Mountain rides and traditional fun at the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally

The 47th running of the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally once again takes place in New Mexico, running from Sept. 13–17. The rally has long been an AMA National Road Riding Convention and is a stop on this year’s AMA Gypsy Tour.

Originally known as Aspencade, which is also the name of a local arts and crafts festival and a vintage Honda Goldwing, the Golden Aspen Rally’s origins date to 1971. The rally’s name was changed in 1986 to its current name. On a side note, the Americade motorcycle rally in Lake George, New York, was originally called Aspencade East, changing its name in 1986 as well.

Made for motorcycling

The rally is located near the mountain resort community of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on the northern edge of the Sacramento Mountains. Rally headquarters is at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

The area includes the Lincoln National Forest—named after the 16th U.S. president, and the home of the original Smokey Bear of forest fire prevention fame. The beautiful mountains—covered with cool pines and aspen trees that turn golden in the fall—is a riding paradise. The rally offers poker runs and self-guided tours, providing plenty of riding opportunities.

Old-time touring rally

This is a family-friendly rally geared toward road riders and touring enthusiasts. There is a full slate of traditional motorcycle rally events, contests, riding skill challenges, and vendors. The host hotel offers a casino, entertainment, and mountain resort amenities. Registration is required for many of the events. Here is a partial list of what to expect:

• Field events and games
• Bike judging
• Golden Aspen Rally Rider Challenge
• Motorcycle light contest
• Best Biker Buddy contest
• Motorcycle trade show
• Golden Aspen Rally king and queen contest
• Flyin’ J Chuckwagon dinner show
• Prizes, including a 2017 Harley-Davidson
• Rally parade

Show details

Where: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino

287 Carrizo Canyon Rd.

Mescalero, NM 88340

When: Sept. 13–17, 2017

Promoter: Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally Association

P.O. Box 1467

Ruidoso, MN 88355

Website: https://motorcyclerally.com/

Email: mailto:info@motorcyclerally.com

Phone: 575-973-4977

If you pre-register for the event, the cost is $42. Current AMA members get a $2 discount. On-site registration is $47. Day passes for the trade show cost $12 (cash only).

This classic motorcycle rally and riding in the New Mexico fall foliage should be on every motorcyclist’s bucket list.

Till next time, ride safe!

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