2011 H.O.G. Rally Committee departs Rockford for 2010 H.O.G. Rally; next year’s rally at Rockford’s Clock Tower

From press release

The 2011 H.O.G. Rally Committee departed Kegel Harley-Davidson Buell in Rockford at noon today (Thursday, June 3) to make the ride to O’Fallen, Ill., for the 2010 Illinois H.O.G. Rally and to promote the 2011 event being held in Rockford June 9-13, 2011.

Mark Kegel, owner of Kegel Harley-Davidson; Dwight Hopfauf, general manager of the Best Western Clock Tower Resort; and others from the Rally Committee gathered at Kegel, 7125 Harrison Ave., Rockford, before departing.

Best Western Clock Tower Resort will be the host hotel for next year’s event. The Rockford rally will feature a convention-style kick-off party, scores of Harley-Davidson seminars, bike parades, live entertainment and more. According to Kegel, bringing the 2011 event to Rockford is something the entire city should be proud of.

“Congrats to Rockford,” Kegel said. “We will host the 2011 Illinois State H.O.G. Rally. Good job to all of you that made this event come true.”

Kegel said the hospitality industry and retail community will see a significant increase in business during the four-day rally.

“The Clock Tower only has a couple hundred rooms,” Kegel said, “and they will be filled up pretty quick. All of the other hotels and businesses will be very busy.”

Kegel expects between 2,000 and 2,500 bike owners to attend the rally in Rockford in 2011. He said the turnout could be bigger because of Rockford’s close proximity to Chicago.