Two weekends, two bike events

100 Years of Motorcycles begins its first year in Spokane next week with promoter Josh Bryan hoping he can attract 50,000 two-wheel enthusiasts to the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

But first, 30 miles down Highway 195, the Rosalia Motorcycle Association will debut its Rosalia Rally this weekend.

The rally was organized when Bryan moved his event to Spokane after three increasingly testy years in Rosalia, his hometown.

Organizers of the Rosalia Rally said they plan a more family-oriented, lower-cost weekend that raises badly needed money for the community.

“We’re hopefully going to cater to a more diverse crowd,” said Brady Kiesz, a member of the organizing committee.

Kelly Messinger, president of the Rosalia Chamber of Commerce, said 10,000 attendees would make the rally a success, but the weak economy is a concern.

“The price of gas is taking its toll,” he said.

Rally entertainment will include a mo-ped toss, several bands, beer gardens and an appearance Saturday by the High Ridaz, a sports bike performance group.

Bryan said he is flattered Rosalia is trying to imitate his event, but added that the support of the Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau and fairgrounds staff have him feeling good about his show, which begins July 25.

“It’s a team effort,” he said.

Bryan said he has been aggressively promoting the 100 Years of Motorcycles in Northwest states and British Columbia and Alberta. The rally will include flat-track racing and a motorcycle rodeo in the arena, more than 220 exhibitors, and Pink Floyd and Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute bands, among others, on the main lawn.

With people ages 30 to 60 years the target demographic, Bryan said, “We’ve got to give them the music they like.”

RV and tent camping space will be available behind the arena. He said 30 custom bike builders will set up shop.

Because 90 percent of ticket sales are walk-up, Bryan said he will not know how successful all the advance work has been until the gates open.

“We’ve given it 150 percent to produce one of the best motorcycle shows in the country,” Bryan said.