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2016 GOP hopefuls saddling up on motorcycles

FILE - In this April 25, 2015 file photo, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks in Waukee, Iowa. It’s time for Republican presidential contenders to “Roast and Ride,” a new twist in Iowa’s down-home presidential politicking. A weekend gathering by freshman Sen. Joni Ernst features a pig roast, speeches from seven 2016 hopefuls and a motorcycle ride that promises to get at least a few of them on wheels. It’s a prime political event for Republicans in a state known for a straw poll that is declining in relevance and for an annual steak fry for Democrats that had its last hurrah last year. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)
FILE - In this April 25, 2015 file photo, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks in Waukee, Iowa. It’s time for Republican presidential contenders to “Roast and Ride,” a new twist in Iowa’s down-home presidential politicking. A weekend gathering by freshman Sen. Joni Ernst features a pig roast, speeches from seven 2016 hopefuls and a motorcycle ride that promises to get at least a few of them on wheels. It’s a prime political event for Republicans in a state known for a straw poll that is declining in relevance and for an annual steak fry for Democrats that had its last hurrah last year. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File) FILE - In this April 25, 2015 file photo, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks in Waukee, Iowa. It’s time for Republican presidential contenders to “Roast and Ride,” a new twist in Iowa’s down-home presidential politicking. A weekend gathering by freshman Sen. Joni Ernst features a pig roast, speeches from seven 2016 hopefuls and a motorcycle ride that promises to get at least a few of them on wheels. It’s a prime political event for Republicans in a state known for a straw poll that is declining in relevance and for an annual steak fry for Democrats that had its last hurrah last year. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

By Associated Press 1 min read

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – GOP presidential hopefuls are taking a break from the hotel ballrooms and church basements where they usually campaign.

Several are going to the “Roast and Ride” event in Iowa this weekend. It features a pig roast, motorcycles rides and speeches. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry are expected to ride.

It’s a new event in Iowa. The big draws used to be a straw poll that is becoming less relevant and the annual Democratic steak fry that ended last year. The “Roast and Ride” event is being held by freshman Sen. Joni Ernst.

Also attending are Sens. Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham, former Gov. Mike Huckabee, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.