Taking a Fun Motorcycle Ride to Help Others

What can be better that riding your motorcycle with a bunch of other like-minded riders to help raise money for good causes while having a great time in the process?

The concept of these kind of motorcycle rides sounded very good, so I put it to the test. I participated in my first benefit ride and it was an awesome experience. In this case, we were riding to help raise money for a local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans in York County, SC to help pay for a new passenger van. The van is driven only by volunteers that drive veterans to and from their medical appointments. Many disabled veterans have no other way to get themselves to these places, especially to the DAV hospital about 90 miles from this town. Their last van had close to 300,000 miles on it.

So, how does a motorcycle benefit ride or motorcycle charity ride actually work? Here I’ll explain how this one went.

For these motorcycle rides, you need a motorcycle that is in good working order. Harley-Davidson big twins were the most popular by far on this ride, but there were other sizes and brands too (more about that later).  Of course, your motorcycle needs to be street-legal, registered and insured and you need your motorcycle license or permit.  You can also bring a passenger on your bike for a small extra cost. The cost of rides vary, but as organized by the Comporium Pioneers in this case, it was $30 for solo riders, or $25 if pre-registered.

We headed down to the VFW in Rock Hill in the morning to get signed in.  They handed us an awesome t-shirt that commemorated the event and payed tribute to all American veterans.  Almost everyone put their shirt on right away.  Next, we were given a ticket for a door prize for a drawing after the ride was over.  They actually had loads of door prizes that were donated by local businesses for the event.  There were tickets available for a 50/50 drawing too.

It was great to arrive a little early to the sign-in so we could check out all the motorcycles pulling into the parking lot.  It was amazing to me because I had no idea that many bikes turn out for local benefit motorcycle rides. I didn’t count exactly how many, but ‘m guessing there were about 75 motorcycles in this benefit ride. I wondered why the local sheriff was parked there with us, but as it turned out, this was a police-escorted ride. Very cool indeed.

After hearing the rules, the route, seeing the old van, and saying a prayer, we all went to our motorcycles and got ready to roll. I have to admit, since this was my first group motorcycle ride, I was a little nervous about fitting in with all the other riders that I saw arrive. I bet 90% were Harley-Davidson, then some Victory motorcycles, then a few Hondas, maybe a few Kawasakis, a BMW and my Moto-Guzzi California Vintage. Except for the BMW which was one of the nicest sport tourers I think I have ever seen, all were cruisers, customs or touring bikes. There were a few odd creations there (I mean the bikes, not the people, well, ok, except for one or two), but that’s what makes motorcycle rides fun!

I kept an eye on all those around me to see what spacing they maintained between other motorcycles, how the rode in staggered formation or not, and how they signaled when we were slowing, stopping, or pointing out roadkill or potholes for the bikes behind them. It all was common sense and a result of good riding habits. Because my motorcycle is new, I still had my 30-day temporary tag. I was a little embarrassed by that, but actually, I think it helped me. I noticed other riders didn’t get too close in on me, especially not too close behind me. I believe I was riding fairly well, so I hope it was just the tag…

After a rest at a fire station, we headed back to town. I think the route was about 50 miles total. I didn’t pay much attention to the odometer because I was too busy enjoying the countryside and the other motorcycles. The rest stop was interesting because I had a chance to check out other motorcycles up close, and I had the pleasure of watching others check out mine too. I think most were trying to figure out what it was. I usually get the reaction of a “Moto What?” when I tell them about it. It’s fun to be different sometimes, and for me, this was definitely one of those times.

Arriving at the end was just the beginning of the most fun. It was held at the Armory. As we walked in, there was music playing, tables and a buffet set up for lunch, and I knew it would be good. After a few speeches and presentation of arms, I was feeling really good about being able to help the veterans, and was especially feeling proud to be American! LC, a local veteran that is a survivor of Pearl Harbor, was called up to the front and we all gave him a standing ovation. It really was something having him and several other veterans there. Of course, some participated in the motorcycle ride too, including a couple Rolling Thunder members.

Lunch really hit the spot thanks to all the volunteers that prepared the meal for us. Next, it was time to get down to business with the door prizes and the 50/50 tickets.   This took up about an hour and was lots of fun for everyone, especially one woman that won so many times that the kids that brought the prizes to the winners just started walking in her direction with the prizes before the ticket number was even announced!

Well, a great time was had by all, especially the lucky lady that won so many prizes, and I’m really looking forward to doing it all again.  I hope you find a similar motorcycle benefit ride or charity ride to attend and have as much fun as I did.  If you have participated in a ride ride like this or would like to, please leave a comment below and let us know.

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