CVB Travel: Motorcycle riders get revved up for weekend jubilee

Susan Wade is public relations manager for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

When Pam Johnson bought a 2001 Suzuki Marauder in March, the odometer showed the motorcycle had been ridden only three miles.

Since then, the 41-year-old from Milwaukee, Wis., has logged nearly 10,000 miles on the shiny chrome and maroon Marauder. Not bad for someone who never owned a motorcycle before.

Johnson also has never visited Missouri before, nor has she attended the Ozark Motorcycle Jubilee, an all-bike rally Labor Day weekend in Springfield.

"I'm really a newbie newbie," Johnson said, laughing.

By next week, Johnson will shed her novice status and thousands of other motorcycle enthusiasts will be calling her a veteran. Johnson is so enamored with cruising the highways on her 805 cc Marauder, she's riding the bike 600 miles for the third annual Ozark Motorcycle Jubilee at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

"I just really have an appreciation for people who can competently handle their bikes," said Johnson, a 5-foot, 2-inch, 94-pounder who recently passed an experienced rider's test.

Johnson won't be disappointed with the Jubilee, said Howard Rasmussen, event manager for Black Eagle Promotions.

At least eight drill teams will compete in precision riding events that place riders within inches of one another as they maneuver sharp turns, zip through crisscross patterns and perform other synchronized stunts.

A free-style individual competition also is scheduled. And the team free-style demonstrations by the Cajun Wings and others are sure to be crowd pleasers.

Even people who aren't motorcycle riders will enjoy watching the competition and attending Jubilee events, such as the opening ceremonies and trade show.

"If you like motor sports, ice cream, cotton candy, hotdogs and grandstand entertainment, you'll like the Jubilee," Rasmussen said.

That's something more people are learning. In the Jubilee's first year, about 3,000 attended. Last year, 4,000 attended. About 5,500 are expected this year, Rasmussen said.

Diane Gillespie, sales manager for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, expects to see increased local business participation as the event gains recognition and continues meeting in Springfield. The American Motorcyclists Association recently sanctioned the Jubilee, sponsored by the American National Property and Casualty Co.

"The endorsement will help the event gain respect nationwide," Gillespie said. "Local business owners recognize the value of bringing thousands of motorcycle riders to Springfield. As the event grows, businesses will get more creative with marketing techniques that bring those visitors through their doors."

Johnson said she's sure she'll like the Jubilee just as it is because everyone there will share her passion for motorcycle riding.

Johnson has so much faith in the motorcycle enthusiasts organizing the rally, she already has an eye on the 2003 Jubilee.

Admission to the Ozark Motorcycle Jubilee drill team competition is $5 for adults. Children 15 and younger are free when accompanied by an adult. Cost is $12 for the tradeshow and rally. For more information, call the Convention and Visitors Bureau or visit www.springfieldmo.org or www.ozarkmotorcyclejubilee.com