We came.

We saw.

We conquered.

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ABATE of Iowa, Algona Freedom Rally 2017 was another success.

And by success we mean drunk, tired and wet.

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Oh come on you dirty minded folks… it rained.  Daily.  Hell, we even survived a potential twister in the area.  Tent campers unite!

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But you dirty minded folks probably aren’t too far off either. 😉

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Like all motorcycle rallies; we arrived, checked-in, set up camp and immediately headed back into town for necessities:

• Beer
• Snacks
• Beer
• Liquor

before settling into some campsite day drinking, games and people watching.

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Holding up to last years promise, Tracy scored a yard game to keep us entertained for a few hours each day.   Let’s just say a few of us were big talkers and our mouths perhaps got a little ahead of our game.

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Why yes, yes that is a giant bottle of Sangria he’s holding.  We hang with manly men.  Don’t judge.  It’s a rally, remember?  In his defense, he also enjoys partaking in drinking the cheapest, most gut rot inducing beer he can find.

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Our crew prefers to camp on our own little acreage, nestled back in the trees, away from the Algona Rally hub.   We were pretty stoked when we scored our spot we stumbled upon last year and are pretty confident that two years in a row makes us official owners of said acreage.  Watch it 2018’ers.  We are coming for you if you take our spot.

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But, if you prefer to be where the action is day in and day out, then go camp with our good friends the Wiese’s and their mighty crew.

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Where might that be, you ask?  Just follow the loud rukkus coming out of this beautiful Coleman turned DJ central, aka Andy’s masterpiece.

*shirtless stud sold seperately

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Or just look out for a sea of tent canopies on the main drag.  You’ll see them if you don’t hear them first.

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Rain delays on Thursday didn’t dampen our spirits thanks to the Larson’s bonnet.  Who said anything about this contraption being made for a sunblock on the beach?  Psssh….. rain block at rallies is more like it.

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Heck, if that doesn’t work, just throw a chair carrier over your head and call it a day.

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SHUT the front door…. is that a SODA and not a beer?   Yes, sometimes a beer break, literally, is needed and welcomed.

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Many folks ask how large of a crowd the Algona Freedom rally brings in.   Allow me to let the photos tell the story.

 

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Pretty impressive, ya?

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One popular activity during the rally are the motorcycle games.   From the hotdog eating contest, to the slow ride, to the keg rolling, you are bound to see some skills.   In what skill area are we referencing specifically?  I’ll leave that for you to experience when you attend the Rally in 2018.

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Pictured above are our new friends Shelby and Brandon.   Liz and I have followed Shelby (and she us) for a few years on Instagram.  Funny how those hashtags actually work, you hashtagging fools.  When used with purpose and intention, you actually stumble upon some pretty cool shit, including people!   It was awesome to finally meet and hang out at the Rally this year!

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I am positive that this is just the start of a pretty great friendship and will bring about some fun rides in the future.   Way to go, Instagram!

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I used the rally games to actually start messing around with my DSLR settings and photoshop.  I am hellbent on figuring this out so I can try my hand at capturing some good shots of my girls on their bikes. 🙂

The photo above is my first time throwing in a sky overlay.   For my first time, I’d say I didn’t do too shabby blending it in.   Keep your judgy mcjudgerson thoughts to yourself photo police.   Perhaps lend some soft suggestions on how to use and abuse that fancy photoshop element tool, eh?

#notstaged

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The community of Algona held some dirt track racing on Saturday, so we made our way off grounds to partake in that little afternoon adventure.  It was decent but not thrilling.  I believe we all came for the action but stayed for the announcer.   Someone get that guy a gig announcing all the nonsense seen at the actual rally, stat.   Entertainment for hours.

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Algona 2017 went off without a hitch if you ask our little crew.  But, we don’t ask for much.  Steak sandwiches for the hubs, well done burgers for yours truly, prime real estate for camping,  good tunes and train wreck sight seeing galore.  I believe we checked off all those boxes.

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Even though a repeat from years prior, this guy never disappoints with his flame throwing techniques.

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But T-Rex was a new and hilarious edition this year.

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Ominous skies made for the most beautiful weather we’ve had to date!

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And evening tunes brought out the crazy.

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Heck, even a few mid-afternoon naps were welcomed by some, alcohol induced or not, the balancing act is impressive.

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BUT, word of caution, if you fall asleep while watching the afternoon parade of people, you are bound to wakeup to a bearded hug and a moonshine bottle in your face and down your throat.   Happy rallying, Heidi.

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In the end, great friends make the event a success.

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Thanks to ABATE of Iowa for yet another kick ass weekend of fun and sun.

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Algona 2017, you certainly did not disappoint.  We look forward to your next adventures in 2018.

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Cheers!

 

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Special Thanks:

• ABATE of Iowa
• Algona Freedom Rally Staff
• Algona, IA HyVee
  • for the stellar breakfast, snacks, beer selections and service.

Photos:

• Yours Truly
• Tyree
• Tracy
• Liz
• DeAnn
• Algona Freedom rally facebook page