Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
KEITH BERTE, left, of Covington, Ky., and Phil Johnson, of Cleveland, talk about their passion for motorcycles during the 2016 American Voyager Association Rally on Monday in Hurley.
By TOM STANKARD
Hurley - From across the country, American Voyager Association members rode to Hurley to connect with friends and meet motorcycle enthusiasts Monday while registering for the 2016 AVA Rally.
Organizers reported 150 people had signed up for the 27th annual rally.
Club members stood next to their Kawasakis and other motorcycles and chatted about their passion for motorcycles.
Keith Berte, of Covington, Ky., was talking with Phil Johnson, of Cleveland.
Berte said he started riding at 6 a.m. and rode about 750 miles to take part in the rally and be among his friends.
Berte said he joined the club a couple years ago because he enjoys talking to people who share a common interest.
Standing next to him, Johnson said a friend talked him into joining and this is his first rally he's attended.
Michael McGee, AVA chairman, said the club welcomes riders of all makes and models of motorcycles, "whether they have two wheels, three or even four."
He said all folks need to be a member is an interest in riding motorcycles and meeting like-minded people. The club has more than 60 members registered, according to their website, amervoyassoc.org.
"We are not a 'biker' club, but rather ordinary people who enjoy getting out and riding," he said.
McGee said AVA members were to ride to Saxon Harbor Monday evening and have dinner by Lake Superior.
Today, members will participate in guided rides. This evening, there will be a welcome dinner at the Iron County Memorial Building.
On Wednesday, there will be riders skill classes in the morning and bike games in the evening.
On Thursday, guided rides will continue. The rally will conclude that evening with dinner and a rewards banquet back at the Memorial Building.
