Thousands of bikers and BBQ enthusiasts gathered in Iowa over the weekend for the annual ‘Roast and Ride’ event, which marks the beginning of the Republican presidential candidates’ campaigns. The event saw Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sign a Bible and Vice President Mike Pence hop on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, continuing his tradition of taking motorcycle rides.

The ‘Roast and Ride’ event, which has been held annually since 2015, also featured a Trump-shaped hole, which some attendees speculated was a nod to the former president’s absence from the event. However, organizers explained that the hole was simply a display for attendees to take pictures with.

Several Republican presidential candidates were in attendance, including Former Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and former Representative Ashley Hinson.

Despite the expanded field of presidential candidates, many attendees are still uncertain about the future of the Republican Party and how it will fare in the 2024 elections. Some speculate that the expanded field will hurt former President Trump’s chances at securing the Republican nomination, while others believe that his base will remain loyal to him regardless.

The ‘Roast and Ride’ event marks the beginning of a long campaign season for Republican candidates, and only time will tell who will emerge as the party’s nominee.