The low rumbling sound filling the city streets this weekend shouldn’t be confused with thunder.
About 2,000 Harley-Davidson owners have arrived in Chattanooga for the annual Tennessee State Harley Owners Group Rally, a convention that attracts attendees from across the United States. The rally, held in a different city each year, was last in Chattanooga in 2004.
Larry Eltoft, treasurer of the Tennessee State HOG Rally Committee, said not only is Chattanooga a bicycle-friendly city, it’s a motorcycle-friendly city as well. Rally weekend is a chance for people with common interests to come together and enjoy what they love, he said.
“It’s just a bunch of people that have a passion to ride a motorcycle — an American-built motorcycle,” Mr. Eltoft said. “It’s got a great sound. It’s not a high whine, it’s got that little rumble that makes people turn around and look.”
Riders from 11 states have ridden their Harleys to the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel for the event, but 61-year-old Harlie Kent didn’t have to make a long trek this year. The Chattanooga resident has attended several rallies and was happy that this year’s is close to home.
“We’re a big family,” said Ms. Kent, dressed head to toe in Harley apparel. “It’s a really good break from the everyday ho-hum stuff, and when you’re hanging out with your buds, how much better can it get?”
Jack Miller, 52, of Little Rock, Ark., said he comes “for the camaraderie more than anything.”
FAST FACTS* The Tennessee State Harley Owners Group Rally is held in a different city each year.* Chattanooga last hosted the rally in 2004, when it was also held at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo hotel.* Harley riders from 11 states and Canada are present at this year’s event.* Nearly 2,000 Harley riders are in town this weekend for the event.
Vendors selling T-shirts, riding accessories and services such as oil changes fill an area behind the Choo-Choo. Each day, guided rides, races and entertainment such as wrestling, keep the riders occupied.
Jerri Gaither, Tennessee State HOG Rally spokeswoman, said the rally chooses a local charity each year to benefit. This year, proceeds from several of the rally’s events will go to the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House, she said.
Today, riders will go for a 9 a.m. ride through downtown, from the Market Street bridge to the Choo-Choo. In order to participate, each rider must make a donation to the Ronald McDonald house, Mr. Eltoft said.
Afterward, bikers will set up their Harleys for a bike show, open to the public, in the garden behind the Choo-Choo, he said. The show will last until noon.
“Most of the motorcycles you see out there, people sink about $30,000 into,” Mr. Eltoft said. “They like to show them off and like to spend money on them.”
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