Engines Ready
The 6th Annual River City Motorcycle Rodeo Roars Back for Special Olympics Georgia
By Monica Jones
The roar of engines and the smell of funnel cakes are set to fill the air this weekend as the 6th Annual River City Motorcycle Rodeo returns to Rally Point Harley-Davidson. This thrilling event, organized by the Columbus Police Department and Rally Point Harley-Davidson, along with generous sponsors like Buffalo Rock Pepsi, is all about fun, skillful competition, and raising crucial funds for Special Olympics Georgia. “We always look forward to hosting our guests and competitors, as well as putting on one heck of a show,” says Misty Reed, the Marketing and Event Coordinator at Rally Point Harley-Davidson.
“This is the sixth annual,” says Reed. “We were just shy of $30,000 last year, and our goal this year is to surpass that total. You are a huge part of that effort.”
The commitment and passion of the team at Rally Point is clear. For them, it’s all about giving a hand to the person behind you. This determination is what makes every event such a spectacle—if you’ve ever been to a Rally Point event, it’s easy to see they believe in having a good time, especially while raising money, and putting on a true challenge that is worth watching.
A motorcycle rodeo is a precision skills challenge where riders navigate a complex course of cones in a timed run. The competition is judged on both speed and agility—knocking over a cone or putting a foot down will result in point deductions. “It is something to see,” Reed notes, explaining that the course changes every year so veterans are always faced with a fresh challenge. She adds, “You are timed on your speed through the course and also on your agility.” To compete at this level requires serious dedication, as “Law enforcement, they go through very extensive training on those motorcycles.” Reed notes that even riders on motorcycles every single day will witness “at least one oh wow moment every rodeo.”
This year, the event has gone regional, with law enforcement competitors traveling from as far as Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana to compete. While the primary competition focuses on law enforcement, the Rodeo has added a fun new feature this year: separate games for civilians. Civilian riders can still register to participate in “some really, really fun” skills challenges that are not quite as stringent as the elite law enforcement course.
Spectator admission is always free—everyone is invited to come watch the action. Even if you don’t ride, you’re helping the cause because every penny you spend on-site goes directly to Special Olympics Georgia, and specifically to local athletes in our region. The commitment is genuine: Misty has made this her “personal mission,” ensuring every dollar raised goes directly to the kids. “We have funnel cakes, we have nachos, we have hamburgers and hot dogs… All proceeds from the food and shirts here at the event on Saturday go to that effort,” Reed emphasizes. You can also purchase a 2025 rodeo shirt or simply make a donation.
If you are interested in learning to ride, Reed also shared that the dealership hosts a beginning rider’s course, where they start you out whether you have been a passenger or have “never thrown your leg over a motorcycle.” They even encourage students, “If you’re going to do it, do it in class,” referring to putting the bike down, so you can shake bad habits and learn safely.
Competitor registration is and will be open right up until the last minute because, as Reed says, sometimes spectators watch a few challengers and “the bug gets them. They just, they get bit.” The 6th Annual River City Motorcycle Rodeo will be held Saturday, October 11, at Rally Point Harley-Davidson. Competition usually starts shortly after noon, with registration opening at 9 a.m. Spectator admission is free, but competitors (Law Enforcement and Civilian) must register at the official ticketing site, getlocaltix.com. You can also use this site to make an early donation. The day is guaranteed to leave you with the “sweetest, most beautiful tired” feeling of accomplishment.