The Crow Wing County Fairgrounds buzzed with activity Labor Day weekend as motorcycles of every size and shape gathered and raised money for charity.
The Rally Up North motorcycle event, now in its sixth year, was an opportunity for Gay Gordon to spend part of the holiday weekend with his son and daughter while on the open road.
Gordon, who lives in Emily, said it was a rare event to be together on such a ride. He bought his first Harley-Davidson in 1964 when he was in the service at Fort Hood in Texas. His enthusiasm for the machines continues and is one he was able to share with his son Scott Gordon of Farmington.
Hundreds of motorcyclists lined up Saturday at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds in preparation for the 85-mile trip that was a part of the annual Rally Up North.
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His daughter, Donna Flynn of Northfield, doesn't drive but she welcomed the second seat on her father's robust three-wheeled machine for Saturday's ride.
"This is one I could learn to drive," she said and smiled.
This Labor Day weekend, the RUN event created a new route, picked a new rally site and added camping and live music to the activities. This year's event designated the Minnesota Patriot Guard as the primary beneficiary for soldiers and their families.
The Gordon family said being part of the group raising money to benefit the Patriot Guard was one of the draws along with spending time together for a scenic ride and seeing the numerous motorcycles assembled for the event.
Scott Gordon (left) took a seat on his motorcycle next to his father, Gay Gordon, and his sister, Donna Flynn. The trio spent part of the holiday weekend participating in the sixth annual Rally Up North. The RUN event includes an organized group ride, an opportunity to meet other motorcycle enthusiasts and raises money for charity, with proceeds this year going to the Minnesota Patriot Guard to assist soldiers and their families.
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"I ride alone a lot," Gay Gordon said. "But I do like to get with the group once in awhile, especially when it's for a good cause."
Expanded activities this year at the fairgrounds, including camping for tents or recreational vehicles, live band entertainment Friday and Saturday nights, food and a vendor midway.
Just after 11 a.m. Saturday a massive lineup of motorcycles took part in the 85-mile route loop traveling south of Brainerd before returning to the fairgrounds. An ultra-light aircraft flew overhead in cloudy skies for a bird's eye view. Morning clouds were expected to give way to a sunny and warm afternoon for what is traditionally the last weekend of summer. It promised to be a pleasant day for a scenic group ride on the open road.
The appeal of the open road is one of the attractions that brings hundreds of motorcyclists together for the annual Rally Up North. Participants left the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds for an 85-mile loop south of Brainerd for this year's event. The annual RUN raises money for charity.
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"Just beautiful," Flynn said.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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