Get yer motors runnin' -- The HOGs are crankin' into Cape

Motorcycle lovers will get their motors runnin' and head on down the highway to Cape Girardeau -- meaning locals will see a lot of leather, chrome and heavy boots.

The 2001 Missouri State HOG Rally, an adventure sponsored by the local HOG chapter, will take place here Sept. 7-9 and is expected to draw more than 3,000 HOG members to the city. It offers Cape Girardeans a chance to learn more about the biker lifestyle.

But don't expect the Hell's Angels. Sonny Minor, owner of Minor's Harley-Davidson-Suzuki Sales Inc., says bikers aren't the "bad boys" they were once known to be. They can't afford to be, with new "hawgs" running $10,000 and higher.

In fact, motorcycle riding has become more of a middle-class family affair.

Part of the Harley mystique is the bike's distinctive roar. "The Sound," as some over-the-edge enthusiasts refer to it, comes from the V-twin engine that creates music to a motorcycle lover's ears.

You wouldn't think Harley owners believed in coddling their toys. Just look at some of the monikers for the bikes: Knucklehead. Flathead. Panhead. Shovelhead. Blockhead. Fat Boy.

But HOG members love their motorcycles and show a fierce brand loyalty. For some, their "crotch rockets" are merely an extension of American pride. Harley-Davidson is headquartered in Milwaukee and every bike is made in America.

"I don't know of any group of people who are more devoted to one brand than Harley owners," Minor said.

HOG membership worldwide has reached 750,000, making it the largest motorcycle club in the world.

Indeed, his shop carries clothing, salt shakers, pens and other collectibles all stamped with the Harley logo.

Barb Minor says the fascination not just a guy thing, at least not anymore. She earned her motorcycle license in 1974 "when very few women were even riding behind their husbands, much less riding their own bikes." Her new favorite motorcycle is the purple 2002 Screaming Eagle Road King with a flame job.

Motorcycle collector Dave Hutson has been riding motorcycles since he was a kid and still has almost every bike he's ridden.

"It turns into an illness and there's no cure," Hutson said.

He bought his first Harley in 1985, a 1950 WL Flathead, and is a member of the local HOG chapter.

Hutson prefers to keep his bikes stream-lined. "I'm one of those guys who believes in the old saying 'Chrome don't get you home,'" Hutson said.

When you ride your bike all the way to Alaska, like he did a few months ago, it's important to get home.

"The best part of a motorcycle trip is running into the people you never planned on meeting," Hutson said. At that point it doesn't matter what kind of bike you're on, he said. The bond of the road is enough.

Joe Ford, owner of Ford's Custom Bikes, prefers dressing up his bikes, particularly customizing Harley-Davidsons.

Its the add-ons that make the bike an individual, Ford said. The Harley owners who come to his shop are looking to hop up their engines with performance parts bearing names like Screaming Eagle.

Despite his function-over-form philosophy, Hutson said he'll enjoy looking at all the dressed-up bikes coming to town.

"That's going to be a big event. There should be a lot of neat machines," he said.

Minor agreed. "Each bike has its own personality," he said. Whether it's leather gloves for the handle grips, shotgun exhaust pipes, softtail seats or sissy bars, each add-on introduces you to the owner, Minor said.

"Motorcycles have epitomized the free American spirit," said Tom Howard, director for the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. "Their design and form, especially Harleys and Indians, are considered artistic and beautiful in their own right." With that in mind, the arts council will be celebrating the beauty of motorcycles with an exhibit featuring antique and restored bikes.

The exhibit opens at 5 p.m. Sept. 7 with a reception at Gallery 100 on Independence Street.

HOG Rally schedule

The 2001 Missouri State HOG Rally takes place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-9, and is expected to draw more than 3,000 Harley Davidson motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Headquarters is Osage Community Centre.

Scheduled activities include:

Friday

* 12:30 p.m. -- Self-guided tours

* 1:30 p.m. -- Poker run, rally colors ride

* 2 to 6 p.m. -- Motorcycle safety skills course and competition

* 5 to 7 p.m. -- Restored, custom motorcycle exhibition, Gallery 100

* 7:30 to 11 p.m. -- Welcome party at Arena Park

Saturday

* 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- Poker run, observation run, rally colors ride

* 9 to 10 a.m. -- Harley-Davidson service seminar

* 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. -- Restored, custom motorcycle exhibition, Gallery 100

* 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. -- Motorcycle safety seminar

* 2 p.m. -- Opening ceremonies

* 2 to 5:30 p.m. -- Motorcycle safety skills course and competition

* 2 to 6 p.m. -- Field events

* 7 p.m. -- Grand parade through Cape Girardeau

* 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. -- Celebration with the Downtown Merchants Association

Sunday

* 9:30 to 10 a.m. -- Blessing of the bikes.

* 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. -- Bike show

* 10:30 a.m. -- Rally colors ride awards

* 11 a.m. -- Tricycle deco-rade

* 11:30 a.m. -- Awards ceremony

* 12:30 p.m. -- Closing ceremonies

NOTE: Registered HOG Rally attendees must wear armbands to participate in activities.