Get ready to ride. Motorcycle enthusiasts from across the Northwest will roll into the Flathead this weekend for Rally Flathead Valley. The three-day event is expected to draw hundreds to Majestic Valley Arena on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a close-up look at the gleaming, polished chrome and custom paint jobs, and to hear the roar and rumble of fine-tuned chopper engines.

"There are plenty of motorcycle enthusiasts who are middle- to upper-class businessmen and women, said rally organizer Sandra Blea. " And they all have their own weekend wild style of fun after their kids' soccer games and yard work."

Blea, who's also founder and editor of the valley's new Big Sky Biker Magazine, is spearheading the rally as a fund-raiser for Samaritan House homeless shelter.

"We're thankful to be able to help Samaritan House and the homeless right here in the Flathead, said Blea. "On any given day the shelter helps as many as 185 homeless people, and a large percentage are them are families."

Flathead County Undersheriff Mike Meehan said law-enforcement agencies have been notified about the events and don't expect any problems.

A Show & Shine will be on display in front of the arena throughout the weekend. A full slate of activities is planned daily, including smoking burn-out pits, a biker build-off and rodeo competitions.

Fans also can show off their ink at 1 p.m. during Saturday's tattoo contest, then join in the fun at 9 p.m. for Big Sky Biker Magazine's search for the first Rally Biker Babe. The motorcycle rodeo gets under way at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Four big bands will provide live music all weekend long:

-Blue Onion - Friday night

-Rockaholics - at 4 p.m. Saturday, with Twisted Logic afterward.

-DE JA VU - at 3 p.m. Sunday.

A variety of vendors and concessions also will be open indoors and outside the arena.

A pig roast is set for Saturday night, with a hearty cowboy breakfast Sunday morning.

Tickets are available at the gate starting at 3 p.m. Friday. A three-day pass is $38.50 and includes the pig roast. Day passes are $15, with prices available for children and family packages.

On-site camping also available throughout the weekend. Call 885-7559 to reserve a spot.

Call Blea at 755-4737 or 212-9889, or Majestic Valley Arena at 755-5366.