Cripple Creek’s main street will proudly echo with the sound of motorcycle engines in a tribute of remembrance as hundreds of veteran riders and patriots make their way into the heart of the city.

The 2026 Annual Salute to American Veterans Rally Aug. 21-22, is billed as Colorado’s greatest celebration of freedom, patriotism and camaraderie. It is the longest-standing gathering of veterans and patriots in the western United States and continues to be meaningful, somber, cathartic, and celebratory for participating veterans and supporters.

Veterans of all eras, active-duty military members, their families and patriotic citizens from across the country attend the festival to celebrate service members’ honor, duty, selflessness and sacrifice for this country.

Festival promoters invite the public to “Join us as we honor, respect, and remember those brave Americans who have given us the greatest gift of all: Freedom.”

Teller County citizens are encouraged to come out and support and welcome the Veterans on the Recognition Ride as they make their way to Cripple Creek. The ride departs Woodland Park at 10 a.m. and supporters can line the streets and Highway 24 between Woodland Park and Divide, and Highway 67 between Divide and Cripple Creek. Bring your chairs and your flags.

The entire festival is always free and open to the public. Over 350 charities have benefitted from Veterans Rally proceeds throughout the years.

For schedule and registration information go to: www.theveteransrally.org or call 719-487-8005.

From ride to rally

A simple motorcycle ride in 1987, organized with the intent to raise public awareness of veterans whose whereabouts are still unknown, has evolved into an annual pilgrimage and celebration of veterans’ service to this country.

Jim Wear, the son of a military officer, discovered from local students visiting his motorcycle shop, they didn’t know the meaning of the iconic black and white POW/MIA flag displayed on the wall.

Wear, and the High Country Custom Cycles crew in Colorado Springs, decided to round up friends, veterans, and local bikers for a gathering at the shop. The group affixed homemade, star-spangled banners and POW/MIA flags to decorate their motorcycles, then headed out for a ride through town with an attention-getting strategy to make as much noise as possible, and – hopefully – raise the awareness of local citizens.

As the annual Ride grew from a dozen motorcycles to many hundreds, the event captured the interest and support of the public, local businesses, vendors and city officials; ultimately giving birth to the Salute to American Veterans Rally.

Thirty-nine years later the ride is expected to draw over 1,500 riders from across the nation.

According to Wear, the Recognition Ride has partnered with and turned over the entire operation to Veterans 4 Veterans, a local nonprofit formed to assist homeless veterans in Teller and El Paso Counties.