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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (July 11, 2018)
News Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, July 11, 2018 A3 BMW rally draws about 475 riders Club raised more than $20,000 for local groups By Richard Hanners Blue Mountain Eagle About 475 riders showed up in John Day for the BMW Riders of Oregon’s 41st Chief Joseph Rally in John Day from June 29 to July 1. The rally in the past was held in various Eastern Or- egon cities, but as the club grew over the years, it settled on John Day, club president Bob Metzger told the Eagle. “It’s a great community with great facilities and phe- nomenal riding opportuni- ties,” he said. Riders on BMWs as well as other makes traveled from across North America to par- ticipate in the rally. Most riders gathered at the Grant County Fairgrounds, where the grassy parkland was dot- ted with tents. In addition to activities at the fairgrounds, about 85 rid- ers participated in the Cow- boy Lunch Tour on Friday for a lunch and water resource presentation at a ranch near Izee. Groups headed out to the John Day Fossil Beds Na- tional Monument on Friday and Saturday, led by retired park ranger John Fiedor, who has led tours in the past in his 1967 Corvair. About $1,000 was raised through the geol- ogy tour and will be donated to the Juniper Arts Council, Metzger said. Keynote speeches and seminars were presented at the fairgrounds on various topics, including on-road advanced motorcycle safety training provided by Team Oregon, photography tips headlined as MotoPhoto and exercise suggestions for be- fore, during and after riding called MotoYoga. Celebrat- ed motorcycle writers David Hough and Walt Fulton also spoke. BMW Riders of Oregon is a nonprofit group that rais- es money for local charita- ble and educational groups, Metzger said. Eagle file photo Nick Stiner, No. 321, of Mt. Vernon collides with other drivers during the first heat of the annual demolition derby at the Grant County Fairgrounds last year. This year, the event is July 14. Demolition derby ready to fire up Blue Mountain Eagle Eagle photos/Richard Hanners Buyers and sellers meet at the Grant County Fairground during the BMW Riders of Oregon club’s annual Chief Joseph Rally on June 29. This sidecar was custom-made from a fiberglass boat body. Drivers are warming up for a smashing good time at the Whiskey Gulch Gang’s 29th annual Demolition Derby set for 7 p.m. Sat- urday at the Grant County Fairgrounds arena. Organizer Hugh Farrell said in this year’s pick- up heat they are allowing Broncos and Suburbans, but they can only run on two- wheel drive. He said they expect a good-sized crowd, as usual. “It’s probably one of the bigger events that happens at the fairgrounds,” he said. Proceeds from the event benefit the Whiskey Gulch Gang’s community events, such as the ’62 Days Cele- bration in Canyon City. At stake in the main event that night are prizes of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third. Winners of each heat receive $200. Trophies are also giv- en out to all the winners. Awards are also given for Hard Luck winner and Beauty Contest. Last year’s last man standing was Nick Stin- er, with Douglas Hills in second and Cody Frazier in third. The Most Aggres- sive Driver Award went to Wayne Saul. Gates open at 6 p.m., and concessions will be avail- able. The cost for tickets at the gate is $12 for adults and $10 for ages 12 and under; presale tickets are $2 less. Children under 6 are free. The entry fee for drivers is $50 per car, which in- cludes the driver and one pit crew person; additional pit passes are $30 a person. Presale tickets are avail- able at the fairgrounds of- fice, Les Schwab Tires, Ace Hardware and John Day True Value. For more information, contact Farrell at 541-575- 0329. Riders at the Grant County Fairgrounds gather for the cowboy lunch tour on June 29 during the BMW Riders of Oregon club’s annual Chief Joseph Rally in John Day. “The Chief Joseph Rally is our main fundraiser,” Metzger said. This year more than $20,000 was raised at the ral- ly, he said. Ideas were solic- ited from members and com- munity leaders about which local organizations should re- ceive donations. Metzger said the club’s executive commit- tee will meet in September to make its determination. Breakfast was served on different days by a group raising money for the Grant County eighth-graders’ field trip and by the Juni- per Ridge 4-H Club. Three generations of the Johnson family performed bluegrass music at the rally, raising about $1,000 for Katie John- son’s Calvary Horse Camp, Metzger said. “We had a great time and are happy to leave some mon- ey behind,” Metzger said. “We hope to do it again next year.” Eagle file photo Cody Frazier of John Day sits in his car after being knocked out of last year’s demolition derby. Who’s in the Woods? Riders depart the Grant County Fairgrounds for the cowboy lunch tour on June 29 during the BMW Riders of Oregon club’s annual Chief Joseph Rally in John Day. Riders at the Grant County Fairgrounds gather for the cowboy lunch tour on June 29 during the BMW Riders of Oregon club’s annual Chief Joseph Rally in John Day. Ride the Bigfoot Train, July 28! A TTENTION G RANT C OUNTY with Bigfoot expert, Scot Violette V ETERANS : or, July 18, Two Rivers Are you using or interested in learning about Choice Card Medical Care? See your Grant County Veteran Services Officer today for more information, located at Grant County Court House. Monday through Friday 10 am – 4 pm. Katee Hoffman Eagle Cap Excursion Train Call 541-620-8057 for an appointment 530 E. Main, Ste. 5, John Day, OR. TREAT YOUR FEET 66167 49776 Book online at eaglecaptrainrides.com Our Services by a registered nurse include: • Pedi-Spa treatment for your feet • Particular attention to Diabetic Foot • Multifunctional massage chair • Skin Inspection • Callus Removal • Nail Cutting We also check your blood pressure, blood sugar level and oxygen saturation. Call 541- 575-1648 for an appointment $35 00 fee Blue Mountain Hospital FOOT CLINIC www.bluemountainhospital.org Services available at the Home Health Office, 422 W. Main, John Day. 541-523-6377 541-963-6577 541-573-6377 541-576-2160 66164
