RED RIVER — For decades, thousands of bikers parked their motorcycles bumper to bumper for the annual Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally. But in the two years following a deadly shootout between rival motorcycle gang members, the gleam of Harleys has dimmed.

That could change if the Motherlode Saloon’s second annual “Revive the Ride,” held over Memorial Day weekend, was any indication. The first violence-free revival of the rally did not attract the throngs of bikers of the past but nonetheless gained traction this year.

Steve Heglund, owner of the Motherlode Saloon, estimates business was up 10% to 15% compared to 2024, an increase he suspects was shared across town.

“The horrific event that happened three years ago destroyed the revenue stream from the weekend and put many busine

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