Motorcycle owners to gather in Brunswick for annual rally

BRUNSWICK – Brunswick is gearing up to become motorcycle central – for two days, anyway.

Hundreds of Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners will roar into town on July 19 for the sixth annual Maine State Harley Owners Group Rally.

About 800 riders are expected to attend, said event coordinator Joe Robinson.

“Our only agenda is to ride our motorcycles and have fun,” he said.

The group – known as HOG – holds a rally in a different Maine community each year. Last year’s rally was held in Caribou, and it took place in Old Orchard Beach in 1999.

The rally will consist of Harley-themed events, including a poker run, in which bikers will ride to different locations to pick up cards and win awards for the best hand. Other events will include a lobster bake, a bike show, biker bingo and a HOG hop.

Town officials are taking steps to ensure a smooth weekend, but don’t anticipate any problems.

“At first we were a little concerned, but we did a background check and they seem to be fine,” Town Manager Donald Gerrish said. “They’ll shop in our stores and eat at our restaurants. There will be some noise, but not any more than what the Blue Angels [Navy flight team] produce.”

Police Chief Jerry Hinton says police will escort a procession of motorcycles for the weekend kickoff.

“This is a good group that likes to have fun,” Hinton said. “Its members are made up of business people and white-collar workers who just like to ride Harleys.”