MINOCQUA, WI—

On Thursday night I heard the car pull into the garage. He walked purposefully into the house, changed out of his constraining work clothes to emerge in motorcycle boots and leathers and began to saddle up.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“Four wheels move the body.  Two wheels move the soul.  I go where the sound of thunder is. Join me.”

The Summer Thunder Motorcycle Rally combines the beauty of the Northwoods to move the soul with the mirth the Minocqua Area is famous for. Bike enthusiasts enjoy the variety of motorcycles, local taverns and restaurants, music in the park and of course the scenic rides.

The two-day Summer Thunder Rally officially starts on June 15th and runs through June 16th, 2012, but early birds may get a head start by purchasing Fun Run books beginning Monday, June 11th at participating taverns and Northern Light Harley-Davidson for $15.00.

The Lakeland Tavern League presents three different Fun Runs with stops along the way. Get your booklet stamped at all designated stops on the route for an entry in the prize drawings – three different Fun Runs, three booklets, three entries in the prize drawings. Fun Run booklets will also be on sale, starting Friday afternoon, at the Summer Thunder Hospitality Booth at Torpy Park.

Great music is a large part of the rally. On Friday night, riders and townsfolk will enjoy refreshments and listen to live music by Rattlesnake and Eggs from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. in Torpy Park in downtown Minocqua.

Saturday morning will kick off at Northern Lights Harley-Davidson in Arbor Vitae at 9:30 a.m. The Lakeland Sharing Foundation will have brats cooking on the grill until 2:00 p.m. The dealership will have demo rides and a Garage Sale with obsolete and closeout leathers, t-shirts, clothing and helmets. Stop by and stock up before embarking on a Fun Run.

The Rally is expected to attract motorcyclists from all over the state and the town of Minocqua welcomes its two-wheeled guests by closing off 2 blocks of the downtown area for bike parking only on Saturday, June 16th afternoon, from 4:00 p.m. on.

The great music continues on Saturday night as Summer Thunder is proud to present The Spicy Tie Band from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. in Torpy Park.  The Spicy Tie Band is a rock and roll party band from Stevens Point with multiple lead vocals and a multitude of different instruments, including trumpet, saxophone, trombone, harmonica, multiple guitars, keyboards and various percussion instruments – real crowd pleasers.

At 8:00 p.m., during a band break, on Saturday night over $1000.00 in cash and prizes will be awarded through Fun Run and raffle drawings. You must be present to win. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Lakeland Area Special Olympics.

For more information contact the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-356-5266, 1-800-44-NORTH or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Summer Thunder Rally is an all-weather event, and it will be held, rain or shine. After all, “If you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride.”