Brainerd, Minnesota Weekly Interest and News

Rally Up North
August 23, 2007
Laura Hasse

Once a year, a local group of 10-15 people drive their motorcycles to the Confidence Learning Center in East Gull Lake, MN and are greeted by 100-200 smiling campers. The bike riders, who are all involved with the Rally Up North, spend time with the campers: picnicking, taking photos, showing campers how to sit on motorcycles, and entertaining the campers by burning-out on their bikes. While at Camp Confidence, the bikers present Rally Up North t-shirts to the campers they’ve come to visit, making the day even more special for them.

Rally Up North, held each Labor Day weekend in Brainerd Lakes Area, was started 5 years ago as unique, new way to give something back to the community. Confidence Learning Center, an educational and recreational center for people of all ages with developmental disabilities, was selected as the primary beneficiary of RUN. Although the annual trip to camp described above is not officially part of the Rally, it is a tradition that coincides with RUN and is a great way for that small group of riders to see first-hand the smiles that Rally Up North helps create.

The first RUN drew a crowd of approximately 500 and has seen consistent growth since then. The rally committee is comprised of 5 members who meet on a weekly basis to plan the details. The committee, with much support from local businesses, strives to keep the event safe, fresh and exciting each year.

One of the distinctive elements to the Rally Up North is the Custom Motorcycle Raffle. Now in its third year, the raffle increases not only the interest in the rally; but also the proceeds that are donated to benefit the campers at Confidence Learning Center. The custom bike has been built each year by American Hardcore Customs, a local company that, in addition to building custom bikes, services and repairs Harley and Custom motorcycles.

American Hardcore Customs donates their time and talent to build the custom bike for RUN. This year’s bike took two months to design. Once the bike is designed, it is displayed at various bike shows and local businesses. Typically, its display location changes on a weekly basis starting in April, when promotions for RUN begin, and ending Labor Day weekend, when it is raffled off.

The 2007 Rally Up North starts with a registration party including live music by John Pribyl on Friday, August 31st at The Old Waterfall, which is also the starting point for this year’s ride, starting at 7:00 pm. Although pre-registration for RUN has already passed, interested parties can register the morning of the event. (RUN t-shirts are only available for pre-registrants.) Registration will be held from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 1st at the Waterfall and is $20 per person. All riders must be ready by 12:00 sharp, which is when the ride leaves.

The 2007 RUN route includes stops at Zorbaz, Moonlight Bay, and Bridge Tavern before ending back at the Waterfall around 6:30 pm. Upon returning to the Waterfall, riders will enjoy a pig roast and live music by Electric Almighty. Door prizes are given throughout the evening and the Custom Bike Raffle is held at 10:30 pm. Non-riders are welcome to join in the fun at the Waterfall for a cover fee of $10.

For more information about Rally Up North please feel free to check out the RUN website. Raffle tickets may be purchased at any of the sponsor sites or by contacting RUN.

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A Glimpse of Rally Up North 2006 (Photos of the 2006 Event Courtesy of Woody's Photography)
2006 Raffle Winner	Gathering at the Waterfall
2007 Custom Motorcycle