The Rocky Mountain and Arizona Chapters of the Indian Motorcycle Riding Group (IMRG) convened in Ignacio, Colo. for the second time, the three day event for 2017 was dubbed the Durango Rendezvous II. The mantra for this year’s gathering was Steam & Thunder Across the Rockies.

For Terry Connett, President of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group, Rocky Mountain Chapter — the annual rendezvous is about community.

“This event is all about the riders,” Connett said. “I want everyone to learn about the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and have a good time.”
Riders participated in a number of rides and activities across the region, including a trip on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The train stopped at Cascade Canyon, where riders were treated with a cultural Bear Dance presentation. The Southern Ute performance and cultural presentations were made possible by the Southern Ute Cultural Department.

The big draw for motorcycle riders to converge in the Four Corners, and particularly in Ignacio, is tied to the open landscapes, mountain vistas and scenic drives throughout the region.

“There is lot’s to see on our reservation,” Southern Ute Councilman Tyson Thompson said. “ Be safe, and enjoy yourselves.”

Jeff Grigsby of Indian Motor Works, joined Chris Matthieu and Mike Gaillour for the Indian Motorcycle History Panel at the Sky Ute Casino and Resort on Wednesday, June 14.

Grigsby is an accomplished machinist and avid collector of Indian Motorcycles, he founded Indian Motor Works in 1977 and relocated to the Pine River Valley. “Our legacy is that we have resurrected a lot of old bikes,” Grigsby said. “You identify with history, it’s easy to do.” Jeff Grigsby’s passion and knowledge of Indian Motorcycles goes back to his first restoration in 1974.

“The casino venue is first class,” Connett said, and he is already looking forward to returning in 2018.

The Indian Motorcycle Riders Group meet in Ignacio, Colo. from June 13-18.