Published: August 20, 2008 03:14 pm            

Welcome, Gold Wing riders | Enjoy our region and come back soon

Another economic boost for the Greater Johnstown community arrives today aboard motorcycles.

We welcome the (Honda) Gold Wing Road Riders Association’s 2008 Pennsylvania District Rally to downtown Johnstown. The rally runs through Saturday at the Pasquerilla Conference Center.

This will be a far cry from the more than 200,000 visitors who enjoyed our Thunder in the Valley motorcycle event just two months ago – about 1,000 riders are expected. But we still caution motorists to look out for an increased number of cycles, and riders who aren’t familiar with our streets and highways.

“We’ve had great cooperation from city officials and members of the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said Chuck Stone of Everett, the association’s district director.

No surprise there. These are the same local folks who so efficiently manage our annual Thunder event.

In addition to the conference center, events are scheduled at the War Memorial and the downtown Holiday Inn. The general public can participate in daytime events by purchasing day passes at the arena.

The public has been invited to watch and all motorcyclists whose cycles are equipped with LED lights have been invited to participate in a “parade of lights” this evening. It will begin at 8:30 at Point Stadium and proceed on Main Street, turn right onto Market and end at the War Memorial.

The association, established in 1977, is family-oriented and nonprofit.

Members work to improve public acceptance of all motorcyclists and support civic, police, charity and government groups.

Sounds like nice people, and we’re sure they are.

Have fun, ride safely and enjoy our community and its friendly people, and our many wonderful tourist attractions.

And please be sure to visit again.

        

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