RAINFOREST RUN REPORT: THOUSANDS OF MOTORCYCLISTS HEADED FOR FORKS

By Chris Cook - Forks Forum editor

Thousands of motorcyclists, likely somewhere between 3,000 and 9,000, are on their way to Forks in mid-August.

That’s what Rainforest Run organizers Bob Wishon, Jeff Wishon and Dan Roth told the Forks City Council on Monday, July 28.

The event is being hailed as the first organized motorcycle run centered at Forks.
The Wishons and Roth said they are positioning the first run of their rally as a non-alcohol, no-tobacco, family-focused gathering with plenty to do for all ages.

All makes and models of motorcycles are being welcomed, they said.
The Forks men sought help from the city in providing accommodations for the motorcyclists. They are charging $35 to motorcyclists who didn’t pre-register.

After much discussion, the council approved the use of ball fields at Tillicum Park for camping space for the motorcyclists and those traveling with them in RVs and other vehicles.
There will be a per-night charge for camping, with all the funds going to local non-profits.
Forks High School is also working with the three men on camping space.

Wishon said he studied a motorcycle rally held in Baker, Ore. and elsewhere and found that local booster clubs made out well, and that the local high school was used for camping, toilets and showers.

He said he’s worked with Forks High School Vice-Principal Mark Brandmire in setting up the school for use by the bikers, with school clubs set up to sell food, charge for showers and camping.
The Wishon brothers and Roth, who are running the event under their Don’t Tell Me What To Do Promotions business, said Concerned Citizens and Forks Elks Lodge are also opening up a field for campers, along with homeowners, campgrounds, motels and other property owners in and around Forks.

The event falls on the same weekend as the West End Thunder drag races, and as the Clallam County Fair.

They said representatives of the Quileute Tribe are also ready to provide space at LaPush. Outlying areas are also expecting the bikers in the Hoh River area.

Forks Police Chief Mike Powell reported he has recently attended several motorcycle rallies in preparation for the Rainforest Run.

“We’ll possibly bring a few more people down,” he said of law enforcement presence at the rally. Powell added that the Roughnecks, a motorcycle club made up of law enforcement officers, is on the way and has promised to lend a hand at the event.

City of Forks Event Coordinator Pat Soderlind said motorcycle rally vendors are setting up in Tillicum Park, where registration for the rally is also being held.

She said it’s hoped the three-day event will boost income for youth groups in town.
“This will keep kids from asking businesses for fundraising help,” she said, in addition to supporting businesses in town.

Soderlind said “the numbers are growing by leaps and bounds,” when asked about the possible impact on the town.

“Some folks in the community are worried if we can handle it, I believe we can,” she said.

A “poker run” motorcycle rally running from Forks to Neah Bay with stops in between is part of the festivities planned.

On the Web: www.rainforestrun.com.