Motorcycle parade falls short in record attempt

OFF THE WIRE

By Brian Duggan
bduggan@nevadaappeal.com

While a far cry from the world record for the number of motorcycles in a parade, about 250 riders joined a parade of hogs through Carson City on Saturday.

“It was a good start,” said event organizer Wayne “Books” Hennefer of the Vagos Motorcycle Club. “I do think the negative press that we got because of the confusion of the permit really kind of messed things up. We won't do that next year, we'll get all the ducks in a row and make sure we have everything. We're going to try it during Street Vibrations.”

The event included a $10 entry fee, which was donated to the Eagle Valley Children's Home and Austin's House, an Indian Hills group home. The event also accepted coats for children in need.

The current record was set in 2002 in Denver with a parade of 2,118 motorcycles.

Hennefer said the route changed from riding south on U.S. 395 to Fairview Drive to going north on U.S. 395, exiting at Bellevue Road and returning to Carson City Harley-Davidson.

The ride took about 20 minutes after the riders left the dealership at about 12:45 p.m. on Saturday. Traffic was briefly stopped on College Parkway as the motorcycles entered the freeway under the supervision of Nevada Highway Patrol.

The NHP and Carson City Sheriff's Office reported no accidents because of the parade.

Denise Southern, 49, was among a few dozen people who watched the parade on College Parkway as the motorcycles cruised by.

“I wish they'd have broken the record,” Southern said. “We were excited to come down and see all of the motorcycles.”

With a parrot on her shoulder while donning a pirate skull cap, Bonny Davie, 52, South Lake Tahoe said she enjoyed the Saturday afternoon ride.

“I would think next year it would be bigger because it's the first event,” Davie said. “We're just happy to get it all together.”

Ed Beaver, 48, of Sparks, said the event was a success because it raised money for good causes. He said he learned about the event about a month ago.

“We didn't break the record I don't think,” he said with a smile. “We were a little short.”

Charles Swingly, 56, Reno, had one conclusion after Saturday's parade.

“I'd like to do it again,” he said.