Wednesday, August 17th - Loveland Prepares For "Thunder In The Rockies"...

"Thunder in the Rockies", Harley Davidson motorcycle rally is planned at The Ranch in Loveland Sept. 1-4.  The likelihood is that many riders will actually be in northern Colorado a day or two before and after the official event.

This is the first year of the gathering, so no one can accurately predict attendance, but estimates range from 40,000 to 100,000 riders and passengers during the 4-day event.  It is anticipated that with The Ranch and Thunder Mountain HD Dealership as the headquarters, the riders will take part in rallies or simply visit many northern Colorado communities, plus Estes Park, Lyons, Cheyenne, Laramie and other towns.

All the area communities have meet repeatedly for months to prepare for the welfare and comfort of this large number of visitors plus local community residents. The following information has been provided by the City of Loveland:

Loveland Information:

Police

            The Loveland Police Department will double the number of officers on patrol during the four days of the rally.  With thousands more people in Loveland—primarily at the Ranch, the rally’s main site—more officers will be needed.

            All patrol officers will spend time on duty.  Officers, sergeants and Community Service Officers will work 12-hour shifts.  Normal days off will not occur, nor will vacation days be permitted.  The City is prepared to pay any necessary overtime.

            On the other hand, if it turns out that increased staffing is not required, some personnel will end their shifts early.  “We’re ramping up for this event, and it’s a lot easier to ramp down as needed,” said Capt. Bob Klinger .  During each shift, a Special Rapid Response squad will be on duty.

            No changes in local enforcement procedures are planned.  No parts of town will be off limits to the visitors, nor will any additional areas be opened and made available.  There will be more officers on patrol, but enforcement procedures will not change.  For example, more officers on patrol increase the likelihood of spotting speeders or drunken drivers, but neither special radar zones nor DUI checkpoints are planned.

            “By ramping up, we’re preparing for the worst, but we’re expecting the best,” Klinger said.  “We believe the rally will result in significant positive benefits for both its participants and the northern Colorado communities.”

Ambulance

            Thompson Valley EMS provides Loveland ’s ambulance service.  Like other agencies, TVEMS is planning increased staffing and equipment during the motorcycle gathering.  With thousands of people expected, two ambulances will be stationed at the Ranch.  Overall, the agency is planning a 40 percent increase in service capability.

Hospital

            McKee Medical Center will increase the number of its health care individuals on call beyond normal levels, bringing them to the hospital if needed.

Fire Department

            Additional Loveland Fire and Rescue staffing, including volunteers, is planned.  The Big Thompson Volunteer Fire Department will have staff on hand at the station during a rally ride up the canyon.

            Routine inspections of vendor booths for fire regulation compliance will occur, primarily during setup the day before the public event begins.  Similar inspections of the special RV camp site at the dog track parking lot will also occur.

Parks

            No changes planned.  Reminder to all:  No camping allowed.  No alcohol allowed.  Curfew at all parks is 10:30 p.m.

Schools

            No changes anticipated.

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