15th Annual Bikers for Babies® RIDE - Kansas City, Kansas

Pre-registration events were held from August 22 through September 19 at Blue Springs Harley-Davidson, Riverfront Harley-Davidson in Lawrence, Central Harley-Davidson in Olathe, Stables in Kearney, the Harley-Davidson Assembly Plant Open House in Kansas City, Missouri, Gail's Harley-Davidson in Grandview, Frankie D’s in Kansas City, Kansas, and Worth Harley-Davidson North in Gladstone. Participants could also pre-register on line or register at the event.

After a pleasant early-morning ride across Kansas City from the east edge of the metro area to Kansas Speedway on the west side, I parked my bike outside the NASCAR garage where the Cycle Connections booth was located and walked toward the media center. At that very early hour, the area was practically deserted with few people around other than event volunteers. My attention was drawn to the Baby Boulevard, a fence covered with over 100 displays showing pictures of premature babies next to “look at me now” photos of beautiful, healthy children that those babies had become. There were also many displays in memory of babies who did not survive. As I walked along the fence and looked at the displays, I wept. I shed tears of sorrow for the loss experienced by the families of those babies who didn’t make it, tears of joy for the medical miracles leading to the survival of so many, and tears of gratitude for the thousands of riders who would soon arrive providing donations that would help make many more such miracles possible.

Opening ceremonies began at 9:15 with Karli Ritter of the Fox 4 weather team serving as emcee. Penny Sharp, RIDE committee chairman, and Ashley Summers, March of Dimes State Director of Development, welcomed the participants. Paula Prosser sang the National Anthem, and Reverend Melissa Brooks offered the opening prayer and blessing of the bikes. The 2009 March of Dimes ambassador family, the Georges from Wellsville, Kansas, were introduced, and Lori George told the story of her twin daughters who were forced to be delivered nearly three months early due to Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Haley and Allie had birth weights of 2 pounds, 4 ounces and 1 pound, 12 ounces, respectively. There were many complications, resulting in an 87-day stay in Neonatal Intensive Care. The girls are now two years old and perfectly healthy. Stories such as this one are made possible every day as a result of March of Dimes donations.

Dee Snider, front man for the 1980’s heavy metal band Twisted Sister and National Bikers for Babies® Spokesperson, joined 98.9 The Rock radio personality Johnny Dare in leading the 115-mile ride. Two of Snider’s four children were born prematurely, so the March of Dimes cause is very personal to him. Dee was pleased that his “loaner” bike for the ride was a radical custom Bourget chopper he had previously owned. The current owner Mike Bramble of Lee's Summit, Missouri purchased Dee's bike while in Daytona this past July. According to Mike, Dee had put around 2,000 miles on the bike before taking it to Daytona for Bike Week. He ended up leaving it there with an associate of his to see if he could sell it for him. Mike found out about the bike, and while in Daytona, dropped by to take a look. After seeing this one-of-a-kind custom chopper and after learning about its history, which included a custom Predator/Alien-themed paint job designed by H.R. Giger, who was the painter, sculptor, and set designer for the film Alien, it was love at first sight. Mike purchased the bike, and when he found out Dee was going to be at this year's Bikers for Babies® RIDE, contacted Johnny Dare with 98.9 The Rock, who contacted Dee to let him know Mike had offered to let him borrow his former bike for the ride. Dee was excited about the opportunity and was nice enough to present Mike with a custom-painted helmet he had in his office that matched the bike. An excited and emotional Mike accepted the gracious gift, so he now owns both a bike and skid lid formerly owned by Dee Snider.

Avila University cheerleaders lined up along the road to cheer for the riders as they headed out on the route. After exiting the speedway infield through a tunnel, bikes passed under a huge American flag suspended between two Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department ladder trucks.

After the ride, participants enjoyed a complimentary lunch, donated by Price Chopper, a performance by Snider, and a bike show sponsored by Gail's Harley-Davidson . Bikers visited vendors in and around the NASCAR garages. Grand donors had the opportunity to ride a few laps around the speedway apron. The lucky winner of a new 2010 Road King donated by Worth Harley-Davidson North was Chris Smith of Lathrop, Missouri.

Special thanks go to the event sponsors, committee, and the many volunteers who work so hard to make the RIDE a success. Presenting sponsor was Farmers Insurance Group. Other sponsors included 98.9 FM The Rock, River City T’s, Worth Harley-Davidson North , Gail's Harley-Davidson , Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Foresters, Blue Springs Harley-Davidson , Central Harley-Davidson, Harley-Davidson Employee Riders Association, 3M, United Access, Cycle Connections, Emfluence Interactive Marketing, Wide Open, The Roasterie, Chris Cakes, Liberty Cycle Center, Budweiser, and many others. Much more information about the event can be found on the Bikers for Babies® website.

The 2009 RIDE is history, but donations are still welcome and can be sent to March of Dimes Bikers for Babies, P.O. Box 930389, Kansas City, MO 64193-03193

Story by Stripe
Photos by Stripe and Mike Schweder