S.R. Lockwood of Anaheim, Calif., left, shows his 3-wheeled “Scorpion 3” motorcycle, made from a kit with a BMW motorcycle, at the Chief Joseph Rally.

JOHN DAY – BMW motorcycle riders motored to the Grant County Fairgrounds last weekend for their annual Chief Joseph rally.

BMW Riders of Oregon president Jay Bennett of Corvallis said it’s the John Day area roads, the strong BMW biker community, and the friendly local residents that keep the group coming back.

Highlights included a chuck wagon breakfast at a local ranch, the proceeds benefiting the Grant County Stockgrowers Association. That event drew 85 riders to eat a hearty breakfast and also learn about ranch operations.

“It’s our way to try to connect the riders to the community,” Bennett said.

John Fiedor of Dayville led a Geology Rocks tour for riders on Friday and Saturday. Each tour covered 125 miles with seven stops.

Friday’s ride took the group to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Proceeds from Fiedor’s tour benefited the Juniper Arts Council.

Rally proceeds will benefit several local nonprofits, and vendors on-site at the fairgrounds are given a small “financial perk,” Bennett said.

This year’s turnout was about 600 strong.

Bennett said riders came from all over the U.S., including California, Washington and Idaho, and some were from Canada – 75 percent belong to the BMW Riders of Oregon group.

“The roads are nice and the people are welcoming and friendly,” he said. “It’s a nice getaway with out having to go far.”