Redstone Rally To Rumble Roaring Fork Vally

It’s hard to beat a small motorcycle in a small Colorado mountain town. If that town is Redstone, Colorado, it’s damn near impossible.

The 2nd Annual Redstone Rally will turn picturesque Redstone into a small, but enthusiastic biker paradise about 180 miles west of Denver June 24th, 25th, and 26th.

100% of all monies raised by the rally will be donated to Project Sanctuary, a Colorado-based organization that provides therapeutic retreats for US service members and their families.

Located south of Carbondale on Colorado Highway 133, Redstone is home to the historic Redstone Castle, and some of the cleanest mountain air around, and is situated in an idlyic setting.

Organized by Mitch and Richard Acala, the rally gets started Friday afternoon about 1pm.

Last year we had people start showing up pretty early in the day,” Mitch Acala explained. “We didn’t really count on people taking the day off, and riding up so early. So this year, we have a few things planned, more of a welcome than anything else.”

The welcome will be a sort of eat, drink and be merry in Redstone, as the town hands itself over to bikers for the weekend. There will also be a preview of the charity auction items to be auctioned off Saturday night, including ticket for the Rockies baseball and Aspen Ski Company, plus numerous other items. Acala said arrangements are being made for free shipping for winners of auction items that cannot be easily carried on a motorcycle.

“That way, anyone can bid without worrying about getting stuff home,” Acala said.
Saturday, the whole town gets into the act, with music at the Redstone Inn, and vendors and other activities spread throughout the tiny mountain burg. At 10:30am, there will be a tribute ceremony to fallen soldiers.

“This will be a sincere, heartfelt ceremony,” Acala said. “We’re getting some assistance from the 1st Cavalry Division in making this happen. I will be a nice tribute.”

Following the tribute, a 100-mile poker run will roll out of town, heading over McClure Pass and making stops in Somerset, marble, and then back to Redstone. The entire five to six hour ride will be on the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, with a $250 payout for the best hand. Last year, the winner put $50 in his pocket and donated the rest to the cause.

All the proceeds from the $15 entry fee, along with fees raised from vendor fees, the auctions, bike show fees, and other funds will be donated to Project Sanctuary.
“Everything we collect as far as money will go to Project Sanctuary,” Acala said. “Everyone is working this as volunteers, everything is going to this charity. That’s what this is all about.”

Well, it’s about a good time, too.

It will be a party Saturday night, with a small bike rodeo, classic car display, motorcycle show and a bonfire on the river, plus almost whatever else you can dream up for entertainment.

“Everyone’s welcome here,” Acala said. “Clubs, independents, vets, non-riders…everyone. This is a no attitude, no bullshit event. It’s all about having fun and raising a little bit of money to help Project Sanctuary. This is a small, humble event. If it grows, that’s great. We’ll have a good time, but we don’t want to piss off all the residents here, so we don’t want to get too wild. But we’ll definitely have a good time.

For more information go to www.redstonerally.com or call 970-963-2691.