, or create your own itinerary.

Timberline Tour - Spend a day in the saddle exploring the various routes to and from Oregon's Timberline Lodge, the perfect noon stop for lunch.

Up & Down the Grades - Grade roads are a lot of fun. Some are steeper than others and always afford the rider some spectacular views.

Wagon Trail Travel - Many years before the first cars traveled along the majestic Columbia River Gorge highway, the only routes between cities were old wagon trails. Now upgraded to an unpaved road, it's a bit more tidy than before and a lot of fun to ride.

Dalles Discovery Ride - In 2008 we put together our fun run and discovered some great riding just south of The Dalles using bicycling maps, of all things. Back in this area, there's very little traffic and lots of sweeping farmland. But the roads are anything but straight. A fantastic route, a fantastic ride!

Twisties, Dinner & a Star Show - What could be better than an afternoon winding your way through the Cascades and into the serene farmlands to the east using our exclusive route? Take in dinner at a local restaurant in Goldendale and head up the hill for the 8 p.m. star show through one of the largest telescopes open to the public on the west coast.

A Look Under The Hood - There are a lot of roads around Mt. Hood. From time to time they wash out and go out of service for years. While scouting this year's routes, we discovered an old favorite which is now open again after a long multi-year closure. Under The Hood takes you along this great road, as well as many others. We'll also have food suggestions for lunch while you're enroute.

150 Mile Dual Sport Fun Run - Our 150 mile fun runs are some of the best. We get you moving through the corners and always have some nice scenery to enjoy along the way. What makes a fun run so fun is the unexpected challenges of skill you'll encounter at the various check points. And no two years are the same. Get ready to grin from ear to ear.

Mr. T's Dual Sport Roller Coaster Ride to Maryhill - Stevenson to Maryhill. That's easy - ride east on SR14 for 70 minutes. Boring! Mr. T has a roller coaster ride to turn a 70 minute sleep fest into a three hour adventure full of sweepers, stunning landscapes and little traffic.

Maryhill Loops Road - The very first paved road in the western United States was conceived and built 60 miles east of our rally site. 2.5 miles, plenty of corners and a rhythm all its own, it's not about how fast you can ride it, but how you can build your own relationship with it and reach a Zen state that few other roads can provide. This road is otherwise closed to the public and open only to registered rally goers. Proof of insurance required. Saturday from 1-4 p.m. only.

---

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Camaraderie, Relaxation and Casual Evening Entertainment - At the end of a great day of riding, it's nice to sit back, relax and enjoy time with new and old friends. Throughout the fairground each evening, there's plenty going on with certain vendors putting on their own entertainment through various media formats. Then there's always the beer garden at the Main Stage if you're looking for the moto lounge where bench racers unite to share their tales from the road.

Meet the Authors - An impromptu meet-and-greet session where you'll get to meet the authors who attend the Rally in the Gorge, pick up an autograph, ask questions or just sit back and enjoy the festivity as it unravels.

Moto Mojoe Cafe - Now in its third year, the Moto Mojoe Cafe, located inside the Exhibit Hall, is your destination for onsite food service Wednesday - Friday. Whether you need a caffeine fix, a pastry or a full meal, our friends from Busy Bee catering out of Oregon can set you up with healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Food prices include local sales tax and tip.

Beer Garden - Fairgrounds rules restrict the use of alcohol while on the premises, but fear not, there's simply no reason to go off-site. From 5 p.m. to close each day you can enjoy our Bottles & Cans Beer Garden located adjacent to the Happy Trails Main Stage. It's well stocked with your favorite bottled micros and lower-priced can favorites. 

Morning Coffee Sessions - These sessions, originally crafted by David Hough, are simple, open-ended gatherings. Bring up what's on your mind, your thoughts about motorcycling, and get in on the conversations. Presenters often have tidbits of information that may be new to you and conversations can turn into rousing debates. Always interesting.

Vendor Booths - It's not a huge rally. Usually 300-500 attendees. Our vendors open their booths in the morning and when the fairgrounds clear out, they close for the afternoon as well - many of them like to ride, too! Looking for something and not finding it? Check in with us at the SR! desk in the Exhibit Hall and perhaps we can hook you up with a vendor who has what you need.

Silent Auction - During the year, we acquire quite an assortment of gear like tires, clothing and more along with tires and accessories. We also acquire a number of gift certificates for paint work, service, training courses and track days. With nearly 40 silent auction items for you to bid on, you're sure to find a few things you need. And if you win the bid, you'll be pleased to know your money goes into our Gorge Kids Explorer Fund used to pay for educational programs designed to teach local kids about this fantastic area.

Door Prizes Part 1 & 2 - We'll be doing two rounds of door prizes this year on both Friday and Saturday Night at the Happy Trails Main Stage. All attendees will receive a door prize ticket on arrival and can purchase additional tickets each evening.

Saturday Catered Breakfast & Dinner - Our top-notch caterers feature seasoned chefs who know how to make your taste buds drool. Anticipate a broad breakfast and dinner selection this year that rivals any rally meals we've ever seen elsewhere. These guys do it right!

The Ride Board - Located in the Exhibit Hall, the Ride Board will advise you on all the various rides happening each day and allow you to connect with others to ride with. It's a great way to meet new friends and keep in touch with what's going on during the rally.

Bike Barn Parking sponsored by Ride West- Use our convenient Bike Barn to park your bike when you're not riding. What other rally offers indoor parking?

Sunday Worship - CMA's new Fast Lane arm will hold a short worship service Sunday morning at the Horse Arena for those interested.

The Sound RIDER! Store - Shop the Sound RIDER! store for all the other things you need during your ride. An endless list of items including storage sacks, cooling vests, sun block, hydration accessories, tire repair, first aid and more await.