By Steve Lita

Much like my coverage of the Honda Hoot, I can again say that I’ve finally participated in a motorcycling activity that I’ve dreamed of doing, but never seemed to be able to pull all the pieces together. This year, I was determined to take part in a Ride For Kids charity event. I mean, it’s only right. We cover various RFK events in RoadBike and on www.RoadBikeMag.com, and we promote fundraisers and raffles for it all the time. I didn’t feel the need to do this because I’m the editor of this magazine, although that’s a good enough reason; I wanted to participate because I’m an enthusiast, a motorcyclist, a person with the modest means to help a worthy cause, and because I’ve always wanted to since I first started riding a motorcycle. Economic times are tough for everyone, and my household is feeling the pinch, too. But if I can help a charity now and again, it’s the right thing to do.

The children afflicted with brain tumors may never make it to my age, and some will never enjoy motorcycling as I do now. But a day spent on a Ride For Kids is a dream come true for everyone involved. The 16th annual Hudson Valley Ride for Kids was held on Sunday, August 3, and New England riders came out in droves. More than 650 participants turned out at Central Valley Elementary School in upstate New York on a sunny, breezy morning. After parking, the first order of business was to complete the donation form. Volunteers were at the ready with clipboards and pens. Then I went over to the registration tent for the official sign-in and drop-off of the funds. I didn’t donate quite enough to “ring the cowbell,” but by the sound of it there were plenty of riders there with triple-digit donations. Cowbells were clanging every minute or so, it seemed. Back at the sea of bikes, people were amused that I couldn’t easily find my bike, I knew I left it around here someplace. The police-escorted scenic ride took us through the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Most street intersections were blocked by police, but leave it to a few impatient Sunday-morning motorists to try to sneak through a gap in the formation. A word of caution here: if you participate in a large group ride like this, ride extra carefully. We made the 40-mile country tour and returned to the school for the Celebration of Life program.

The program honored eight local brain tumor survivors. Dr. James Garvin, a pediatric oncologist at the Children’s Hospital of New York, told the fundraisers that their efforts make a huge difference in these kids’ lives. Patricia Kimball of Rivervale, New Jersey, mother of 6-year-old survivor Molly, raised $22,235 and was the top individual fundraiser. She delivered a poignant speech in which she admitted, “Our life is different now, but we celebrate it every day.” Ride for Liam of Suffern, New York raised $20,665 to take top club/chapter honors, while the customers of Bergen County ( New Jersey) Harley-Davidson contributed $6,600 to make it the top motorcycle business. Heartfelt thanks went to the ride’s dedicated task force and event volunteers, led by Jack Jones and Walter and Linda Buchanan.

Ride For Kids riders put their all into these events and it’s heartwarming. The clouds rolled in and we dispersed in a light drizzle, but spirits weren’t dampened. All in all, it was a day well-spent. But my favorite part was when a local sheriff told the crowd that this was his first Ride For Kids, and he vowed to be back for future ones. Me, too, officer — me, too. Hudson Valley Ride For Kids will be held on August 2, 2009; check the Ride For Kids web site (www.PBTFUS.org/RideForKids) for this year’s ride in your area. RB