FORKS –This time, it’s not just a motorcycle rally.
The 2009 Rainforest Run is also a music festival.
Organizers of the second annual West End rally, which begins today and runs through Sunday, have scheduled 13 music acts in hopes of taking the Rainforest Run to another level.
“We hope, in the near future, to become one of the premier motorcycling events in the whole country,” said Bob Wishon, lead organizer.
The Rainforest Run’s central location has been changed from Tillicum Park in Forks to the Round House 110 Business Park, at 100 LaPush Road, just north of the city.
Wishon said the business park has the electricity required for the music festival, a covered roof and a new dance floor.
“Musically, it was a better location,” he said, adding that it will give riders a better reason to stick around.
The new site also helps the city avoid an awkward overlap of motorcycle enthusiasts with Twilight fans. Twilight is the popular novel-turned-movie about vampire love — the first of four in a series, all based in Forks.
Vampires, motorcyclists
“I’m not sure vampires and motorcyclists mix,” Forks Mayor Nedra Reed said.
The Rainforest Run is not affiliated with the city of Forks, but city staff, including events coordinator Pat Soderland, are helping out, Reed said.
“There’s a dedicated group of individuals who work very hard, other than their normal jobs, to put this event on,” Reed said.
“It has been a very good event for the community.”
Registration for Rainforest Run, which includes poker runs to Neah Bay and LaPush, is $35.
The cost of the music festival is $5. Several acts from the North Olympic Peninsula are featured.
Wishon said the Rainforest Run draws an eclectic group of riders — everyone from loggers to hippies.
“We welcome all brands of motorcycles and people from all walks of life,” he said.
Wishon spent the year attending motorcycle rallies across the country to glean ideas and promote the Rainforest Run.
During his travels, he rode in Leather Meets Lace, a charity rally that ends at the Playboy mansion in Los Angeles. He met Gene Simmons of Kiss and the Playboy Bunnies at the estate of Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner.
“It’s a rough job, but somebody’s got to do it,” Wishon said.
The inaugural Rainforest Run surpassed major rallies like Sturgis, N.D., for first-year attendance, Wishon said. More than 1,000 riders turned out in 2008.
Reed said some people equate motorcycles with problems, but the inaugural Rainforest Run was trouble-free.
“We’re not Sturgis West,” Reed said.
Family event
“It’s family event,” Reed added. “We’re really looking forward to it.”
The State Patrol and Clallam County Sheriff’s Office will supervise the event.
Many law enforcement officers will be on motorcycles themselves and enjoy the event, Reed said.
Wishon co-organizes Rainforest Run with Dan Roth. Both are from Forks.
“It’s a very friendly community, and the community is really supporting this event,” Wishon said.
He said Rainforest Run will keep a family theme during the days and take on a slightly more mature flavor around 11 p.m.
In addition to the business park, Cycle Camp, which Wishon owns, will host rally-goers at 1071 Mora Road, near LaPush.
Reed said the Rainforest Run is one of the last major events of the summer on the West End.
“This is kind of a ‘Visit Forks and play’ event,” Reed said.
For more information about the Rainforest Run, visit www.rainforestrun.com.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
