Choppers, bikes and trikes are featured

Posted by lrbee

March 31, 2008

By JOHN LINDENBERGER, The North Platte Telegraph

03/29/2008




	Rick Wells of Wray, Colo., polishes his custom-made chopper,which is on display at this weekend’s motorcycle show at thePlatte River Mall.

For some travelers, four wheels are just too many. They would rather cruise the highways on two or three wheels with the wind in their hair and maybe a pair of leather chaps wrapped around their legs.

When they’re not traveling, these motorcycle enthusiasts get their fix through monthly poker runs or an annual trek to Sturgis, S.D., for one of the biggest motorcycle rallies in history.

This weekend, members of two local motorcycle clubs are showing off their machines at a special show at the Platte River Mall, which continues today until 6 p.m.

A total of 31 motorcycles are on display. While most are modern motorcycles, organizers report there are a few choppers and trikes mixed in, as well as an old Harley Sportster.

“We’ve had a lot of people out this morning already,” said Lynda Wilkinson, former state director of the Gold Wing Touring Association and a member of the Platte Valley Wings in North Platte.

She said the Platte Valley Wings, which is a chapter of the Gold Wing Touring Association, has been hosting an annual motorcycle show at the mall since 1991.

About five years ago, they started teaming up with the Twin Rivers Harley Owners Group of North Platte. Members from both motorcycle clubs are on hand for the show to share information about their vehicles.

In addition, the Loup Valley Road Riders of Sargent are raffling a grill during this weekend’s show, and the District 12 members of the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education are raffling a whole hog.

Residents are encouraged to come out and vote for their favorite motorcycle for the Best of Show awards. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. Those awards will be presented at 5:30 p.m. today.

Some of those participating in this weekend’s show are members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who ride in funeral processions to honor fallen soldiers.

The two motorcycle groups that are hosting this weekend’s show at the mall gather throughout the year for events to raise money and to just enjoy the thrill of riding.

“Both groups are very supportive of the community,” said Wilkinson.

She said both groups adopt families to provide food and gifts during the holidays. The Platte Valley Wings, which has about 50 members, also supports the Lincoln Connection and organizes a toy drive for the Salvation Army.

Twin Rivers H.O.G., which has about 100 members, is gearing up for its fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which is scheduled for June 28. Last year, they raised $6,100 for MDA.

Tim Mallam, director of Twin Rivers H.O.G., said this year’s MDA ride will end with a hog roast at The Depot and performances from three live bands. He noted the event will be open to the public.

Last year, Twin Rivers H.O.G. received a grant that allowed them to help 13 families and 30 children over and above the two families they supported with their own funds.

“We bought Harley Davidson clothing for each one of these 30 kids,” Mallam said.

They delivered four boxes of food to each of the 15 families. The group also gave $550 to the Salvation Army for toys. Both motorcycle groups were also involved in last year’s inaugural Rail Fest event.

For more information about Platte Valley Wings, call chapter director Lori Alvarez at 534-4086. For more information about Twin Rivers H.O.G., call director Tim Mallam at 520-2331.