Run to Raton Motorcycle Rally

Written for the 2021 Raton Visitors Guide

In early 2017, Joseph Patrick "JP" Rodman, Jason Bennett and Bunny Bunker discussed joining up to create a motorcycle rally that would showcase the great rides that are abundant in northern New Mexico. By July of that year, the inaugural Run To Raton (RR) was underway.

None of the organizers are event professionals, but the passion for the event and what it consists of allows R2R to be the fluid, organically, evolving happening that it is.

Changes invariably take place from year to year, but some things are constant. You'll always find amazing bikes, plenty of hot bands, tattooing, food and libations, vendors, and northern New Mexico's premier pin-up contest, Miss Run to Raton. In addition there are planned rides (as well as spontaneous throughout the miles of open road that are so abundant in this part of the southwest.

The event takes place in mid July, when Raton's mountain weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and goes on for three days.

Attendees ride in from all over the U.S. Many of them choose to camp out for the ideal R2R experience. Raton also has plenty of hotels and Airbnb's for those wanting the comforts of home in addition to a great time.

Let's have the founders of the event tell you the details about R2R themselves. 

Bunny Bunker

An entrepreneur currently on a break-just sold my last passion project, the Raton Pass Motor Inn. I have some new projects in the works. I moved to Raton from Florida in 2016, and absolutely love it here.

I'm pretty much a behind the scenes person. I keep up with the Facebook page, work on finding sponsors, and try to keep things moving in the right direction in the months leading up to R2R. Sometimes that feels like herding cats, but that's cool, I like cats.

I've also been the organizer of Miss Run to Raton, which is an event within the event. We're had three amazing winners. Our original Miss R2R is a Raton native who lives in Los Al-amos, NM. Jenny Baca Mills is one of the few pharmacists in the US (maybe the only one) who is also a pinup, and she'll be taking over the reins to the contest next year.

Our little city has been outrageously supportive of this event. Ratonians, in general, are always so great about pitching in for a good cause.

We get a lot of support from businesses and individuals, as well as having tons of help from the Independent Riders and the Raton Mainstreet members. Running an event such as this is kind of like raising a child—it takes a village!

Jason Bennett

I moved here from Florida in 2016 with Bunny Bunker and helped her create the Raton Pass Motor Inn. I'm now following my own dream of starting a distillery, and I'm running Gate City Craft Bar. My main tasks with R2R are dealing with challenges that come up beforehand, and then managing security during the event.

When I hear the bikes rolling into town as the event kicks off, I know all the hard work was worth it and there's a fantastic few days ahead.

It's great to be able to bring so many new individuals to Raton for the first time, and to have a solid percentage of them return each year. A couple of past attendees have even chosen to relocate here. It's a good feeling to contribute to something that actually financially benefits businesses in town and brings positive attention to the area.

Joseph Patrick “JP” Rodman

I've been in Raton almost six years. Currently specializing in custom chopper and trike builds, as well as custom motorcycle and automobile paint.

In my eyes, R2R is different due to it being more of a gathering than a show or award driven event. The surrounding area plays into it largely due to the many destinations, camp-grounds, and points of interest in close proximity.

I really like the mornings during the event when everyone starts to stir and get ready for the day's rides or entertainment. I also like the excitement when the giveaway is awarded.

The community has been really gracious and generous with donations and help since day one. The event is able to give back by bringing revenue to our local businesses.

R2R is becoming one of the best summer events in the country for the custom motorcycle community. In my opinion, everyone shows up to have a good time, and attitudes are left behind. Everyone contributes and leaves with a smile and memories.