Sunday, April 26, 2009

Ride 4 Sight

By STIX DOUGLAS

After having been cooped up indoors for months motorcyclists anxiously look for opportunity’s to get out into the wind and to blow the cobwebs out of their exhaust pipes.


The Ride for Sight now in its fourth year has established it as THE annual springtime event that draws everyone out. What also makes this ride so special is that, it marks the unofficial start of the motorcycle riding season.
It is the most diverse; regardless of age, gender, make, or model, bikers, motorcyclist, and even those on three wheeled trikes participate. The mixture of seasoned veteran and traditional riders along with novice at a gathering like this makes for many interesting conversations, and provides great opportunities for trading stories and information.

The House Springs Lions Club added and served a gourmet biscuit and gravy breakfast along with coffee that was enjoyed by many early birds. It also made for a great start to a terrific day of riding.




There were many reasons why this year’s Ride for Sight was so successful.

It attracted more than twice the number of motorcycles then it did a year ago. Plus, the Ride for Sight raised enough funds to potentially prevent blindness in over 600 children.


Maybe it was the incredible route that wound through twisting turns and switchbacks in not just one or two, but three separate counties which included Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington that set this year’s ride apart.
Whatever the reason, when the motorcade returned to House Springs late in the afternoon they were greeted by the tantalizing aroma of the freshly prepared meal consisting of a Barbeque Pork Steak Dinner complete with all the trimmings, along with a choice of drinks; beer, diet or regular sodas, and bottled water.
The real triumph for any ride like this can be contributed to its many volunteers who graciously donated their time to make this event so successful. Local retailers and businesses also contributed funds which provided for the attendance prizes. After all the raffles and attendance prizes were handed out, those with the best hands received their awards, capping off the end to another great ride.

I was very impressive once again with the Road Captains and members of Am Vets Post #1. They did an outstanding job, not only with the selection of highways and in setting up the Ride for Sight route, which is different each year. But they also executed their service with precision; escorting another safe and well organized 100 mile ride.



Because of their dedication and commitment in doing this I will be looking forward and anxious awaiting next year’s Ride for Sight.



Mark your calendars now and tell others of your plans on attending what continues to be the kickoff to a great riding season. The Fifth Annual Ride for Sight is scheduled for SUNDAY APRIL 25th 2010. I hope to see you there..


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