WINONA, Minn. — The scenic roads that run along the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers in Minnesota and western Wisconsin will be filled with motorcycles this weekend taking part in the 2023 Flood Run.
Riders will run the loop (or portions of it) between St. Croix Beach and Winona on the Minnesota side, and Prescott and Buffalo on the Wisconsin side. The event, which raises funds for Gillette Children's, attracts thousands of bikes and marks the unofficial kickoff of motorcycle season.
Things are off to a slow start as winter weather stretched into a cold and bleak spring, so it's important that both motorists and bikers are hyper-aware and use caution during the Flood Run. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) says 2022 was the deadliest year for motorcycle riders since 1985, with 82 people killed in crashes.
“Motorcycles are back on our roadways and that means it’s time to look twice for motorcyclists in traffic, especially at intersections,” said Jay Bock, motorcycle safety coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Safety Center. “Riders can do their part to enhance their safety by wearing high-visibility clothing, proper gear and refreshing their skills.”
Law enforcement will have extra patrols out on the route to ensure a safe environment and discourage participants from drinking and riding.
“We want riders to have a great time being back on the road after a long winter, but even more importantly, we want them to make it home safely," said State Patrol spokesman Lt. Gordon Shank. "Motorcyclists and motorists should work together to share the road and ensure a fun event for all.”
Riders are encouraged to:
- Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding, keeping your speed in check and maintaining a two-second following distance.
- Wear the gear. Motorcyclists should wear a DOT-approved helmet and brightly colored protective gear for visibility and protection.
- Don’t drink and ride. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities involve impaired riders.
Motorists can help by:
- Watching for motorcycles. Due to the smaller size of motorcycles, their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.
- Always looking twice before entering a roadway, turning left or changing lanes.
- Giving riders room by maintaining a three-second following distance and check blind spots.
- Paying attention and drive at safe speeds.
The first Flood Run took place in 1965 when 12 buddies rode their bikes to Winona to help sandbag and hold back Mississippi floodwaters. The ride was put on pause when many of the founders were called to serve in Vietnam, but they resumed in 1970, eventually adding a fall flood run to cap the riding season. Currently in it's 58th year, the Flood Run has become one of America's biggest group rides in America.
For more information on the event, check out the Flood Run page.
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