Out & About May 2009 Dean "Bull" Akey, Editor Thunder Roads
Riding season is here and we have added a new feature to our magazine. The column is called "Out & About" and we will be featuring area rides & events that are on my "most excellent" list. Let's face it, as bikers we do more to support our communities than any other demographic group in existence. Each month I will highlight some of the events that make my "most excellent" list and hope you can join me. Are you ready? Well, throw a leg over your trusty scooter and let's ride.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 Ride Janie
My friend Jane Orlock Bawel of Downers Grove, was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2005 and was in need of a stem cell transplant. Janie faced astronomical medical expenses not covered by insurance. You probably already know what I think of those darn insurance people. Bikers to the rescue. The first event attracted about 400 bikers and raised close to $50,000. Janie got her transplant. "The outpouring of love, support and healing that day from the hundreds of motorcyclists and attendees was a gift I will treasure always," says Bawel. "My husband, Brandon, and I felt so blessed that we wanted to pay it forward."
From the first Ride Janie event in 2005, Janie and her tireless group of volunteers have kept their promise of "paying it forward" and seek out area children suffering with similar conditions. This year's ride will benefit Kataryna Lantgen (6) of Hanover Park, Logan Lavery (4) of Lombard and Samantha Wildeboer (14) of Northbrook, who have been diagnosed with blood cancer.
The ride will begin at Wild Fire Harley Davidson and Buell, 120 W. North Ave., Villa Park; follow a 60-mile fully escorted route through the Southwest suburbs and end at Heroes West Sports Bar & Grill in Joliet. Registration and activities start at 8:30 a.m. Kickstands up at 11 a.m.
Event details and pre-registration are available on the Ride Janie Ride Foundation Web site, http://www.RideJanieRide.org.
May 16th Mooseheart Bike Blessing
Are all bikers superstitious or is it just me? Even though I am a man of the cloth I always start my year with some divine intervention. This year I will be getting my spiritual boost at the 6th Annual Mooseheart Run & Bike Blessing. This year's event benefits the Special Olympics and the Mooseheart Child City & School. These organizations do amazing work in our communities so I hope you can make it. Registration begins at 8:00 am at the Mooseheart Campus which is located between Aurora & Batavia on Mooseheart Road which is East of Randall Road and West of Route 31. The blessing will take place at the Mooseheart Field House at 11:00 am followed by a 70 mile escorted ride ending with a free hog roast at Zylstra Harley Davidson in Saint Charles.
Jean Davidson, Author & Granddaughter of Walter Davidson, Founder of Harley Davidson will be the guest of honor for this event. For more information please visit www.mooseheart.org.
May 17th Little Angels
The Annual Little Angels Pledge Run began in 1988 as a means for an Elgin Harley Owners group (EAO) to give back to the community. The group approached 2 other charities before Little Angels and was turned away because of their "biker image." This organization then reached out to Little Angels Administrator Shelley Lewis and found a grateful recipient.
From this partnership, the Little Angels Pledge Run was born. The first Run was a local event and raised a little over $9000. Since then, the Little Angels Pledge Run has grown into one of the Midwest's largest single-day motorcycle pledge events, includes in excess of 2000 motorcyclists annually and has raised over three and a half million dollars. These funds made possible the construction of a state-of-the-art, nationally recognized residential facility and developmental training center.
The Little Angels is a loving home for children and young adults with severe disabilities and complex medical needs. It is a state-of-the-art facility offering round-the-clock skilled nursing, therapeutic and habilitation services in a warm, caring environment. Little Angels may not be a home in the traditional sense, but it does provide the most important aspects that make a home--love, care and support. I have toured the Little Angels facilities and was amazed at the care and compassion these folks provide.
This Elgin Area Organization of Harley Owners (EAO) sponsors this event and will be partnering with The Loop, Chicago's Rock Station's Eddie Webb, afternoon DJ at The Loop, and a Harley rider himself. Eddie will jump on his Harley and take part in this year's Pledge Run. Joining Eddie will be the The newly-crowned Loop Rock Girl! Join us for some great burgers and brats at the after-party while listening to live music from Three-Finger Fencl.
The grand prize winner will walk away with a 2009 FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide or $10,000 cash. Second place is a 2009 XL 883L Sportster or $5,000 cash. Come out and have some fun with us. The Pledge Run starts and ends at Woodstock Harley-Davidson, 2050 Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL. Registration: 10 am - 12 noon. The Post-ride party will be 1 pm - 5 pm. Your registration fee includes bagels and coffee before the ride and lunch, drinks and entertainment after the ride. 100% of your pledge money supports Little Angels.
That's it for my May "most excellent" list. Of course there are many other most excellent runs and events out there so keep on keeping on. If you would like to share your event with us please post your event details at www.illinoisblogspot.com. The Illinois Blog Spot is the largest free site for area biker events in Illinois & Wisconsin so please let us know about your events. Until next month, ride safe and often.
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