PIERCY — For 32 years a rumble rolls through Lake County en route to the Redwood Run.
The run is held on the second weekend June at the Riverview Ranch in Piercy about 200 miles north of the Golden Gate on Highway 101.
It began with just more than 100 participants. Now more than 30,000 motorcycles from all over the world converge at the only “no rules” event left in the country.
Some Hells Angels enjoyed a Sunday morning church service with ?Bikers for Jesus,” a national biker ministry for Christian motorcyclists to share the love of Jesus worldwide.
Vendors sell everything from toiletries to tattoos. One young man may think twice before repeating the tattoo experience.
His permanent ink screamed out,
“Son of Raisen,” instead of “Raisin.”
Music is paramount with huge headliners including George Thorogood, Los Lonely Boys, Lita Ford, Ty Curtis, Corby Yates, Clint Warner, Ladysmith Gregg Rolie band, Blue Rhythm Revue, Jimi Jeff & The Gypsy Band and Bloodstone.
Though the event is peaceful in an anarchist manner, this year marked the first year of a fight. It was handled quickly by security. In past years the only fight memorable to most was repeated year after year by a husband and a wife who were finally asked not to attend anymore.
The Redwood Run and Reggae on the River are important events for the economy in the region and along the entire route. Food is cooked and sold by area non-profit organizations that range from Boosters Clubs to several volunteer fire departments. The event is one of the largest fundraising events on the north coast and benefits programs from youth sports to senior and adult disabled programs. Kiwanis clubs get paid for various jobs and take money back to their communities to help children.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or call 263-5636 ext.32.
