October 1, 2010

Merritt will host its first countrywide motorcycle rally next July. The Great Canadian Bike Rally is scheduled to take place over four days, from July 14-17, 2011.

Active since last July, the Great Canadian Bike Rally Association is putting together the event and donating proceeds to the B.C. Children's Hospital Foundation and Circle Square Ranch Children's Fund. The association is made up of locals.

In a statement released last week, the association's president, Mike Fairfield, says, "Our community is planning to roll out the red carpet for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from all over the country."

Fairfield says Merritt is the perfect location for a first-class motorcycle rally.

"We are already well known for putting on world-class festivals, we have the sunniest dry climate in the country, and riding in the Interior is second to none.

"We will be catering to many professionals that have made substantial investments in their bikes. Regardless of make or model, the bikes themselves will be a main attraction."

Organizers say the rally schedule will feature outdoor concerts, show bikes, builders, vendors and plenty of riding activities in the evening.

Daytime events will take place mainly in the city centre and include entertainment and motorcycle demonstrations.

As for riders who want to hit the open road "poker runs and dice runs" with stops in surrounding towns like Spences Bridge, Ashcroft, Kamloops, and Quilchena are planned.

Concerts, including beer gardens and camping, are planned for the festival grounds at night. A shuttle bus service will be in place connecting Merritt to Kamloops.

Although the Great Canadian Bike Rally is now proceeding, it nearly collapsed in the face of a potential rival during the summer.

The association sent a delegation to the City of Merritt council on Aug. 10.

At that meeting, the council was also supposed to receive a presentation from another group, Ray Sasseville representing Sturgis North, about holding a motorcycle rally with similar dates in July.

Fairfield told council that locals would not proceed if the Sturgis North event went ahead.

"Being our first year, we have enough challenges to face.

Some councillors suggested that both organizers combine their efforts.

"There is a possibility he may wish to be involved but we have yet to see that," Fairfield replied.

"I would rather do this as a community."

Sasseville was out of the country and could not appear before council Aug. 10. He then cancelled his second scheduled appearance Aug. 24, when he was due to meet with both the council and Fairfield.

Coun. Mike Goetz urged the City of Merritt to endorse the local rally over the Sturgis North event, a step the city has now taken.