Riding with purpose
Sept. 17, 2026
Don Moehrle’s motorcycle adventures began when he was five years old. His dad sat him on top of a motorcycle and took him for a ride.
Moehrle’s first ride was the beginning of a life filled with the camaraderie of like-minded riders. He gets to embrace that camaraderie during the fall Flood Run. “The fellowship and freedom on those roads during the Flood Run are what I like most about the event,” Moehrle said.
The three-day event, which raises funds for the Gilette Children’s Hospital, is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20. Riders will cruise along the St. Croix and Mississippi river valleys.
As well as experiencing one of the most scenic drives in the country, Moehrle loves stopping at local business along the route. Riders have an opportunity to get a pin and a stamp from each business they stop at.
The primary cities along the route — Hudson, Hastings, Red Wing, Winona, Prescott and Hager City —will see an increase in traffic this weekend, and safety is always top of mind for riders on the Flood Run.
As president of St. Croix Valley Riders and a member of the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Advisory Task Force, Moehrle’s advocacy has taken him to legislative hearings and news conferences where he has shared his passion for rider rights and motorcycle safety. “It’s not only a right but a commitment of mine to advocate for rider safety,” Moehrle said.
Cooperation from both riders and motorists is needed to ensure a safe Flood Run event, said Jay Bock, motorcycle safety administrator for the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center. There has been an increase in motorcycle rider fatalities this year, 63 compared to 45 in 2025. Drivers and riders along the route are urged to use extra caution as they share the road this weekend.
“Deadly crashes are preventable. Making smart choices can save lives, including your own,” Bock said.
For riders, they should ride sober and wear a helmet and protective gear. For motorists, look twice for motorcyclists before pulling out into an intersection.
Law enforcement agencies in southeast Minnesota, along with Minnesota State Patrol troopers, will be patrolling the area during the event to ensure a safe riding environment.
Moehrle is hoping everyone is geared up for a good and safe time this weekend. “It’s a must do for me — it’s a great way to meet friends, nurture relationships and take in the fall colors.”
Safety tips
The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center offers these safety tips:
Motorists
- Watch out for motorcycles. Due to their smaller size, speed and distance are more difficult to judge.
- Make room for group riders in staggered or side by side formation.
- Always look twice before entering a roadway or changing lanes.
- Give riders room and check blind spots by turning your head to look before changing lanes or making a turn.
Riders
- Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding and keeping speed in check.
- Group riders use single file in curves. Use 2-second following rule and proper rider formation.
- Lane splitting, when traffic is moving, is never allowed at more than 25 mph, and no more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic.
- Lane filtering, when traffic is stopped, is never allowed at more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic.
- Wear proper gear. Motorcyclists should wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation and brightly colored protective gear for visibility and protection.
Find more information on at: motorcyclesafety.org.
Don Moehrle rides his motorcycle with passenger
Mark Karstedt
952-262-1691
mark.karstedt@state.mn.us
Moehrle rides and advocates
Don Moehrle rides and advocates for motorcyclists
