By STIX DOUGLAS
On Saturday morning September 20th, 2008, while many were enjoying an extended cool morning slumber, organizers of the Second Annual Rips B.A.D. (Bikers Against Diabetes) Ride were busy at work, signing people up and registering motorcyclists from five different locations in and around the St. Louis metro area.
They included Argosy Casino - Alton, and Frieze Harley Davidson - O’Fallon in Illinois, J&W Cycles - Washington, Hooters - St. Peters, and Doc’s Harley Davidson – Kirkwood in Missouri. They converged upon Route 66 State Park near Eureka Missouri for the Festivities.
This event had originated in California a decade earlier by iconic motorcycling photo journalist Rip Rose. Rip’s dream was to have a National ride to help stop the epidemic Diabetes. His dream is coming to light with BAD rides that now include those in California, Arizona, Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Virginia.
I was fortunate to have ridden in the route that left from Doc’s Harley Davidson that morning on time at 9 a.m. Dewayne Black the Head Road Guard from Kirkwood’s HOG Chapter led the procession with eleven other Road Guards all dressed in Caution Orange.
A pleasant surprise was, rather than escorting the parade of motorcycles through a shorter and direct trip down I-44; they instead led a very impressive extended route that went deep in Jefferson County. The members of the Road Crew held the motorcade intact as it continued its safety and persistence throughout stoplight after stoplight until reaching the destination.
The convoy of motorcycles was well received with applause upon its arrival at the festivities inside the Route 66 State Park. Inside the grounds a Flag Ceremony took place and Monty Schruck of Road Riders for Jesus St. Louis Chapter said a blessing bringing the festivities officially underway.
Everything about the BAD Ride had been expertly planned including printed out schedules of events designed to include whole families. Rips BAD Ride is not a poker run: what it is though is a FULL DAY of Riding, Big Entertainment, delicious food, and lots of activities with a good vibe.
The Who Band, Bobby and the Big Wheels, along with Pocket Change were the Live Music Groups that provided excellent sounds throughout the day.
The success of Rips BAD Ride is directly related to the dedication of those involved in this ride, which is only in its second year in this area. Everyone is to be commended for their part in raising over $40,000 to help fight and find a cure for Diabetes.
This year’s Senior Executive Director, Ed Clay, informed me this was the first time for Route 66 State Park to be used for this or any other event. Many would agree it was an excellent location that has long been overlooked until now. With the success of this year’s BAD Ride, the parks location and its availability marks it as the place to be for the coming years BAD Ride to continue and to grow.
Tentative dates are hard to come by this early but with the dedication of volunteers and those getting onboard for next year you can expect to see the Third Annual Rip’s B.A.D. Ride on Sunday, September 27th 2009 Mark your calendars now so that you don’t miss out on being a part of this growing and challenging event for next year.
For more information on Rip as well as the history of Rips BAD Ride here is a very helpful website.
http://badride.diabetes.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BR_homepage
