While Don Williams was serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq a few years ago, the thought of going home to cruise highways on a motorcycle was constantly on his mind.

Even after he was hurt in combat in 2007 and was sent to a base in Germany to recover, his thoughts never strayed too far from that one desire.

“I missed it a lot,” Williams said. “I couldn’t wait to get home and then get something to go and ride.”

Williams did just that Saturday when he rode into Anniston from his Gadsden home for the sixth annual Rumble on Noble festival.

He was one of hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts to attend the event. Downtown streets were lined with bikes of every variety as leather-clad visitors enjoyed live music and dealt with vendors selling various motorcycle-related products.

For Williams, Saturday was the second time he had attended the Rumble. Williams said he and his parents, who also ride motorcycles, try to go to many similar events each year.

“You don’t even have to know anybody,” Williams said. “People just welcome you with open arms.”

Williams started riding when his father and his uncle taught him how to drive a small dirt bike when he was 6 years old. He has been riding ever since.

“It’s just the openness … getting out and enjoying the view,” Williams said. “It’s freedom.”

Jimmy Ogletree has a similar passion for motorcycle riding.

“It’s just freedom … much more than when you are driving a car,” Ogletree said. “You see more and hear more.”

Ogletree drove his wife on a Harley-Davidson to the Rumble from their home in Alexander City. Saturday was the first time the two had attended the festival.

“They’ve got some nice stuff,” Ogletree said shortly after examining a black motorcycle helmet. “But I thought it would be bigger and have more vendors.”

Like Williams, Ogletree was raised to love motorcycles.

“My dad always had one,” he said. “I’ve been riding since I was a kid.”

Todd Doster of Georgia has been riding for about 30 years.

“I just have to ride,” Doster said. “I’ve ridden many bikes.”

Doster was one of several vendors at the Rumble and was selling a variety of sunglasses and clothing for motorcycle riders. He said he and his business’ co-owner travel to motorcycle events in 14 states about 42 weekends out of the year to sell their wares.

“We love the biking industry,” Doster said.

The only problem, he added, is while he is working at a weekend event, he can't go riding around with everyone else.

“We would love to, that’s what we miss the most,” he said. “We enjoy the people, but the other part, we can’t.”

Contact staff writer Patrick McCreless at 256-235-3561.