A Hearty “Welcome Back” to the Honda Riders!

Over 18,000 riders are expected to cruise into East Tennessee this week for the nation’s second-largest, multibrand motorcycle rally in Knoxville. Known as the Honda Hoot, and hosted by the Honda Rider’s Club of America, this is the 5th year that Knoxville has been privileged to host the group that will fill 15-20 hotels in the area.

“We think they are great,” said Mayor Bill Haslam. “Not only do they have a large economic impact, they are a great group to have in town, and we hope to have them come back for years to come.”

The Hoot drew about 1200 people in its first year in Asheville, NC, said Charles Keller, HRCA manager, but the facilities in Knoxville and the town’s ability to handle larger crowds made the switch an easy choice.

Over the years the Hoot has generated over $47 million for the city and East Tennessee, and this year the event is expected to leave $16 million behind in our economy.

The daily events vary and start today at Chilhowee Park with demo rides on Hondas, Aprillias, BMWs, Buells, Moto Guzzies, Piaggios, Urals, Vespas and Victory bikes and continue with Riverboat Cruises, and a Poker Run to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Pre-planned daily rides will take place to the Cherohala Skyway, Cumberland Gap plus a “sportbike” ride designed for more daring riders. Then, of course, our infamous “Dragon” ride will attract the real dare-devils to the twisting, tortuous U.S. Highway 129 through the mountains.

For families attending the event an ice cream social and a Knoxville Police Department riding exhibition will take place and the Knoxville Fire Department will host a firefighters’ chili cook-off and dinner to benefit the Department’s prevention fund. And if all the activities haven’t worn everyone out, join your friends at the Old City Street Party which will crank up at 6 p.m. with bands and dancers tonight.

Thursday, is “Tennessee Day” and anyone presenting a valid TN driver’s license, will be admitted to Chilhowee Park at one half off the regular price.

The “Honda Hula Hoot Party” at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum will feature local bands, Polynesian food and drinks and a grand fireworks display starting at 6 p.m Thursday.

On Saturday night, Gay Street will be the scene of the final Saturday Night on the Town, with three stages, a children’s activity area on the Market Square with food and drink for all

Grand Marshall of the Honda Hoot is well known motocross enthusiast, Johnny Campbell, winner of the last 8 Baja 1000s on his Honda XR650R off road motorcycle. Her will spend time at the Hoot with his wife Faye and his two small children, who love the travel and the fun activities, and will sign autographs and hand out stickers throughout the event.

The Baja 1000 is “pretty much the granddaddy of off-road desert races,” said Campbell. The roads are rough and changeable with unanticipated obstacles and temperatures that can ranges from 30 to 100 degrees during the course of the race across 1000 miles of desert. Campbell runs the course a month ahead of time to get himself ready for the ordeal. “It’s pretty exhilarating reaching the Honda’s top speed of 114 miles per hour,” said Campbell with an easy smile. “Dangerous at the same time,” he admits.

The family lives in San Clemente, California and Jerry competes in one major event every month and in a series of local races to stay in shape. His next ride is the Nevada 1000, which differs from the Baja 1000 in that there will be stops in Nevada and the Baja is just one long, continuous race.

Racing became a “passion for me in my teenage years,” continued Campbell, but he started riding when he was 9. He entered his first race at 13. Of all his years of racing, he said that “I can’t accomplish my goals without the support of 100 volunteers”, mostly made up of family members and friends along the way.