Gold Wing Rally brings bikers back year after year

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Goldwing motorcycles converged on Branson last weekend for the annual Goldwing Road Riders Association Missouri District Association Rally, held Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Jennifer Murray of Holts Summit, Missouri, has been attending the rally for 13 years.

Photo by K.D. Michaels

The popular event, headquartered on Branson’s Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, began in 1991, and includes riders from around the region. The weekend’s activities included food, fun, entertainment, vendors and lots of scheduled and impromptu rides.

Becky Cassitty rides from Eberfeld, Indiana, to attend the rally.

Photo by K.D. Michaels

The GWRRA Rally, known as “Wing’n the Ozarks” saw 310 people in attendance, approximately the same amount as last year.

While each rally brings in some first timers, others have been attending the rally for many years. Jennifer Murray of Holts Summit, Mo., has been bringing her Goldwing to Branson for the past 13 years.

Roger and Lisa Fleming from Oelwein, Iowa, enjoy their time in Branson at the GWRRA rally.

Photo by K.D. Michaels

For Becky Cassitty of Indiana, this is her fourth year at the rally. “My husband had the Goldwing,” said Cassitty. “We had a dream to travel the United States on the motorcycle. When he died, I said, ‘Well, I have to sell it or learn to ride.’ I got my motorcycle endorsement at the age of 66. I am now 73, and I have been coming to this rally for four years.”

The 2023 GWRRA Missouri District Rally is set for June 1-3 of next year. For more information, visit their website, www. mogwrra.org.