COEUR d'ALENE - That wasn't thunder you heard in downtown Coeur d'Alene late Saturday morning.

It was the sound of nearly 50 motorcycles and trikes rolling down Sherman Avenue, serving as a reminder to the community that May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.

The 13th annual Motorcycle Awareness Rally and Parade was held in conjunction with two other awareness rallies that took place in Boise and Idaho Falls.

"This is the official beginning of the motorcycle riding season," said event organizer Dave Cazel of Coeur d'Alene. "Please recognize the fact that we're out here. We're hard to see. We have such small mass."

Cazel, the Idaho representative for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and member of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education), referenced the five-vehicle wreck that occurred Friday afternoon at Stateline.

"It's just horrible, but there's an example of not being aware of motorcycles," he said. "We're just trying to raise that level of awareness."

Dozens of riders showed up for the rally. Many wore denim, leather riding chaps, vests or jackets. Many also laughed or smiled widely when they greeted each other, creating a family reunion-like atmosphere before the rally began.

Two family members who were present were Tom Calder, Sr., and Tom Calder, Jr., both of Coeur d'Alene. Tom Sr. said he has been riding for more than 40 years. He taught his sons to ride safely and with respect for themselves and the bikes. He and Tom Jr. have more than 70 years combined riding experience.

"It's my favorite hobby," Tom Jr. said.

Tom Sr. said he likes to attend the rally each year because it provides support for people to be extra aware that motorcycles are on the road.

"You can ride smart or you can ride stupid," he said. "But riding stupid will get you in trouble every time."

Motorcyclists can be difficult to see, partly because of motorists' blind spots. Tom Sr. said it is imperative to wear a helmet, or what he calls a "bonnet," because the mingling of motorcycles, blind spots and sometimes inattentive drivers can be dangerous.

"You always wear a 'bonnet' because you never know when you're going to need it to bounce your heard off the ground," he said.

Two guest speakers presented information and support for motorcycle riders as the crowd assembled in the Veterans Memorial Plaza at 324 W. Garden Street in Coeur d'Alene.

Shawn Beer, statewide site manager with the Idaho STAR (Skills Training Advantage for Riders) Motorcycle Safety Program, spoke about rider responsibilities and safety.

"We put a large amount of our resources into outreach programs for motorist awareness, impaired riding campaigns," he said. "That way all riders have a better chance of coming home safely."

He was followed by a brief speech by State Sen. Bob Nonini, who serves on the Senate's Transportation Committee.

"I am not a rider, but I grew up with a bunch of riders," he said. "I've seen some terrible accidents and some friends I grew up with in the Silver Valley killed because of inattentive motorists not noticing motorcycle riders."

He discussed motorcyclists and motorists sharing the road, the need for everyone to be aware of their surroundings and Idaho's freedom of choice when it comes to wearing a helmet.

"You can make those decisions for yourself," he said.

The ceremony ended with a parade of motorcycles, followed by a swap meet in Rathdrum.