More than 2,000 motorcyclists revved up their machines during fund-raiser

July 21, 2008 11:48 pm

— By Dustin Shipman
dshipman@joplinglobe.com
More than 2,000 motorcyclists rode for a cause over the weekend, as the 24th annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Ride for Life joined forces with the Buffalo Bike Run.
The event brought in more than $50,000, down from the total in 2007, according to organizers.
“This year, (participants) donated $56,000. Last year, we did $80,000, so we were down a little bit,” said Lacey Washburn, district director for the MDA. “The people that came were asked to raise pledges basically to go on the ride, and we raised money based on the packages available, which came with different perks such as Ted Nugent tickets which were donated by Buffalo Run Casino.”
Washburn said the money raised from the event will be used to pay for several of the programs MDA sponsors, as well as to finance treatment and research.
“The money raised will be going to pay for all of the services we provide, like the clinic we have at St. John’s for families,” she said. “It will go toward sending kids to summer camp this year. It will help to buy leg braces, wheelchairs, flu shots, communication devices, as well as to fund research for a cure.”
On Saturday, riders traveled from Cycle Connection in Joplin through the city with a police escort, then to Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla. There, several motorcycle-related events took place, including a poker run, motorcycle show and motocross stunt show.
“This is one of our largest programs throughout the year, along with our Fill the Boot Program, with the firefighters that come out over Labor Day weekend,” Washburn said. “It is already one of the largest bike events in the Four States, and it has to potential to be the biggest.”
Washburn said this year’s event marked the debut of the MDA Celebrity Golf Tournament. Former National Football League players Brian Bosworth and Gary Reasons were hosts for the tournament at Peoria Ridge Golf Course at Miami. Washburn said she hopes to see it back next year.
“It is a lot of work, but it is well worth it, and a lot of fun too,” Washburn said of the Ride for Life.

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