Alex Bay motorcycle rally is getting bigger

ALEXANDRIA BAY — Although the Thousand Islands River Run Motorcycle Rally is only two years old, it has taken hold as a popular bike weekend in Alexandria Bay.

"We're on the map," said event organizer Mary M. Compeau, explaining that the Alexandria Bay event was placed on the J.P. Cycles event calendar and is growing and gaining national recognition.

"It's a very big deal," Mrs. Compeau said. The placement on the calendar of America's largest dealer of aftermarket parts and accessories for Harley-Davidson and other American- made motorcycles helps draw much larger crowds.

"We probably had four to five thousand bikes through here over the course of the weekend," Mrs. Compeau said. "In five years we're going to be huge."

The free weekend-long event was hosted by the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce.

"There is no better place in the world than the Thousand Islands/Northern New York area," Mrs. Compeau said.

The rally, which included an appearance by V-Force Custom's Vinny and Cody from the "American Chopper" series on The Learning Channel, live music and tattoo contests wound down Sunday with a poker run fundraiser for the Alexandria Bay Fire Department.

"Every year we donate the proceeds to a nonprofit," Mrs. Compeau said. "That's what bikers do, we help people."

The poker run route began in Alexandria Bay and ran through LaFargeville, Depauville, Chaumont and Cape Vincent before a return to Alexandria Bay via Route 12E for a collection of cards and comparing of hands.

"I'm hoping to raise between $600 and $1,000," Mrs. Compeau said.

The winner, who had the highest poker hand at the end of the day, was to win a one night's stay at Bonnie Castle Resort.

Nancy F. Hunter, a motorcycle rider of eight years, toured on her Harley-Davidson bike.

"I think it's very cool for this many people to come to downtown Alex Bay," she said. "The crowds are a lot of fun."

James D. Baleno, Bullhead City, Ariz., and summer resident of the Thousand Islands, has been to many motorcycle rallies in different parts of the country and was impressed this weekend, both by the event and by the attitude of local law enforcement.

"I appreciate the local law enforcement, they have not been harassing us." Mr. Baleno said.

According to Mr. Baleno, with other similar events it is common for law enforcement to have an unnecessarily large presence and pull people over for senseless reasons.

"It's nice to be at an event and appreciate local law enforcement and the way they handle us," he said.

Although the rally just ended Sunday, plans for the future are being publicized nationally. Mrs. Compeau said, "Next year it's going to be even better."