There are many faces to motorcyclists in the eyes of the general public. They see the bikers with the ten thousand mile stare that would just as soon shoot you as look at you. There is the young, aggressive motorcyclist. The husband and the wife that love to tour together. Don’t forget the RUBS (Rich Urban Bikers). And then just your everyday average Joe.
I can’t tell you which one of the above perceptions is most often tagged on motorcyclists but I can tell you that the public has noticed one important thing. They have noticed that motorcyclists have huge hearts and deep pockets. Charity rides have almost become an epidemic. It has not been too many years ago that you might find one or two charity rides in your local area in any given month. Today, in the Indy metro area, I can pretty much assure you that I can choose from 5 or more a week. This is within a fifty mile radius of downtown.
These rides vary from rides to benefit sick children, these are money makers, to fundraisers for school books or some other cause. Over the years, those people who would not go near a motorcycle have noticed the cash cow that many rides can become. They find someone willing to throw together a ride and they count the money. It seems like there is no limit to reasons for throwing together a ride. Joe and Mary’s house burnt down. Little Nicky has some disease. The humane society needs dog or cat food. The local school could use new playground equipment. And so on, and so on, etc.
The problem with the number of rides available on any given weekend is that they actually take away revenue from each other. Motorcyclists love to ride and they love to do charity rides. But, the pockets only go so deep and they can not be in two places at once. So, they are forced to make a decision and attend one ride. The dollars are stretched pretty thin and all rides suffer in today’s world. So, my personal suggestions for choosing a ride.
Avoid the rides that have all the stops at bars (for safety reasons).
Try to find the ride that actually gives the biggest part of your dollar to the cause.
Choose a ride that is actually helping something or someone.
Believe in the cause that you are riding for.
I am involved with a ride to raise money for type 1 juvenile diabetes research. This ride is the Dallas and Reid’s Ride and takes place in Plainfield, Indiana in September. Every dollar raised goes directly to the Iacocca Foundation (check out joinleenow.org) to fund research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes. The ride is the single largest fundraiser for the foundation every year and averages about $65,000 per ride. If you are in Indiana in September come look me up. Food, bands, and other fun for less than $20. This is the type of ride that needs supported. Where are you going to get a bargain like that?
The other ride that I like to participate in is the Miracle Ride for Riley Hospital which raises money for Riley Children’s Hospital in Indy. In the 14 year history of this event, Midwest motorcyclists have raised nearly $2,000,000 for the hospital. Please check that one out.
When you choose your ride for the weekend, choose the ride that provides the best bang for your buck. I don’t mean taking the attitude of “What is in it for me?” but the where is my money needed most and which cause will my money benefit the most people. You spend a few bucks, have a great time, and you go home feeling like you have made a difference. Please shoot me your comments. And, if you live near or far and can make either one of these rides, please let us know you will be in town.
Ride Safe
Steve and the MC Nation
