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photo by Jessica St. James
Bubba Blackwell, the American Daredevil, wows eventgoers Friday along North Second Street in Ironton during the Rally on the River event.
RALLY ON
Bikers brave broiling sun for day three of motorcycle event
Published Saturday, August 15, 2009
It was one of three bike rally vacations Fred Stone treats himself to. And, as in years past, Stone was soaking up the atmosphere and getting ready to rev and roll down U.S. 52 for the Saturday Poker Run.
A biker for only a few years, Stone, who hails from Delaware, Ohio, has come down to the city for the past three Rallies on the River.
“I happened on to it. I read about it in a magazine,” he said as he waited for Park Avenue to get jammed up with bikes. Admittedly, he said the food was about the same as he sees at other rallies. The same was true for the items in the vendors’ sidewalk shops. But he comes anyway, just because it’s fun.
“You take a group of bikers and put them anywhere, they’ll enjoy it,” he said. “It’s a chance to trade stories with a bunch of guys and gals who love to do the same thing.”
What was a little different this year Stone said was that while the crowds were bigger than ever, most were from around the Tri-State.
Last year he counted plates from Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, but the staycation trend seemed to dominate this year’s Rally.
“Ironton is quite receptive. They embrace the impact on the economy,” he said.
A few minutes after high noon near the Elks Lodge, there started a steady stream of bikers coming up Park Avenue from their temporary headquarters at Second Street, Frogtown on South Third Street and the Laidback in Hanging Rock. Quickly, they parked their bikes and dismounted, waiting for a short ceremony the city had planned before the afternoon ride. Soon they would be off to Portsmouth.
One or two grabbed a phone camera to record a quick memory; most pulled towels out of their back kit to wipe off rivers of sweat and a couple found nuzzling a good way to kill time.
Sitting on the steps of a house near the scene was Kay Darnell of Haverhill who got keen on bikes 30 years ago because of her husband’s encouragement. Nowadays, you can find her perched behind her husband on their Honda Trike.
There’s not much about the Rally Darnell doesn’t like from the parade of heroes to the vendors. But most of all, she likes the feel of the open road, finding the back seat of the Honda so accommodating, she’s been known to read a book while her husband drives.
“You can see things better on a motorcycle,” she said.
One out-of-state visitor came faraway, all the way from Anaheim, Calif. Pat Kumar drove 22 hours to come to the Rally to set up her sidewalk biker clothing shop.
Dragging a trailer of merchandise makes the trip longer, but curbside is the only way she runs her retail business, taking in similar rallies wherever she can. A veteran of the Ironton Rally, she sees an economic impact to her wallet and the city’s.
A few hours on Saturday morning was all Ty Crabtree of West Portsmouth could take in of the festivities. Standing next to his Yamaha V-Star that gleamed in the sun, Crabtree came to the Rally to fellowship with other bikers and to spread the Gospel.
A street evangelist back home, Crabtree said his time at the Rally would be cut short when the partying took off in the evening.
“As a Christian you can’t stay here for long, as far as the drinking,” he said. “I’m here to look at other motors and be a light for Jesus.”
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Comments
Posted by falinrok (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 2:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Im first , neener neener neener
Posted by SkyWatcher (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rally on the River, what can I say?
It's kind of sad that Ironton has to allow this ...
Posted by irontonnative (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry to the Haters, But I had a good time. I don't feel like me or anyone else that enjoys the rally should have to defend it every year, If it offends you stay away, theres plenty of stuff that gets on my nerves in this town so I just don't go around it, Pretty simple!
Posted by shelly2612 (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ironton wouldn't allow the confederate flag to fly in a parade, but will allow this filth to go on in our city. I understand that this rally brings in much needed money to the community, I know fellow christians would love to partake in the festivities, but the drinking and the nudity are against everything we believe in. I spoke to one gentleman that said someone was smoking a joint in the streets, while walking by him. Another said that some of the people were walking around drinking beer and not even trying to hide it. All this before 5pm. If your going to have this next year, at least have them deny theirselves until the evening so other people can enjoy the atmosphere and the merchants that are setting up in the streets.
Posted by Grove4Life (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shelly2612 you hit a good point, Ironton really needs to make up their mind, won't let the confederate flag in the parade but will host an event were people are wearing it proudly on their shirts and vest, make up you mind on that, as for the bikers if it event is in Ironton then they need to stay in Ironton, we had an accident on 243 last night because some bikers wrecked out here.
Posted by Hammer (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The city didn't make the ruling on the confederate flag the parade committee made that decision.
Posted by LiVE (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Complaints about nothing. Get your facts straight before you get mad. I run a business in town and we had great sales from this with no issues. I thank the friends of Ironton, for putting on a great event.
Posted by FlightPath (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Confererate Flag has nothing to do with a bike rally..Where did you get your education?..Geeze..I am sure the buisness owners, vendors and all other places to spend ones money will show their profits increased this weekend from the rally. This is a goldmine of cash influx into our city. Do your research as to what an event as this rally does for a citys profit income. So to the whinners, whaa..sit down and stay at home next year! To the vendors and buisnesses, get ready and plan for a bigger event..Lets grow this into something that makes Ironton a destination city.
Posted by whoswho (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Drinking ALCOHOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YEA BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by bikerchick (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen to FlightPath!! And Grove4life....GET REAL!! Just because there was a Rally this week-end has nothing to do with a motorcycle accident out on 243. In case you have forgotten, the Rally was in town (Ironton) not Coal Grove and most people stayed in town camping out. And as far as the Confederate Flag, that was taken away by Mr. Arthur Pierson, not the City of Ironton. ALSO....One more point to make and this goes to Shelly....Uh, in case you didn't know it, there are SEVERAL Bikers for Christ, and yes, they too were set up at the Rally. This Rally actually helps put Ironton back on the map. Bikers are great people. Give them a chance and you could see for yourself instead of being a bunch of whinning, narrow minded, individuals. Please don't set and judge until you actually know what you are talking about.....I could go on and on, but it's like trying to drag a horse to water......................
Posted by ironton45638 (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bikers are usually the first to help out a neighbor in need. Why have there been so many fundraisers that center around bikers for ppl in need in our communities? Because Bikers are the first to pitch in and help out. There were plenty of businesses besides bars that made profits. I seen several out of town bikers dining at Giovonnis to name one. Ironton in Bloom also had a booth selling food at the rally and bikers were buying it with the proceeds going to help cover the expense for flowers for the town.
Posted by shelly2612 (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I really wanted to meet the Bikers for Christ, but as a Christian I would have felt very uncomfortable in a crowd of people drinking and smoking pot. So I stayed home. I am not dogging bikers, nor the rally. I would just like to see some Family and Christian entertainment in the Ironton Area. I know bikers are some of the first people to help out in bad situations. I commend them for it, they do a wonderful job. My point being Don't allow drinking until after a certain time, or keep it in a covered container. I am sure even the Bikers for Christ weren't totally comfortable there. I am not a basher, nor am I narrow minded, I just think this should be for everyone, not just people who drink and smoke pot.
Posted by Deb (anonymous) on August 16, 2009 at 10:50 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by PEJ (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The majority of bikers are good people with open hearts.
Ironton should welcome any business they can get.
The city can use the taxes, the business owners can use the money, the police department can use the fine money. Ironton should be glad people will even come. Our Nation's Capital welcomes Bikers each year on Memorial Day.The few codgers that complain and run things in Ironton will be gone some day and so will Ironton.
Posted by ohioavonlady (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've often wondered WHY McDonald's, Taco Bell or 1 of the other businesses at the Hills Shopping Plaza doesn't sponsor a monthly Cruise in/Car Show?
McDonald's in Wheelersburg has a cruise in the last Saturday of each month, May thru October. I've seen over 400 cars displayed and thousands of people looking at them and McDonald's has more business than they can handle and surrounding businesses also benefit from this monthly event.
Look at the revenue Ironton could be getting!
Hey Friends of Ironton, think about it! The reason I suggested Hills Plaza is for the huge parking lot.
I'm sure there are a couple other locations in Ironton that have ample space for a cruise in.
The sponsors could charge a $5 to $10 registration fee and get donations of some door prize items. Maybe have a vendor sell hot dogs and soft drinks, do a split the pot, which is always popular, a cake walk, hula hoop contest, a scavenger hunt (the MC asks for a certain item and the first person to bring it to him wins a prize, something like a coupon for a free ice cream, hamburger, taco, or a small prize) a twist contest, etc. I'm sure any local car club could help you get started.
For the "complainers", a Cruise In IS family oriented and no drinking is permitted...it's just good clean fun!
Posted by mrs (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just wanted to post an observation..and before I do, I want to state clearly that I am an active, practicing Christian believer. It has always seemed obvious to me in scripture that when Jesus walked with man, he didn't spend his time sitting with the priests and others who were followers of the law. Nope. He was on the dusty path - meeting, eating and sharing love with the sinners. Perhaps next year, more Christians can come out to the Rally - and meet new people...and maybe shine the love and light of God into the lives of others. I don't know. Just an observation. We are called to go into the world and make disciples...not to only sit with other Christians, enjoying only Christian events and think about how nice, kind and holy we are. The Rally is an amazing mission field! Both to meet those who don't know Jesus, and to fellowship with others who do.
Posted by ts (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have watched these comments come in and have held my tongue, but now I have to say something.
First and formost..my husband & I are Christians and we ride a motorcycle. This is a passion of ours. We rode through Ironton, just to see the other bikes. It would be wonderful to be able to enjoy the atmoshere without the drinking. We DO NOT go inside the Laidback or Frogtown. However we do not harp on the ones who choose to. Everyone must account for their actions, instead we pray for them.
I would just like to make my point, which is ...not everyone who rides a bike is trash, we simply love the freedom, and the joy of the bike. Ironton needs all the financial help they can get !!!!
Posted by SWMsingleworkingmom (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen mrs. Jesus was found dwelling amongst the sinners. Instead of sitting on a throne and judging these people we should be out there talking and communicating with them. You never know how far a kind word can go until you speak one.
Posted by SRH (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why would anyone be surprised that Frogtown raised their prices to take advantage of the Rally crowd? All they care about is money. They got into big trouble for continuing to sell alcohol to a young man who was obviously intoxicated, then he left their bar & died in a car crash in Ironton. It is painfully obvious that profit is what drives Darlene & her crew. I advise everyone to not spend their money at Frogtown or Peddler’s Row.
Posted by metoo (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was at frogtown the first three nights. the thing i found funny and mentioned to a few friends, if you didnt know it was for a bike rally you probly wouldnt have noticed it. the regular people that you usally see sitin on the deck on weekends with dew rags and lots of leather wear wasnt there. it just looked like normal dressed people at any event. as far as the price of things its probly like going to any event, 3.00 or more for a drink or hot dog. any outdoor event around here from pouges landing to ribfest costs, if not the vendors couldnt make money after traveling costs, employee wages and even the 100 dollar or higher cost for a business license
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wouldn't boycotting the two places SRH mentioned above defeat the whole purpose of the rally - giving merchants a chance to increase their bottom line for a few days.
But as far as Frogtown's pricing, that's WRONG! $1.75 or $2.00 I can handle - sort of. But I refuse to pay $36.00 a case for beer!
I'm not connected with ANY of these people, and I'm not trying to toot "Friends" horn for them, but facts are facts. The "Friends" give back to the city VERY generously every year, without fail.
Now, Ohioavonlady has some good ideas! Toss into the mix a well-planned Gospel Song Fest on the river or the fountain area and you've got some wholesome, family, Christian-oriented entertainment.
Wasting our riverfront for only 1 or 2 events a year is darn-near sinful. We've been blessed with a riverfront - let's use it every chance we can!
Keep those ideas coming!
Posted by odie (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
get involved or keep your two cents to yourself
Posted by hustlinhillbilly (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The idea of the cruise-in is a good one. But first you have to get permission from the owners of the Hill to allow it to happen. Then you need an established club to start the ball rolling. Now that K-Mart is folding, I wonder if the new tennants will allow BB's to continue to hold their monthly cruise-in there? The cruise in Wheeling always has 2-300 cars showing.
As for the entry price, $5.00 per car would be about the most anyone would pay. As long as there were enough door prizes and 50-50 drawings it would probably fly. A dash plaque would also be a good idea. Rodders love dash plaques and goody bags.
Posted by snowglobe (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not offended by the bike rally in town, but it's also not my thing, so I just avoided downtown - not a problem for me.
I saw a lot a traffic and that's a good thing for Ironton. You usually don't see much traffic in Ironton unless it the first of the month which brings out the elderly with their Social Security checks and the other poor souls who try to scrape by with their meager food stamps and SSI checks.
Let's look at positive side of this - if it weren't for the rally - those hundreds, perhaps few thousand of people would have stayed at home or traveled to another town to enjoy the weekend and spend their money.
And for you "Christian" people out there....perhaps you should avoid Pic N Save, Krogers, Walmart, Texas Road House, Applebees and all the other establishments in the area that also sell beer or serve it to the bikers, ooops I mean sinners.
I never quite get it when people are proclaim to be Christians and so readily condemn. Seems a little un-Christian like to me. Perhaps the Christian title they give themselves also gives them a superior attitude?
Posted by flyby (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
deb,firest of all they did not give a bike away last year it was a golf cart and a guy from scottown won it.second of all if you were there a little girl pulled the ticket for split the pot and the winner pulled for the motorcycle right in front of the whole crowd and i bet you was to cheap to buy a ticket but just want to run your mouth about something you no nothing about.
Posted by ohioavonlady (anonymous) on August 17, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish Ironton would fix up the riverfront. It would be the perfect place for a park, concerts, walking, bike riding, etc.
The is plenty of room for lots of activities, it just needs renovated.
Look at what Huntington has done with theirs and what Ashland has in the works.
Mayor Rich, what do you think? Are there any funds for a project on Ironton's Riverfront?
The comment about my cruise in suggestion, I think it would be fairly easy to get a car club involved and get the Hill's businesses' permission to have a cruise in........especially when they realize the extra revenue it could create in the form of food and soft drink sales.
Posted by FlightPath (anonymous) on August 18, 2009 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Christians, get involved! Don't hide in your house and not be out among the sinners.Thats not GODS idea of spreading the word..I just returned from Sturgis, outstanding bike rally. We rode over to Wyoming, and in a very small highway town, packed with bikers from all walks of life, were church members in the middle of the road as bikes idled thru this town, passing out cups of ice water to every biker that wanted one. On these cups were simple bible verses and the road to salvation. What a witness that was, a simple drink of water in more ways than one!. So dont complain, just get involved, there is room for everyone. Bike rallies are a gathering of all walks of life enjoying the comaradre of fellow bike lovers.
Posted by mrs (anonymous) on August 18, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great posting FlightPath! I am sad when I see Christians forget two very important teachings...First - we are to love one another...and Second - we are ALL sinners! Going to church, loving the Lord and helping others - those are wonderful, but no matter what - every human is a sinner....and we all need love, support and encouragement from each other as we journey along the path. I agree with the poster who said that they didn't understand "Christians" who are so ready to condemn. I don't understand that either! Every teaching I've ever learned from scripture certainly never said that was okay.
Posted by HippyChick (anonymous) on August 18, 2009 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Avon Lady.... You have some great ideas. A cruise in would be wonderful. And it would be great if the Fuzzy duck sponsored it. Use that river front.
As I mentioned last year, since the river front is being used for nothing else, it, and the old Marina, would have been two great areas to set up camp grounds for the rally. The city could have made some money on that.
Hipochristians: Be quiet. I have heard better messages about Jesus at the Jab than at church. People like you are precisely why I do not attend service. I'm too much of a sinner, you know. Read Proverbs 31:6.
Posted by jorasco (anonymous) on August 18, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Look ironton needs this rally WE need the money As for 3.00 drinks how much extra payroll do you think they put out Just to be spent back in are town DOWN TOWN 4.00 DRINKS
Posted by billybob (anonymous) on August 19, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought Hurley Insurance won the golf cart, maybe I am wrong. As for the so-called Christians in Ironton, the preachers put Jimmy Gettys out of business when he had the male dancers there. How did they know what was going on if they were not in the audience? My Sunday School teacher would not go in CR Thomas' because they served liquor but you can bet that she got her children's prescriptions filled at CVS (the State Liquor Store) and Rite Aid (another carry-out) and bought her groceries at Pick N Save, Kroger and Wal-Mart (also carry-outs) and partonized CVS in Ashland (another State Lliquor Store) and had a meal or two at the Ashland Plaza Hotel or the old Holiday Inn (now Grandview). The beer is not going to jump out of the bottle and attack them -- they need to pick it up and drink it first and I can tell you that many of them are closet drinkers. Does anyone know the verse in the Bible that tells me I cannot drink beer. Several years ago the minister at First United Methodist on 5th & Center was working the Regattafest -- he didn't have a problem with the beer booth -- he was clearing tables. The Christians have no problem going to businesses that sell alcohol and asking for donations -- just ask Guy Spriggs! I am sure he has donated a bundle to his church. The churches LOVE the money that beer sales bring in. As for the price of beer -- it is what is. I didn't see anything in the paper that said you could not bring your own beer with you. My cooler looks like a back pack. I just filled it with ice and put my canned beer on top.
Posted by billybob (anonymous) on August 19, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Another thing that crossed my mind, how many times have the Christians attended a wedding reception or class reunion at the Elks Club (that old raggedy bar on Park Avenue) or the Knights of Columbus up on Third Street and they did not have a problem with it. Think about it -- Huh?
Posted by billybob (anonymous) on August 20, 2009 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Another thing that crossed my mind, how many times have the Christians attended a wedding reception or class reunion at the Elks Club (that old raggedy bar on Park Avenue) or the Knights of Columbus up on Third Street and they did not have a problem with it. Think about it -- Huh?
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