While not having much to do with mopeds, it's always good to see a two wheeled swarm, especially in good cause.
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http://www.detnews.com/2002/metro/0209/30/c01-600408.htm
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Bikers ride 60 miles for children's charity
Cyclists roll out 3,000 strong for Care House
By Edward L. Cardenas / The Detroit News
CLINTON TOWNSHIP -- The only thunder that could be heard on an overcast Sunday in Clinton Township was from the nearly 3,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles that gathered for a charity Ride for Kids.
Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners in southeast Michigan gathered Sunday for a 60-mile charity event, which was part of dedication events at Wolverine Harley-Davidson in northern Clinton Township. The 42,000-square-foot dealership, which is the largest in southeast Michigan, is in the heart of rapidly developing central and northern Macomb area.
"This is an another infusion into the North Gratiot area," said Clinton Township supervisor Robert Cannon, who added that at least three other businesses are considering new construction or remodeling buildings in the M-59 and Gratiot area. "It's not your typical motorcycle shop. It's first class and world class."
Organizers anticipated 1,000 motorcyclists would converge on the new $4 million, two-story, glass and red brick dealership for the ride to benefit Mount Clemens Care House.
As the constant stream of motorcycles continued to arrive throughout the morning and circle the building, an overflow lot was needed to handle the large turnout.
"Harley people are really charitable people," said Care House founding director Dana Peterson, who hoped to raise over $60,000 for the organization, which provides help for sexually and physically abused kids. "Anything that relates to kids is where they put their money."
Guy Pravettone is one of the many Harley owners who viewed the charity ride as an opportunity to have fun and do something good.
"We are changing the mystique (of Harley owners) from troublemakers to community activists," said Pravettone, 48, of Eastpointe, who realized his dream of owning a Harley when he bought an Electra Glide motorcycle. "I said when I grew up, I was going to get one."
Stony and Shelley Barber are a pair of Harley owners who are glad to have the new dealership open closer to their Marine City home and the opportunity to gather with other motorcycle enthusiasts.
"It's an adrenaline rush to get together with the people," said Shelley Barber, 43, who was wearing leather chaps and vest adorned with Harley-Davidson paraphernalia and a white Care House T-shirt. "Having fun while doing some good makes (the event) great."
You can reach Edward L. Cardenas at (586) 468-0529 or ecardenas@detnews.com.