The 2012 Golden Aspen Rally in Ruidoso, New Mexico marked it’s 42nd year in existence, with Race Tech exhibiting at the event for the last couple of years. Taking place in the cool, scenic mountains of Southern, Central New Mexico at the Mescalero Apache Tribe Resort ‘Inn of the Mountain Gods’. The upscale resort provided an excellent venue for the wide variety of opportunities the event offers its 25,000 attendees; day rides, poker runs, bike shows, and of course 85,000 square feet of Vendor Expo where Race Tech set up display for the week.
Stormy weather Wednesday & Thursday at the Rally’s opening made motorcycle travel an adventure, I actually rode thru a bit of snow coming over the pass from Carrizozo! Riders trickeled in slowly as the rally caters primarily to folks from Texas & New Mexico. However the poor weather allowed time for indoor activities at the Resort & Casino as well as our Race Tech Suspension Seminars. Friday dawned clear & cool with riders rolling in all day, the registration area was packed. BBQ, Beer Garden and a Live Band on the lawn closed out the day.
Saturday was kicked off with a motorcycle parade thru town, several thousand bikes formed up for the ride, upon their return the bikes filled the resorts entry dives. As riders filed thru the Vendor Expo, we were slammed all day long discussing suspension options for everything from HD’s to GL’s both old & new. We found a new friend, a 31 year veteran Honda Dealership Service Manager who rode his 1978 GL1000 from Iowa to the Rally. He spent time with us learning about Race Tech options for Honda Gold Wings being requested by his customers, good stuff!
Perfect weather closed out the event Sunday, allowing a last chance for the day tours or the ride home. We had a great week meeting new people and were rewarded by compliments from those who already enjoy Race Tech Suspension on their Cruiser or Touring Bikes. We look forward to the next event in Ruidoso the 'Aspen Cash Rally' at the Convention Center in May, and of course we will be returning again next September for the 'Golden Aspen Rally' of course. Additionally we will be at the 'Americade Rally' in Upstate New York in June. Stay tuned in to racetech.com, facebook or Race Tech News as we schedule even more Rally participation for 2012.
Matthew Wiley