Charity Rides?

[Schlepporello]

OK guys and gals. I've got another "Newbie" question. This time it's about "Charity Rides". I've only had my bike a couple of months now and apparently missed out on such a ride today, and this got me to thinking. I think i might actually like to participate in such a ride, but have absolutely no idea about how they work or what's involved. How 'bout it? Anybody wanna learn me about charity rides?

[dr_bar]

I've been on several different types of charity rides, the most common is the "Christmas Toy Run". Very simple, wrap a new toy in clear plastic and bungee it to your bike, at the end of the ride, hand it over to the organizers of the run for the trip to the local Christmas Bureau for distribution to needy kids. Others ask for a cash entry fee like the "Ride for Dad" I did this year, it was a fund raiser for Prostate Cancer Research. The rides are usually quite well organized and can be anywhere from 10 to 200+ miles long.

[Schlepporello]

What do entry fees usually run? Say for a run under 100 miles?

[dr_bar]

It will vary depending on celebrity attendees etc... $10 to ???

 

The ride for dad was $25 or $35 straight pledge, or you could get donations from friends and any amount over a certain a level got you free registration. There were draws, food, music etc...

 

PS: 1027 riders raised over $101,000 on that ride. That doesn't even include corporate donations that came in after the fact...

[Dano]

Pick your rides carefully. We now only go on two-three rides a year, a lot of them we found, altho for good causes, were mearly "bar runs", where you stop at 3 or 4 bars along the way. Great for the bars, but I choose not to ride with other people who've drank 2 or 3 beers at each stop............

For some of these riders, that's all they do. But that's another thread altogether...............

 

JMHO,

 

Dan

[MAINEAC]

I'm going on a toy run next week... Last year I bought a $15.00 Tonka Truck and strapped it on my luggage rack.

 

16,000 expected at bikers' toy run

The ride from the Augusta Civic Center to the Windsor Fairgrounds is set for Sunday.

 

By BETH QUIMBY Staff Writer

September 4, 2007

More than 16,000 motorcyclists are expected to ride from the Augusta Civic Center at 1 p.m. Sunday for the 26th United Bikers of Maine toy run. Bikers from all over New England will start gathering at the civic center at 11 a.m. before riding off to the Windsor Fairgrounds carrying toys and donations for children. Last year, the group donated 8,000 toys that were distributed by the Salvation Army to children around the state at Christmas. "To me the toy run is the crown jewel of United Bikers of Maine," said Jackie Hanscom of Ellsworth, who has participated in the event since 2000. It is the biggest non-company sponsored toy run in the country, said Richard Dodge, head of public relations for the bike group. He said it will take several hours for the bikers to make the roughly 10-mile trip from the civic center to the fairgrounds. The parade route is normally lined with hundreds of well- wishers, Dodge said. The group will leave the civic center and turn left to Interstate 95, leave the highway at Exit 113 and travel Route 3 and then Route 32 to the fairgrounds. "We don't go very fast," Dodge said. The fairgrounds will feature vendors and lots of talk about bikes, Dodge said. Politicians often show up to deliver some of the speeches. Both former Gov. Angus King and Gov. John Baldacci have ridden motorcycles in the toy run. Normally, stuffed animals dominate the donations, so this year the group is urging participants also to bring gifts appropriate for older children and teenagers, such as clothes, hand-held computer games and music. More information about the event is available online at http://www.ubm-usa.org or by calling (888) 229-9826. Staff Writer Beth Quimby can be contacted at 791-6363 or at: bquimby@pressherald.com

Copyright © 2008 Blethen Maine Newspapers

[Squidley]

The one thing I would like to mention is if it's going to be a huge expected turnout, is to have a route setup that is escorted by the police. I have lead groups of up to 30 bikes, the logistics can be a nightmare. Your going to want an escort if your involved with a large group. I really dont like going on huge rides like that as I have no idea the skills of the other riders. I know that many are for good causes, but I'd just as soon give the gift and not go on the ride.

[papa smurf]

I've been on the committee for this one...

 

4th Annual AT&T Motorcycle Run for the Troops.

 

It's pretty unique. bikers leave from 6 different departure points in Texas and they all meet in Nolanville, down near Ft. Hood.

 

This year we will have around 150 bikes leaving from the Mansfield American Legion post. Logistics for sure... I am responsible for rounding up escorts as we pass through the towns along the route. I still have a few left to contact and the ride is getting pretty close.

 

we will have the traveling liberty bell, two live bands, TONS of food, door prizes, auctions, etc, ..... lots of fun, come join us.

 

http://www.motorcycle-run-for-the-troops.org for more info.

[Guest Ken8143]

what Squidley said

[BoomerCPO]

Pick your rides carefully. We now only go on two-three rides a year, a lot of them we found, altho for good causes, were mearly "bar runs", where you stop at 3 or 4 bars along the way. Great for the bars, but I choose not to ride with other people who've drank 2 or 3 beers at each stop............

For some of these riders, that's all they do. But that's another thread altogether...............

 

JMHO,

 

Dan

 

 

Those type of Runs are called "Poker Runs" here.........and I avoid riding in them like the plague regardless of the specific cause. I will stop and donate at the Registration point but that's as far as I go.

[MAINEAC]

Those type of Runs are called "Poker Runs" here.........and I avoid riding in them like the plague regardless of the specific cause. I will stop and donate at the Registration point but that's as far as I go.

 

I guess that depends on where you live or who's setting them up... I've been on Poker Runs that were alot of fun and we never went near a barroom and met some pretty good people.. Please don't condemn all Poker Runs... There are good ones out there and they don't all involve group rides you can ride at your own pace... you just meet up at 5- 6 locations and get cards ... and the best hand wins exciting prizes... like a flashlight

[MAINEAC]

According to that news article our little Toy Run here in Maine is the largest in the country... I've never seen an accident during this run and we are escorted by the police and no cars are allowed in the 16,000 bike 10 mile ride... I guess you have to see it to appreciate it... I think it's pretty cool and it's for a good cause... We have a lot of poor people here in Mane and the Salvation Army distributes the toys out to needy families for Christmas..

 

I say go for it Shlep... give it a try... Don't let these guys rain on your parade... Just keep an eye on anyone riding around you and if you get uncomfortable with some yahoo near you just pull off and either get back in line or follow behind... Usually the Tailgunner will want you in front of him as that's his job to pull over with breakdowns.. Tell the Road Captain you're a newby and they'll keep an eye on you and answer any questions..

 

Don't take my word on it go here and do some homework:

 

http://www.ama-cycle.org/roadride/groupRide.asp

 

Have Fun Man

[rod]

I have been directly involved is several charity rides and it is a lot of work. I have ridden in all kinds of charity rides and left some early. Go on the ride and see how you like it. Bail if you don't like that one and try another. Our club did a large toy run for years and it was a lot of work but very rewording. We quit our toy run when safety became a problem. Most rides here go 50+ mi, some much more. Try several and see what you like. Rod

[tazmocycle]

if you are a new rider, you need to be carefull of some of the rides. frist check your insurance and see if they will cover you in an orginized ride, some don;t. i enjoy doing several rides a year, mostly for kids. checkout the group that;s hosting the ride and see what kind of event they have. most have website, so you can see what they do on their rides. be gareful and watchothers.

[Dano]

Just to clarify, I was NOT stating that all "poker runs" or Charity rides have to do with stopping at bars and drinking. I just know that the few we did the first year, before we knew, tended to be like that. That's why I started my post with the words "Pick your ride carefully".

Each to his own, we have learned which ones to participate in.

 

Dan

[MAINEAC]

if you are a new rider, you need to be carefull of some of the rides. frist check your insurance and see if they will cover you in an orginized ride, some don;t. i enjoy doing several rides a year, mostly for kids. checkout the group that;s hosting the ride and see what kind of event they have. most have website, so you can see what they do on their rides. be gareful and watchothers.

 

If anyone has an insurance policy that doesn't cover an accident in a group ride It's time to find another insurance company... Not sure how they could not cover you... It doesn't sound legal..

[Schlepporello]

Well if I can win something way cool like a flashlight, especially if it's one o' them modern types that run offa batteries, I just may have to give 'er a shot.

[dr_bar]

They gave a real big flashlight away at the ride for dad...

 

A 42" plasma tv was at the top of the heap.......

[Schlepporello]

A 42" plasma tv was at the top of the heap.......

It's kind of hard to haul one of those back to the house on the back of a bike, ain''t it?