3,000 Extra Motorcycles Added To Minnesota Roads This Week

"Why are there so many motorcycles right now?"

 

...asked about 1,000 times on Facebook today

If you think that you are seeing a lot of motorcycles right now in Minnesota, you aren't dreaming.  About 3,000 motorcycles are joining the roadways in Minnesota for a few days for a large, national convention.

About 3,000 Extra Motorcyclists on Minnesota Roads This Week

If you are in the Southeast Minnesota area, there is a good chance that you will see a few more motorcycles over the next few days.  The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is meeting from June 18th until the 23rd in Rochester, Minnesota for their national convention.  And yes, that means you will probably see a few more people sporting leather and about 3,000 motorcycles as well.

What Is The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association?

According to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association website, this is a group of Combat Veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who ride motorcycles for fun. They are a registered 501(c)(19) veterans’ charity and their mission is to support and protect those who have defended our country and our freedoms.

Every year, they join in and sponsor numerous motorcycle charity events for veterans, and donate to various veteran causes.  They also help individual veterans, veteran care facilities, other veteran organizations, and registered charities.

A large number of events are happening with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association convention while they are here in Minnesota including an Honor Ride from RCTC to the Preston Veterans Cemetery.  On Thursday, June 20th, members also honored Rochester on stage at Thursdays Downtown.

Everything You Need To Know About Thursdays Downtown in Rochester, Minnesota

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Please Be Extra Aware of Motorcyclists This Week in Minnesota

Due to the larger-than-normal number of motorcycles in our area, the Minnesota Department of Transportation alerted the public and passed along the following safety reminders:

- Watch for motorcycles. Due to the smaller size of motorcycles, their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.

- Always look twice before entering a roadway, turning left, or changing lanes.

- Give riders room by maintaining a three-second (or more) following distance and double-check blind spots.

- Pay attention and drive at safe speeds, especially on corners and unfamiliar roads.