VVRROOMM, VVRROOMM

More than 1,000 Harley-Davidson owners will converge upon the Brainerd lakes area in June of 2012 for a Minnesota State H.O.G. - Harley Owners Group - Rally.

Jeff Ledin, director of the 130-member Lake Country H.O.G. Chapter, said in a news release the event allows Harley owners to meet and share their passion while showcasing the beauty of the Brainerd area.

Ledin, an engineer with SEH in Brainerd, said he enjoyed the state rally he attended in 2007 in Duluth.

"I think a lot of people involved want to come see the scenery and ride and enjoy the area," he said. "I think it's a positive group to bring to the area."

The Brainerd area rally is scheduled for June 29-30, 2012.

Ledin said he thought the average age of H.O.G. members was in the upper 40s. They tend to be reasonably responsible bikers, Ledin said, noting the Brainerd group includes professionals and people from all walks of life. Ledin said entry level Harley bikes might cost between $3,000 and $4,000 while the high end machines can cost between $20,000 and $40,000.

Ledin estimated that members in his Brainerd area group ranged in age from their 20s and 30s to one member who is 75.

The director of the Lake Country H.O.G. Chapter said a state rally will sometimes feature a parade and challenge events for members.

A spokesman contacted at Donahue Harley-Davidson in Baxter said the dealership had no comment on the 2012 rally, preferring to concentrate on the 2011 Minnesota State H.O.G. Rally in Alexandria on June 17-18.

The winning bid for the 2012 state rally was put together by the Lake Country H.O.G. Chapter, together with Cragun's Resort in East Gull Lake, Donahue Harley-Davidson in Baxter and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, a chamber news release stated. The chamber said competitive proposals were presented from 24 statewide Harley-Davidson dealerships and their H.O.G. chapters at an annual planning meeting in Minneapolis.

Lisa Paxton, chamber CEO, said the natural beauty of the Brainerd area played a role in the selection.

"We have some amazing rides," she said.

MIKE O'ROURKE may be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.