Welcome all Taoseños, bikers, friends, and fans to a special Easy Rider Rally and Ride on Dennis Hopper Day. This year’s event will be more intimate and laid-back than last year’s 10th-Anniversary celebration or past events.
The gathering will take place on Friday, May 17, 2024, on Dennis’ birthday, at 5 p.m. at St. Francis Plaza in Ranchos De Taos, Taos, New Mexico. The plaza is home to San Francisco de Asís Mission Church, where Dennis’ funeral service was held. Historically and architecturally significant, the Mission Church once served as the center of a small Native and Spanish agricultural community in the 18th century. In 1930, Georgia O’Keeffe famously painted the Mission Church. Fascinated with both the church and the plaza, Dennis filmed a multicultural scene for his 1990 movie Backtrack, featuring artists from Taos Pueblo and the community. The film stars Jodie Foster, Hopper, Fred Ward, and Vincent Price, with cameo appearances by several notable actors, including Dean Stockwell, Joe Pesci, Charlie Sheen, Catherine Keener, and Bob Dylan.
The plaza is also home to Ranchos Plaza Grill, a popular family-owned restaurant serving Northern New Mexico cuisine, along with art galleries and shops that you can explore. If you’re interested in trying out classic New Mexican dinner options or some of Dennis’ favorite dishes, then the Ranchos Plaza Grill is the place to go. You can grab a bite to eat, explore the plaza, visit the church, take in the spirit and energy of the plaza that captured Dennis, or simply join us at 6:30 p.m. for the Easy Rider Ride to Jesus Nazareno Morada and Cemetery, where Dennis is buried, for a sunset commemoration in his memory.
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, it’s time again to “Get your motor runnin’.” The Easy Rider Ride will rally at St. Francis Plaza at 11 a.m. Ranchos Plaza Grill will be open and serving Dennis’ favorite breakfast, Huevos Rancheros with Chile Relleno and Sopapilla, and other popular fare, including breakfast burritos and coffee. Following the rally, its kick stands up for the annual Easy Rider Ride along the Enchanted Circle, stopping in Eagles Nest, Red River, and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
We look forward to commemorating Dennis Hopper, visiting with you, and enjoying a beautiful ride in the land of enchantment on this year’s Dennis Hopper Day & Easy Rider Ride.
Aquí En Taos!