Mount Airy will be hosting one of the largest nationally-affiliated motorcycle rallies next year, and now those interested can register to participate online.

From Aug. 20-22, Mount Airy and the surrounding area will welcome more than 2,500 bikers for the 2009 State Harley Owners Group Rally.

City and county organizations that include the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, Surry Arts Council and the Tourism Partnership of Surry County are among the many helping to organize the event.

HOG is a motorcycle group that was formed 25 years ago as a way for the Harley-Davidson Company to keep in touch with its customers. Each year, there are statewide rallies held typically from Thursday to Saturday.

H.O.G. rode through Mount Airy in 2005 as part of a tour, but this is the first time that the city will host the state event.

Positive comments from bikers about the scenic routes and hospitality made it a likely choice, organizers said.

Jessica Icenhour, the director of tourism at the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, said the event is a good opportunity for the city and the surrounding area to boost its economic profit and provide opportunities for the bikers to return on separate unrelated occasions.

On average, motorcyclists spend up to $300 a day, said Jean Collins, the registration coordinator for the event and a local resident.

Those interested in participating can register online at http://www.ncstatehogrally.com until July 2. The cost is $30. Registration is open to H.O.G. members, and guests of H.O.G. members. According to the Web site, preregistration assures that the H.O.G. member will receive the custom printed T-shirt and Rally Pin when they pick up their rally package at the official 2009 NC State H.O.G. Rally Site. T-shirts come in men’s sizes only. The Web site also includes a list of lodging and volunteering opportunities.