JOHN DAY – Bikers took over the roads of Grant County last week.

Nearly 800 BMW motorcycle riders descended on the Grant County Fairgrounds for the 2008 Chief Joseph Rally, held June 19-22.

The rally has been based in John Day for nine years and is the largest in the Northwest. Washington, Idaho, Northern California and Montana also host rallies during the spring and summer, but those average only 250 riders.

The rally was originally based in Joseph, and derived its name from that. However, BMW Riders of Oregon club President Lane Weinberg said he can’t see the ride moving again any time soon.

“John Day has just been extremely open and welcoming to the riders,” Weinberg said. “Usually people don’t like the idea of a bunch of bikers coming through. The roads here are amazing as well. It’s just beautiful.

“We’ve looked at other places and talked about moving it and all the riders are just against it. They’re always like, ‘No, no, no, keep it in John Day.’ We get the same comments from the riders every time.”

The bikers participated in a variety of events throughout the week. There were workshops on how to better maintain and operate motorcycles, contests and presentations on trips people have taken. Eric and Gail Haws gave a presentation called “Around the World – Two Wheels – Two Up” about their trips around the world.

The couple set up a BMW and supplies in Europe, South America, and North America for their journeys.

Although the riders enjoyed the activities at the Fairgrounds, they really just wanted to get on the road. They got a little help navigating the local streets from BMW Riders of Oregon ambassador Gary Thye of Beaver Creek. Thye put together a map outlining a variety of routes for riders.

“I’ve been riding out here since long before we brought the rally here,” Thye said. “I was one of the people that voted to move it here. There’s just so many great loops you can do. I like the ride through Austin Junction and up by Susanville.”

Thye’s favored route was popular among the riders. Kevin Breen, of Tigard, and Jim Osher, of Eugene, said they were planning to take that route Saturday afternoon after hearing other rider’s comments.

“It’s amazing out here,” Osher said. “Wherever you go the roads are well taken care of and you can go for miles without seeing a car. There’s just beautiful scenery everywhere.”

Breen said he’d be making a return trip next year.

“This is the first rally I’ve ever been to,” Breen said. “I’m glad I came here for my first time. I definitely think I’m coming back.”