The Northfield Historical Society Board of Directors and the Outlaw Run Committee announced today that this year’s outlaw run, scheduled for August 27, has been canceled due to road safety concerns. The decision comes after an accident near Mazeppa on the planned Outlaw Run route, during which two committee members were injured.
“Although conditions were perfect when we checked the route a month ago, you never know what Minnesota’s summer road construction season might create,” says Hayes Scriven, executive director of the Northfield Historical Society. Recently a patch of road near Mazeppa was repaired in such a way that the surface was especially slippery for motorcycles, as discovered by the two committee members Sunday. The pair — one of whom was hospitalized — also were the designated leaders of the run.
Planning a large group motorcycle ride requires intricate planning of routes, with careful consideration of turns and using as many low-traffic roads as possible. “Canceling this event was not an easy decision,” says Scriven. “But the safety of our riders is our primary concern.”
Riders who have pre-registered will be refunded their entire registration fee.
If riders would still like to support the NHS Youth Programs they can purchase this year’s Outlaw Run t-shirt and a “History Badass” button in the NHS store.
Note that NHS is still exploring the possibility of hosting the Outlaw Run after-party at the Reub ‘N’ Stein in Northfield. Visit northfieldhistory.org or the Outlaw Run’s Facebook page for updates.
NOTE: The City of Northfield had nothing to do with canceling this event. It’s not their call to make.
