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© 2004 Hawgstock.Com. All rights reserved.
Welcome to
Hawgstock. We love to party, HOME OF THE SHOWER STAGE,
*HAWGSTOCK LETTER TO RESIDENTS *
5-31-2005
A 2005 letter to the residents of Madison County and also to the residents of the City of Winterset, Iowa from the organizers of Hawgstock Motorcycle Rally.
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We realize that a Motorcycle event, especially one which does use the words “nudity” and “vulgar language” in its advertising is a very
shocking thing to a rural Iowa community.
As bikers (so we are called by many) and also residents of this same community, we feel we have some explaining or educating to do. We
have spoken to many of you already and have also been approached by many others that are eager to learn about the idea. We realize
that some of you are also offended by such an idea. Therefore we would like to offer an explanation of what may go on during this event.
Many of you are possibly scared of the thought of “bikers” coming to Winterset, Iowa. Is it not true that almost daily, motorcycles come
through, not only our town but also our county? During riding season here in Iowa, on almost any given day, it is odd to not see several
bikes on a trip to town. On most weekends you will find motorcycles parked on the square in town, and the riders inside one of the food
establishments located on the square or sometimes doing some shopping in the unique shops Winterset has to offer. Does this make some
of you wonder if our town is safe?
As a young man Paul Taylor (Chief) grew up 3 miles south of Rippey, Iowa and was exposed at a young age to his father’s friends coming
home from the Vietnam war finding they were outcasts in their own society. Paul began to see these young men band together with the
motorcycles they owned, bound by the horrors of war only they who participated in the conflict would understand. Along with this a
brotherhood was being formed amongst them. This motorcycle brotherhood has existed in every generation of Americans whatever the
reason that brought this brotherhood together. Today there are motorcycle gatherings all across the United States, some all of us have
heard of such as Sturgis, others gatherings are smaller, but the common bond is a motorcycle. “Motorcycle gangs” as many will call them,
or “clubbers” as we would refer to them, all ride motorcycles. The reasons each of us ride are not important to most of you and vary greatly
from person to person. Motorcycle gangs, or clubbers are also referred to as “patch holders” or those that wear “colors”. You may
recognize some of the clubbers: The Hells Angels, Sons of Silence, Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club or even The Christian Motorcycle
Association.
We have attended many motorcycle events throughout the years and have never once seen harm or destruction come to a community
where these gatherings of motorcycles are held. The business people of Daytona, Florida have told us that they would much rather have
the “bikers” than the spring breakers. More often than not a “biker” would be apt to stop along the roadside to check on a motorist, not to
steal from them, but to make sure that flat tire isn’t to much for them to handle on there own. Or see if they could offer some other form of
assistance. That brings us to a first hand experience which occurred last year while we were heading to Sturgis, South Dakota on our
motorcycle. We were on interstate 680 west our load had shifted which was tied down on our motorcycle, we stopped along the roadside to
tie it back down. We were passed by 6 motorcycles which seconds later we found were stopping just ahead of us. The sole purpose of all
of them stopping was to check on us, and make sure we were first off ok, and secondly to see if we needed some assistance. The men
coming back along the roadside to lend assistance if needed informed us we had no business out on the highway alone and being fairly
sure our destinations were similar suggested that we should ride along with them. We didn’t mind the idea of being in a group, and off we
all went. After several gas and water stops my wife asked “Do you realize we are riding with Angels?“ My reply was “Yes, and what is wrong
with that?” “But they are Angels” she exclaimed. “Yes, they are. We have no axe to grind with them; nor them with us”. We rode with those
boys right into Sturgis and then went our own separate ways without even knowing each others names. Later that week, our Angels saw us
as new acquaintances and always made a point to speak to us when our paths crossed, even if it was to shout across the street “Hey Iowa
“. Our response being “Hey, New York”. Some of the riders that come to our town may wear colors, others will not. These groups are far
from the old “stereo typed gangs”. Keep in mind, these riders my also be doctors, lawyers, dads, moms, amazingly ordinary folks that like to
ride and have found that a day in the sun with the wind in there face makes for a great day away from the ordinary 9 to 5.
As the promoters of Hawgstock, we ask our fellow residents to welcome the bikers as guests to the community. We are not asking that you
go out of your way to welcome them, however don’t change your life or walk down the other side of the street because of us or them
(bikers). If we have offended folks because of the use of honesty in promoting our event, we are very sorry. However having attended
many of these events, swearing does seem to occur quite often and more than once we have seen people express themselves in many
manners none of which seem to be terribly life threatening, but in a manner that would not be appropriate with children present and would
not be appropriate in the general public’s eye. This does not mean that Hawgstock is a nudist colony! Only that the possibility of seeing
some skin on Hawgstock premises does exist. Hence, you must be 21 to attend Hawgstock and “If nudity and vulgar language offend you,
stay home”. A motorcycle rally is not an event for everyone! The statement was meant in the utmost honest form to deter those that might
be offended. Most “bikers”, are less willing to hide their true feelings, they speak their mind openly, generally making them outcasts in the
general public’s eye. Long hair, beards, shaved heads and tattoos are often associated with those that ride motorcycles and seem to be
the norm in the biker world. Bikers (those of us that ride motorcycles) also have families, children, attend church, shop in the same stores
as many of you do and usually have another means of transportation as well. We do often hear “biker” under other peoples’ breathe. How
many other groups have been subject to the same treatment? Lets put some thought into how Blacks, American Indians, Jewish folks and
Hispanics have been treated in the past and to some extent are treated today! Are bikers now a race? Do you treat people that drive
trucks differently than those that drive cars? Maybe its time we all took a good long look in the mirror. We are all humans with different likes
and dislikes. Discrimination is discrimination and illegal in all parts of the United States. We have all in one way or another seen it, or heard
about it. Even if it wasn’t your own generation it may have been your parents’ or grandparents’ possibly. Without the understanding of past
generations’ differences would never have been overcome.
With that said, we would like to have each of us look at the positive aspects of what Hawgstock may do for Winterset and Madison county as
a whole. A large majority of the Hawgstock activity (events, music and camping) will be contained on our private property. The bikers then
as tourists may come to town for provisions and to shop at the unique stores Winterset has to offer. We also have the Bridges of Madison
County which a lot of people have yet to see. We are in hopes that they will see a lot of activity compared to a normal weekend, allowing
others to enjoy them as well. This is a beautiful county and a lot of people have never seen some of the things this county has to offer.
Hawgstock will have bands, its own security force, Porta Pottys ( exceeding the state limits) and hot showers. Many vendors will also attend
the event selling anything from clothing, riding gear, leather,hats, patches and Tshirts. Most of the “biker” t-shirts are event t-shirts that
note the event and the date it was held, collectors items for some that ride, conversation pieces for others. Another factor which seems to
be an issue is noise. Yes, we as riders say “loud pipes, save lives” Have you ever heard the horn on a motorcycle? The fact that
Hawgstock will be held on a gravel road means that bikes racing on there way to the rally is doubtful at best. Anyone riding a motorcycle
very fast on gravel would be deemed irresponsible and crazy by other riders. There will be some added noise without question. Although
there most likely will not be a lot of riders out in the dark. The majority of the bike noise will be during the day. We personally have grown
to love the sound of the bikes, not unlike some of you that can tell what kind of tractor or vehicle is coming up the road. More noise, we will
do our best to control the bands, No noise is virtually impossible. By hiring a professional lighting and sound company the spread of noise
will be limited. They tell us they can limit the range of sound with their equipment, and NO you will not be able to hear our bands on the
square. We are in hopes that the sound will not travel far at all, we are in hopes it is limited to our property, the river valley and back side of
the dump. We will also water down the portion of the gravel road most heavily traveled several times a day in hopes of minimizing the dust
for folks living along that area.
This rally is not a hasty decision on our part. We have done some careful planning and a lot of research. Riders would not attend rallies
with their expensive motorcycles if they thought they or their machines were endangered. We would not bring Hawgstock to our backyard if
we thought it would endanger us or the community. Many of you have heard of another rally, called the Freedom Rally, currently held in
Algona, Iowa formerly held in Humboldt, Iowa. Algona, Iowa has welcomed this rally with open arms. Algona, a small town in northern Iowa
noted a swell of revenue over a three day period, amounting to several million dollars. A town that was once hesitant now welcomes us
(bikers) with free bottled water and a small newspaper of events that tie in with the motorcycle rally. We do not expect to see those
numbers for several years but quite possibly with your help and understanding Winterset could. This motorcycle rally could help the
community as a whole and get a lot of people involved in many different ways. In many communities that host rallys, clubs such as the
Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary and even some of the churches host breakfast buffets as fund raisers, and they do well. These breakfasts are held
in halls or church basements. Many of the local stores allow vendors to use the parking lots and the town people come and browse through
the vendors goods as well and watch the bikes. In some communities there are bike parades at given times, bike shows for all to see and
so many other ideas. Lets keep in mind that most of these “bikers” are normal people that chose to ride a motorcycle on occasion, no
different than some of you like to boat, snow mobile, have show cars, or ride in the rodeo. It is their passion.
We are in hopes that we will have the ability to donate funds to some of our local organizations as well. Fire, Police, canned goods to the
folks less fortunate than ourselves. Many of you have heard of the annual Toy Run, that sends semi loads of toys and needed items to
unfortunate families in the communities. One rally in eastern Iowa boasts $50,000 a year in charitable contributions. Some of these things
will not be possible without your help and understanding.
Unkown things are the most feared! If you have more unanswered questions, please call or write us a note. Our contact information
can be found on the "contact us" page of this website. We really are quite normal folks, with a passion for motorcycles, undergoing a
private business venture, hoping to bring some much needed revenue to our town.
Paul (Chief) & Cathy (Cat)
JUST A BIKER (a poem being passed around the internet) Author unknown, but appreciated!
I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local Mall.
I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant when you saw my bike parked out front. But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.
I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children where born or have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing she was safe behind me.
I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But you didn't see me trying to turn right.
I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me. Because I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker, A person with friends and a family. But you didn't see me.
Repost this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community.
I hope you never lose someone that rides!
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND PLEASE TAKE A FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE ARE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY!
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