AspenCash Motorcycle Rally expected to draw huge crowds
RUIDOSO – Blayne Maldonado has been participating in the Aspen Cash Motorcycle Rally parade since he was 6 years old.
This year, it will be a bit different for Maldonado because he will be one of the new owners who are hosting the 2018 event.
Now in its 21st year, the Aspen Cash Motorcycle Rally starts Thursday, May 17, and runs through Sunday, May 20.
Although the rally is a staple in Ruidoso, it’s Maldonado’s first year hosting and being a co-owner of the rally that takes months of preparation to stage.
Blayne and his father Humberto Maldonado have taken over the Aspen Cash from former owners Ron and Jill Andrews, according to the rally’s website.
Bikers from all over the Southwest and nationwide will ride hundreds if not thousands of miles to enjoy the uniqueness of the four-day rally and Ruidoso.
“We picked it up this year,” Maldonado said. “Anyone is welcome.”
The rally traditionally kicks off Ruidoso’s summer season with pre-registration at the Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, Thursday.
This year the rally features live music and a variety of activities for every motorcyclist enthusiast.
The registration fee for Thursday and Sunday is are $10 per person, $20 for Friday and Saturday, and $35 per person for an all-access pass for the entire weekend. The rally is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with concerts Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“We estimate that somewhere around 300 people have already purchased the 4-day passes, while others show up the day of the event to buy passes. Right now, it is too soon to know how many people will participate,” Blayne Maldonado said. “There is really no way to tell how many people will show up on the day it begins, but everyone is welcome. No one will be tuned away. We see riders ranging from 30 years to 67 years old.”
Pre-registration is always encouraged as the town will be rumbling with visitors.
From the Aspen Cash run to local vendors from all over the county, many participants look forward to the event every May, and continue to return year after year.
There will be over 26 vendors, many of which have purchased several booths. Tourist and locals alike spend the weekend participating in the bike parade and the Aspen Cash run while enjoying Ruidoso’s beautiful scenery.
“We are trying to make this event more of a motorcycle rally feel this year,” Maldonado said. “We want it to be more of a laid-back event this year.”
This year’s vendors include Harley Davidson Motorcycles and LED Installation. Other vendors will offer upholstery repair, motorcycle accessories and gear, T-shirts, motorcycle jewelry and food.
In keeping with the tradition of the event, Blayne and Humberto Maldonado are focusing on having more local vendors at the event.
“The money should stay local for our restaurants, hotels, bars and other businesses,” Blayne Maldonado said. “We want to encourage locals and visitors to experience all that our town has to offer. It is a beautiful place with many things to see and do.”
This year the event will offer live music with Jordan Mathew taking the stage Friday night, and a ZZ Top tribute band performing Saturday night. A Budweiser stage will be on hand, and a stunt group from California will be performing.
“We are excited about this,” Maldonado said. “It will add a new aspect to the rally. We hope it will draw more people to this year.”
The Aspen Cash Motorcycle Rally parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The parade route begins at Sudderth Drive and Highway 70 then proceeds down to Mechem Drive and finishes at the Convention Center.
As in previous years, the rally will have the motorcycle run.
“This has always been a big part of the rally and this year it will be no different,” Maldonado said. “We are excited. This is our first year and we welcome all to join us.”
For more information about the Aspen Cash Motorcycle rally or registration go online to their website at motorcyclerally.com or call 575-258-5445.