CVB HOPES CAPE GIRARDEAU WILL 'OUT-FRIENDLY' COMPETITION

The Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau hopes Cape Girardeau offers a warm welcome to the more than 3,000 bikers who will be here Sept. 7 through 9 for the Missouri State Harley Owners Group Rally.

The state association awarded the bid for its ninth annual rally to Cape Girardeau in fall 1999 after the city competed with rival towns.

Hannibal, Mo., usually has won the bid and greeted rally members with banners, signs and decorations.

Cape Girardeau's Convention and Visitors Bureau hopes the city will "out-friendly" the competition and encourages businesses and residents to welcome the motorcyclists, said Terri Clark-Bauer, CVB director. It's just good business, she said.

Area businesses will reap rewards from the bikers. The economic impact of the convention is projected to top $1 million. The visitors are expected to spend $135 daily per person.

Harley-Davidson owners have an above-average annual household income. Many of those attending will be bankers, lawyers, professors and physicians.

Although motorcycles don't carry much more cargo than a driver and passenger, those who attend the rallies often ship items they buy during the rally home, or pull their Harley behind a vehicle to accommodate luggage and purchases.