Bikes, Blues & BBQ: Largest US Charity Rally

More than 400,000 rally fans made their way to Northwest Arkansas last year to enjoy the best in riding, music and barbeque at the Bikes Blues & BBQ Rally in Fayetteville, Arkansas. "This is our 12th year and we have added a fourth venue, more vendors and more entertainment," said the event's director, Joe Giles.  The 4-day rally kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 28th.

"Over the last eleven years we have seen the rally grow from a small poker run to one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country," said Giles. In 2009, the rally extended from Fort Smith to Rogers and over to Eureka Springs. From the Randal Tyson Track Center in south Fayetteville to Dickson Street and up to the Northwest Arkansas Mall where concerts take place at the Arkansas Music Pavilion.

Demo rides at the 2011 BBB Rally at Baum Stadium will include the new Harley-Davidson models, along with Can-Am's new three wheeled cruiser and sport models, plus Yamaha and Suzuki. The Victory corporation, in conjunction with Freedom Powersports, will be bringing the 2012 Victory Vegas’s, Hammers, Jackpots, Visions, and Kingpins.  

Bikes Blues and BBQ has more than doubled its fan base in 2 years on Facebook, which is also a common hook up for rally organizers and volunteers.

Rally bar tender, Kimmy Cruz (center in this photo) is always front and center at this rally that is in her home state, Arkansas.

Rally with a Purpose
From the very beginning, the founders of Bikes, Blues & BBQ realized that although the three festival components of the rally — bikes, blues and barbeque — would be enough to put on a great event, so much more was possible. They wanted to hold Bikes, Blues & BBQ to a higher standard and give it a greater purpose. With that in mind they designated Bikes, Blues & BBQ as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting local charities with funding raised during the rally.

The Miss BBB Bikini Contest with $1,500 up for grabs kicked off Friday, Aug. 19th with semi-finals Sept. 28 & 29 and the finals on Saturday, Oct. 1st. Click the poster image to enlarge for details.

Poker runs hosted by Fayetteville Fire Department leave for Eureka Springs on Friday morning and for Devil's Den State Park on Saturday morning.
Bikes - Loaded with chrome and dripping with attitude - Battle of the Bikes Show opens at noon Saturday, Oct. 1 at the main beer garden venue, (Walton Arts Center parking lot.) A bike parade begins at 3:30pm Saturday at College Avenue and Dickson Street, including a children's bike parade at 3:40pm along a section of Dickson Street.


Blues - A new partnership with the Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) in 2009 brought national and regional talent to the rally, including Blackfoot, Molly Hatchet, and The Marshall Tucker Band. Joe Giles was the official BBB Music Coordinator and emcee.

Candlebox and Jamey Johnson will be in concert Thursday & Friday night at AMP in 2011.

Some of this year’s great bands will include Little Hoojin, Trick Bag, Kory Montgomery, The Nace Brothers, Dante and the Hawks, Louisiana Crossroads, David Kimbrough, Jr. (That’s right, the son of Blues legend Jr. Kimbrough.) For the 2011 rally, Saturday will be “All Blues and Rhythm ‘n’ Blues Day”. "We’ll have some folks who will really put a little jump in your rump all day and night long," said Giles. 

BBQ - Every year some of the best BBQ teams from around the country come here to compete in the KCBS Barbeque Cook-Off and the Arkansas State BBQ Championship. Starting Friday morning the air will be filled with the smoky aroma of barbequed chicken, ribs, pork, and beef brisket!


Details at: Bikes Blues and BBQ.

Ride for the Cure, Oct. 1 with Grand Marshall Brenda Fox

Please join the New England Walkers4Knockers for the 2nd Annual Ride for the Cure & After Ride Bash

m, After Ride Bash from 5pm on at the
$25.00 per person - includes breakfast & lunch by Texas Roadhouse, the ride, the after ride bash, a chance to win $500 cash and some great prizes. The ride begins and ends at Seacoast Harley-Davidson, 17 Lafayette Road, North Hampton, NH.

Free T-shirt for the first 300 to register
Click the poster image to enlarge for details

Registration is 8:30 to 10:30am - kickstands up at 11am on Saturday, Oct. 1st 2011. at Seacoast Harley-Davidson, North Hampton, New Hampshire. Breakfast & Lunch provided by Texas Roadhouse, Newington, NH. After Ride Bash at the Chop Shop Pub in Seabrook. 
 

Don't miss your chance to meet and ride with legendary motorcycle spokesperson, breast cancer survivor and Grand Marshal of this event for a second year: Brenda Fox.... and if you can't make the ride, please buy the 2012 "Women of Hope" Breast Cancer Calendar.
Motorcycle Event News is proud to be a media sponsor for the ride and calendar.

Click here for calendar details.

Central Iowa BACA: Bikers Against Child Abuse

The Central Iowa Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse invites everyone to attend their 2nd Annual Biker Bash on Saturday, August 20th at The Ridgemont, 7460 Hickman Road in Windsor Heights, a subburb of Des Moines, Iowa  to raise awareness and funds to help battle the epidemic of child abuse.

Click the flyer to enlarge.

"Entry to this event is free, so come learn about who we are and what we are about all while enjoying all sorts of entertainment and specials inside," said Adam "Psycho" McNeely, merchandiser and events coordinator for Central Iowa BACA. "Come on out and party with B.A.C.A., check out our vendors, get some new ink, feed your belly, grab a cold one, and rock out to some great live music... and don't forget to bring a dirty bike." The event starts at Noon on Saturday, Aug. 20th and ends at closing time (2am) Sunday.

Beer Garden with drink specials
Food specials
Tattoos by Ink Addition,
Sound Quality provided by Gadgets of Executive Services
Live Music by: Double Barrel

Bikini Bike Wash, Vendors, Raffles and much, much, more

B.A.C.A. was founded in Utah in 1995 by John Paul "Chief" Lilly, a licensed clinical social worker, part-time faculty member of Brigham Young University and registered play therapist, who had spent nearly two decades advocating for abused children.

BACA Mission Statement

Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.

What started as a way to reach one frightened 8 year old boy, became a circle of bikers with chapters in Utah, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas, then across the country and in other parts of the world. To locate a B.A.C.A. chapter in your state or country, with links to BACA Nation Radio Forums and more, visit (bacaworld.org) BACA International, "Breaking the Chains of Abuse."

Pay Tribute To Someone You Love: Add A Name To The New England Walkers For Knockers "Heroes of Hope" Calendar

Here's your chance to add the name of someone you love to a "Heroes of Hope" calendar being published by the New England Walkers for Knockers. Your donation of $10 or more will sponsor a special tribute printed on a day in the calendar.

UPDATE: The calendar went to press Aug. 17th!!

The Calendar will feature pictures and the stories of 13 Women and 1 Man, some who are currently fighting breast cancer, some who have beat breast cancer and one who survived it, but recently passed away from other health related illnesses.

"Each of them is sharing their story, some talking about what they went through and how it affected their life; their stories are a true inspiration to all," said Brenda Smith, founding organizer of the Walkers for Knockers group. "Please take a moment to check out our website for more information about the calendar such as why we decided to do this project, who was involved in creating it and where the proceeds raised will be donated."

The New England Walkers For Knockers website also lists some upcoming events, including the 2nd Annual Ride For The Cure motorcycle ride in October. The ride will again this year be lead by California celebrity rider, Brenda Fox.

In the past five years, the New England Walkers for Knockers has raised $115,000 for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This is a new path forward for the group, aimed at helping people on a more personal basis to face the emotional and financial burdens associated with struggling to overcome breast cancer.

Click this flyer to enlarge for details.

"For a donation of $10, you can sponsor yourself or a loved one to celebrate being cancer free. You can memorialize a loved one who has passed from cancer or make a gift donation. "Several people and companies have stepped forward to sponsor a whole month in the calendar, and we would love to have a couple more contributing corporate sponsors," said Brenda Smith. "The print deadline for sponsors to be printed in the calendar is August 14. However, we would gladly accept a donation at any time. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions." Brenda Smith: heroesofhopebcc@yahoo.com

Holiday Calendar Gift Idea: You can also order the calendars for $25 each plus $4 for S&H. They will be ready to ship in mid-September. Anyone who has been affected by breast cancer, which is most everyone we know, will appreciate this beautiful calendar. The Heroes of Hope calendar will make a wonderful Christmas present and it is easy to order on the website
at www.ne-w4k.org.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Twin City Indian's 3-Day Event & Charity Ride Follows Sturgis

Indian Motorcycles of the Twin Cities in Saint Paul, Minnesota stages an annual 3-day national event the weekend after the Sturgis, SD rally and this year, the 9th charity ride for children's school supplies will include $10,000 in cash and prizes and a free T-shirt for all who pay the $20 ride registration by August 7th.

You must be present to collect the prizes, but the T-shirt will support the fundraiser and can be sent to you for an additional $4.98 shipping fee.


Details and online registration at Indian Motorcycles of the Twin Cities  - 2967 Hudson Road, Saint Paul, MN - or by calling 651-765-4272. Click the flyer to enlarge for details. The event begins Friday, Aug. 19th and the 9th Annual Ride For Children's School Supplies is on Sunday, Aug. 21st.


The Sioux Indian Council is putting up $3,000 in cash to be awarded to some lucky riders. There are also movie and IMAX theater tickets, gift certificates to visit popular restaraunts and the Minnesota Zoo, custom riding helmets, heated motorcycle grips, and $400 in gift certificates from Indian Motorcycle Corp.

The American Motor Drome Company will be there with their Wall of Death for the 3-day event, and this is also your opportunity to take pictures with vintage pin-up models and some beautiful vintage Indian Motorcycles.


 http://www.indiantwincities.com/











Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Georgia Charity Poker Run, Motorcycle & Car Show

This Saturday in Georgia, Jeremy and Nicole Johnson of Muttin Cycles  will host a poker run and bike show to benefit The Cathy’s Help Foundation.

Cathy’s Help caters to women that are battling breast cancer with or without insurance. The foundation was created in memory of Jeremy’s mother, Cathy Johnson, who lost her battle in 2005. The foundation aims to help with medical bills, medicine, home repairs ... Last year, a woman needed a new AC unit so Jeremy took everything in the account and made it happen. The funds are sitting at $3,554.51 and their goal is $50,000. Do me a favor and follow their Facebook page, donate if you can and help spread the word. Every dollar that is donated goes towards the cause.

Click the flyers to enlarge for details.

Registration for the poker run opens at 8:30am Sat., July 9th at Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson in Conyers, GA. Kickstands up at 10:30am. The first stop will be Rocky's Hwy 142 Bar and Grill in Farrar, GA. (Newborn, GA.), then to Hammer's Get-A-Way in Jackson, GA and then back to The Whistle Post Tavern in Old Town Conyers, GA for the bike show and party.

Riders will travel in small groups from stop-to-stop on this 75-80 mile ride. The cost is $15 for single riders plus $10 for passengers.

Motorcycles from the poker run will also be entered in the Bike & Car Show for the chance to win some very cool prizes.

Not participating in the poker run? Then go ahead and join the party at The Whistle Post Tavern in Old Town Conyers, GA from 10 am to 6 pm to enjoy music, drink, food and the bike show. There will also be a plethora of raffle items from members of  The Limpnickie Lot, Cycle Source Magazine, Gilby Clark, Napa Auto Parts, Chili’s, Dill Paintworks and others. The entry fee for a car or motorcycle is $10.

There will be plenty of vendors and friends from Garage71.com will be there to supply the music.

There will be a raffle with lots of items including this leather wallet donated by DB Custom Leather.

For more event information or to make a donation, visit CathysHelp.blogspot.com 

Rescue Ink's Johnny Cash Festival For Animal Rescue

In New York's war on animal abuse, some of the worst offenders are pursued by a group of tattooed motorcycle-riding tough guys. Go inside a dog-fighting bust with the men of Rescue Ink. (Follow this story link to watch the video.)

Founded by Joe Panz, Big Ant and Johnny O., this group of guys share their love of animals, ink and motorcycles. 

Being a member of Rescue Ink allows Joe to give a voice to animals, no matter what the circumstances.  And his past makes him fearless — and propels him into situations even animal control won’t confront.  


Here's what they have been up to lately:

Rescue ink has Johnny O for the last 9 days in Missouri with the ASPCA on a rescue mission. Rescue ink shut down a puppy store in Long Island, helped pass the strengthening of busters bill in Albany, rescued 17 dogs that were ALL adopted at Save A Pet, paid for vet bills for our rescues. Rescue ink sent Alley Cat on a raid with the SPCA in Philly. Learn more - see videos at http://www.rescueink-redemption.com/

NEW YORK FANS: If you care about the welfare of animals and happen to be a fan of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and other Rockabilly Stars and Country Music Legends, this is the live music event you don't want to miss!

RESCUE INK presents the JOHNNY CASH music festival, July 3rd 2011 at Buckley's in NYC to benefit their animal rescue efforts featured at 10pm Fridays on National Geographic and on the Ellen Show and Dr. Phil Shows.

The Johnny Cash Music Festival will include Rock-it Radio's own Ranch Party Host, DJ Rockin' Daddy-O, Ken Abruzzi, with hours worth of classic Johnny Cash and lots of Honky Tonkin' between the live music sets. Door $10.00. Click the poster to enlarge for details.

Bike fans: English Don hopes to be there with his Babylon Taxi II!


There's Good Rockin' at Buckley's - easy and free parking for Hot Rods, Customs and Motorcycles.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Let’s pull together and win this fight

The Indian Larry Legacy lives on via Bobby & Elisa Seegers, the owners of Indian Larry Motorcycles in Brooklyn, NY. Now they are also fighting to keep their 6-year old son Aidan alive.

Friends have formed a posse to round up a bone marrow donor for Aidan. You can follow their progress and give your support at: "Aidan Has A Posse!" 

Two weeks ago, Aidan was diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).

As a first step in the fight, he is in dire need of a bone marrow transplant and his 4-year old sister is not a match. So a massive search for a donor is underway.

To find out if you might be a match, visit http://www.marrow.org/ to find a bone marrow drive or donor center, or to request a mail-in testing kit. 

Donor testing consists of a simple saliva swab for healthy adults ages 18 to 60. 

A $25 donation helps cover the cost of the lab exams needed to determine if you're a match for Aidan or someone else.

Aidan is a first-grader, who likes listening to the band Buckcherry with his dad and riding his Razor scooter. He has huge blue eyes and a smile that is contagious. He is full of personality and laughter.

If you are able to make a donation to help ease their financial burden, please make checks payable to : Aidan Seeger and send them to Aidan Seeger c/o R.Veglak 120 Antonia Court Lincroft, NJ 07738 or Pay Pal to bobby@indianlarry.com

Thank you for your support!!!

Upstate NY Car & Bike Show for CURE Childhood Cancer

The Pittsford International Car & Motorcycle Show in upstate New York will, once again help CURE Childhood Cancer Association reach more than 2,500 people in the Rochester area who have a child diagnosed with cancer, said Ron Bajorek of Bajorek Insurance Agency, the presenting sponsor.

The 2nd Annual Pittsford International Car and Motorcycle Show is being staged, Noon - 5pm on Sunday, June 12th behind the Pittsford Library on State Street.

Admission is free. This is sure to be a fun filled event for the whole family. Pittsford Varsity Cheerleaders will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets to benefit CURE with chances to win the 50/50 or other great door prizes. This year we have great prizes supplied to us by many great local and national companies. We expect an even bigger turnout this year and we look forward to seeing everybody there. Food and Drink vendors will be on hand.

The Show supports C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association - a nationally recognized innovator in peer support for families with children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders. For nearly 30 years, CURE has been a forerunner in the concepts of parent advocacy, long-term educational assistance and peer-to-peer support. CURE encourages and assists children, young adults and their families in Rochester and the surrounding region to realistically face diagnosis and treatment, cope with their fears and believe in the possibility of life after cancer.

For more information regarding the show, to display a vehicle, or if you are a local business and would like to donate a door prize, contact Ron Bajorek @ 585-248-3810.

 
PLEASE NOTE: VEHICLES MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS. Please call to preregister if you wish to bring a vehicle to the show as there are only spaces for 50 cars and 50 motorcycles. "We have only a few spaces left, so we are looking for the unusual and unique," said Ron in an interview, May 20th.

Kansas City W.A.R. Rally For "Wounded Warriors"

The 1st Annual - W.A.R. - Warrior Appreciation Rally is a special Armed Forces Day event planned for Saturday, May 21st to honor, support and raise awareness for our Military's Wounded Warriors. Come early to ride in the Patriot Motorcycle Ride. A “Cars 4 Heroes” vehicle will be presented to a needy veteran in the KC Metro area.

Click poster image to enlarge.

The Patriot Motorcycle Ride - 9 to 11am - rolls out from Worth Harley Davidson North at Interstate-29 and Tiffany Springs Road and ends at the Brass Rail, Hwy 152 & N. Brighton in Kansas City. Registration open at 7am $10 per rider includes rally admission.

First Place Winners of the Cover Girl Search, Bike Show and Bikini Contest will be featured in Chromed Out Magazine. Details about this event and how you can donate to the cause can be found at http://www.chromedoutmag.com/

BANDS: Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders, Bob Harvey Band, Blues Society, Shelter and Sharp Dressed Man (ZZ Top Tribute) Band.

Riders can have photos taken with their bike in front of a real US Army Apache Helicopter.

Money raised during this one day non-profit event will support two causes: Camp Hope - Chris Neil Farm in Southeast Missouri that was started by a family after their son was killed in Iraq in 2006; and the Wounded Warrior Project that assists wounded warriors with their day to day needs.

About the Wounded Warrior Program: The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for the most severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, regardless of their military status, for as long as it takes.

About the Wounded Warrior Project: The Wounded Warrior Project is a private national non-profit organization set-up to further assist injured soldiers with a wide range of

rehabilitative care issues. WWP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL with additional program offices located in New York City and Washington D.C. WWP was founded in Roanoke, Virginia by a group of veterans and friends who took action to help the injured service men and women of this generation.

• The Purpose is: To raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members. To help injured service members aid and assist each other. To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

• The Mission is: To honor and empower wounded warriors.
• The Vision is: To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in this nation's history. For additional Information on the Wounded Warrior Project go to; http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Non-Profit #20-2370934

About Camp Hope - Chris Neal Farm: The Chris Neal Farm is a private local non-profit organization located in Southeast Missouri set-up to assist injured soldiers with recreational

rehabilitative care. Established in 2007, Camp Hope is located 70 miles south of St. Louis in the plush land of Farmington, MO. One hundred and seventy acres of beautiful rolling hills and hardwood ridges are available to our veterans for their year round enjoyment, recovery, and well being. Camp Hope is located in an area that has a lot to offer American veterans. State and National Parks surround the area with numerous activities such as fishing, canoeing, hiking and golf. Chris Neal Farm is a partner of Camp Hope and is dedicated to offering some of the best hunting in Missouri. It is our hope that these fine Americans will experience lasting memories and perhaps lasting relationships at Camp Hope.

Today there are over 2.3 million disabled veterans in the U.S. All of these veterans had dreams about the future, but many of these dreams were lost due to injuries suffered in the line of duty. Camp Hope has been established to thank these great men and women and show them that there is indeed still hope for their dreams. William “Mike” White’s family has a vision born of sorrow that is now becoming a reality which will be able to reach out and help the heroes of our Nation. For additional Information on the Camp Hope – Chris Neal Farm go to: http://www.chrisnealfarm.com/ Non-Profit #N00807910

About the Missing Link Motorcycle Club: The Missing Link Motorcycle Club is a National AMA Chartered Motorcycle Club which was established in 1982 in Columbus Ohio. The MLMC - Midwest Chapter was established in Kansas City in June of 2010. On a National level the MLMC, with its hundreds of members, supports a wide range of non-profit organizations, including “Toys 4 Tots”. The MLMC - Midwest Chapter was started by a group of former and current military professionals who served in different Special Operations fields. Getting behind a military cause was an easy choice for MLMC-Midwest, due to one of its own members being a Wounded Warrior, the member was injured when a roadside bomb detonated near his patrol in Iraq.

18th Miracle Ride Around the Indy 500 Track

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is celebrating 100 years of racing that will include the 18th Annual Miracle Ride on June 5th to raise money for the Riley Children's Hospital. More than 5,000 motorcyclists will enjoy the magic of riding around the historic Indy 500 track in a Sunday morning parade lead by the Indiana Motorcycle Drill Team. The Miracle Ride is a two-day event that includes a poker run and bike show on Saturday, as well as an auction, raffle and concert on Sunday.

"Over the past 17 years, the Miracle Ride has raised over $3 million for Riley Hospital and hopes to bring in another $400,000 in 2011," said Holly Farabough, director of marketing and sponsorship for Miracle Ride Foundation.

James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children is Indiana's first and only comprehensive children's hospital, saving lives and helping thousands of children every year. Many of the life saving programs at Riley are ranked as some of the top programs in the nation, setting a benchmark for other programs that help children. Riley is a not-for-profit hospital, so it relies heavily on donations from outside sources.

The Bob & Tom Show - nationally syndicated radio show presents the Miracle Ride.

On Saturday the 4^th the Miracle Ride kicks off with six poker runs with starting locations all over the state of Indiana. All poker runs will end at the Wyndham Indianapolis West Hotel, where the winners of each poker run will compete for six major prizes. The Wyndham will also be host of a Miracle Ride bike show and silent auction. Vendors will be available and there will be live music until Midnight.

On the morning of Sunday June 5^th, 5,000 plus Miracle Ride participants will gather at Allison Transmission. Bob & Tom from the Bob & Tom Radio Show will be on stage introducing guest speakers, giving some special presentations, and of course making everyone laugh. The Indianapolis Motorcycle Drill Team will perform and then participants will rev their engines for a very big parade ride.

The ride will leave Allison Transmission for a lap around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It will then go past Riley Hospital for Children where doctors, nurses, families, and the children who are able, wave to all the riders and hold up signs of gratitude. This is a very touching moment that can bring you tears and definitely makes you feel good for supporting the cause.

The ride will end in Shelbyville, Indiana outside Indiana Live! Casino. Every participant will receive a complimentary lunch. Then Bob & Tom will do a live auction, announce the winners of the grand prize and most money raised prize, and the totals for the weekend will be announced. To end, anyone over 21 will be invited into the Casino to determine the winners of the Miracle Ride Raffle items.

It is a $50 minimum pledge per person to participate in the Miracle Ride. With this minimum pledge, adult participants receive access to all events both days, Sunday lunch, Saturday night camping, and an event t-shirt. Participants will also receive one chance at the grand prize, which is a 1200cc Harley-Davidson Sportster. For each interval of $50 donated, participants receive a chance at this grand prize. The individual who donates the most money to the Miracle Ride will receive a 2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883. Children who pledge $25 are eligible for a TTR 110 Yamaha or an Agility Kymco 50cc Scooter. Children under eight are free and children 8-15 pay $25 to participate.

Major sponsors of the Miracle Ride include: Lucas Oil Products, Inc.; The Indianapolis Colts; The Bob & Tom Radio Show; AAA Insurance; Allison Transmission, Inc.; UAW Local 933; Indiana Live! Casino; and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Please visit http://www.miracleride.net/ for more information or to pre-register.

Harley-Davidson Supports Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Efforts

A Japanese man recovers his classic 1950s Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was washed away with his home in the recent earthquake and tsunami destroyed town of Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan Sunday, March 20, 2011. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

To assist in the disaster relief efforts, the Harley-Davidson Foundation has made a $250,000 donation through the Red Cross.

To support the disaster relief efforts in Japan, please visit the Red Cross website to make a donation: http://rdcrss.org/eys4CP

UPDATE: In the name of trying to "get it right," a reader noted that the bike is not a 1950's Harley but more likely a shovelhead, mix match.

About 400 comments later on the harley-davidson fan page, consensus is the bike is a 1960's shovelhead or manybe pan bottom. But thousands of people applaud the efforts being made to help the Japanese people recover from the recent earthquake and tsunami.

"Thanks Arizona" $65,000 Charity Bike Giveaway at 15th Arizona Bike Week

The lucky winner of a fully-loaded 2011 Bourget Fat Daddy Chopper - valued at $65,000 - will be revealed on the final day of the 15th Arizona Bike Week, Sunday, April 3rd at The Hideaway Grill in Cave Creek, AZ.





The 1st "Thanks Arizona" Bourget-Bradshaw Charity Bike Raffle was announced during the Hideaway Grill's 12th Anniversary Party in October, 2010.

Brigette Bourget of Bourget's Bike Works and Mark Bradshaw of the World Famous Hideaway Grill - both Arizona natives - wanted to do something over the top for Arizona Bike Week and at the same time show appreciation to the Phoenix Firefighters. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the United Phoenix Firefighters/IAFF Local 493 Charities. "The money from this raffle will go to help the Phoenix Fire Fighters in their efforts to make our community a better, safer place for children of all ages, races, and walks of life!," said Brigette Bourget "These fire fighters risk their lives by running into burning buildings and they are our first responders to traffic accidents, drownings, heart attacks, etc. They help our community 24/7 -365 days a year AND they volunteer on their days off to work in the community and raise money to help those who need it most."

Raffle tickets can be purchased in person during Arizona Bike Week at the Hideaway Grill. Raffle tickets are: 1 for $20 – 3 for $50 – 5 for $85 – 6 for $100. You do not have to be present to win and you can purchase raffle tickets on-line at http://www.bourgets.com/.

Washington DC Memorial Day Weekend Rally Announced

[Wikimedia commons image by Christiano Del Riccio of the Rolling Thunder ride crossing the Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC on May 24, 2009]

This Memorial Day Weekend, for the first time ever, Stars & Stripes & Spokes™ -- “America’s Memorial Day Rally” will provide a new destination and gathering place for the more than 300,000 motorcycle enthusiasts who make the annual pilgrimage to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.

This free outdoor rally begins Friday, May 27 and continues through Monday, May 30 at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Walter Reed Society Warrior & Family Support Fund.

In a departure from the customary fare at other motorcycle events, various branches of the US armed forces will be displaying numerous military vehicles and other equipment for public access. Experienced crews will be present to explain and educate the public on the use of the vehicles and equipment to give attendees a better sense of exactly how the troops carry out their missions. There will also be live music, hundreds of vendors, lots of food and cold beer, and free bike parking. The legendary Blues and American Roots band, The Nighthawks will be playing Monday afternoon.


RFK Stadium is just two miles from the US Capitol Building and there will be signage for out-of-town visitors, not familiar with the Washington, DC area.

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority is a partner in this endeavor. The RFK Stadium Grounds are Metro accessible and there will be 14 acres designated exclusively for RVs. Visitors can come for the entire weekend and stay in DC with their campers. The campers must be self-contained. No tent camping is allowed.

Among the many vendors are Hot Leathers, Bob’s BMW, Biker Apparel, Stinger Trailers, Condor Products, Navy Federal Credit Union and Speeds Performance Plus. Look for full page ads in the following magazines: Laconia Rally News, AMA, Thunder Press, Fast Lane Biker, Motorcycle Monthly, Thunder Roads – Virginia and Vietnam Magazine. You will also find links to this rally on the following websites:

• Rolling Thunder®

• Harley Davidson of Washington

• Ride of the Patriots

“You owe it to yourself to witness the birth of what is sure to be a new tradition, the first-ever Stars & Stripes & Spokes™ Motorcycle Rally that we hope will provide a comfortable staging area for the many thousands of riders and DC tourists who are in town to pause and acknowledge the service of our fellow citizens who serve our nation under arms,” said Bruce Bieber, one of three rally co-founders, along with Walter Layton and Harold Bingham. The three DC area riding buddies have attended rallies together all over the country for years, and have been planning this event for three years.

“Stars & Stripes & Spokes™ will be open for business for four full days so you will have plenty of time to visit many of Washington, DC’s memorials, museums and other attractions,” said Bieber. “Washington is a great place to visit at least once in your lifetime because almost all of the museums and memorials are free and open to the public.

“While this event is new, we are building on a 24-year tradition of motorcycles gathering in DC for the ‘Ride to the Wall.’ You can drop by the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds before or after you participate in the annual Ride to the Wall on Sunday.

"Signs will be posted all over town clearly marking designated routes to and from the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds.

“Going into this first-year rally, we have the benefit of the participation and advice of Charlie St. Clair, the long-time Executive Director of Laconia Motorcycle Week, the oldest of the big, national motorcycle rallies, going into its 88th year," he said.

“Everyone is welcome to attend. You do not need to own a motorcycle to participate and enjoy this event. There will be enough food, music, shopping and special events to have broad appeal to motorcyclists, tourists and the local community. We really want this to be ‘America’s Memorial Day Celebration.’”

A portion of the funds from this rally will be donated to the Walter Reed Society’s Warrior/Family Support Fund that is used to assist service members and their families when support provided through Invitational Travel Orders (ITO) does not meet their immediate needs during a patient’s treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC.) The Walter Reed Society was established to support activities and fund projects to benefit the soldiers and staff at WRAMC. They also provide good stewardship of the funds donated and grants awarded to assist service members and/or their family members with unexpected financial needs and provide specially identified equipment and services related to patient care at WRAMC when other resources are not available.

For details, visit http://www.stars-stripes-spokes.com/ or email info@stars-stripes-spokes.com