EFECT Is The Cause 2005 – First Annual Biker Run

EFECT is a not-for-profit organization, which was created by parents for parents. Their mission is to empower families of children with disabilities by providing education, information, encouragement, support and pathways to services.

Sharlene Krepps, head of fundraising for EFECT, and several other EFECT volunteers already had their registration table setup when riders started arriving. Phil Peeler, the ride leader and overall nice guy, greeted riders as they arrived and directed them to the registration table.

With the July temperatures already beginning to climb, a large plastic container of iced down water bottles was provided for the riders. As soon as I arrived, I snapped off a few photos and made my way to the registration table to sign up for the ride. This ride was somewhat unique in that it was not a poker run or dice roll, but rather an organized group ride to Gail’s Harley-Davidson in Grandview, Missouri and back to Bullseye Bar and Deli where everyone was eligible to win door prizes and raffle giveaways.

As soon as everyone had registered, Phil gave the group instructions on riding in a staggered formation and the scenic route we would be taking to Gail’s. With that being said, everyone mounted their bikes and headed north on 291 Highway, then headed east on Woods Chapel Road through Lake Jacomo to 7 Highway. We then turned south on 7 Highway and followed it to 150 Highway were we headed west all the way to Gail’s Harley-Davidson, where everyone enjoyed a free lunch and live music provided by The Kicks Band.

As I was standing in line at the grill to get my hamburger, I saw that Dennis, one of our faithful readers was wearing his Cycle Connections T-Shirt and flipping burgers. Way to go Dennis! Kelly, his faithful assistance was also helping harass Gail’s girls who were keeping them well stocked with burgers and ice.

After visiting with Gail, Laurie and the other folks at Gail’s, we got back on our bikes and headed north on 71 Highway then east on I-470 to Douglas Road. We went north on Douglas Road, east on Colbern Road, then south on 291 Highway back to Bullseye.

Terri and her staff at Bullseye took great care of everyone and there were some awesome raffle prizes given away, including a Budweiser folding picnic table, which I was lucky enough to win. Other prizes included a Corona folding chairs, T-shirts and hats from Blue Springs Harley-Davidson, Gail’s Harley-Davidson, Cycle Connections and many others. Hawg Wyld Cycles also donated a leather vest and a hat, and the dealerships and other sponsors donated gift certificates, Royals tickets and lots of other great items. The last item in the stack of prizes was a really cool neon Miller High Life sign which was auctioned off.

Everyone had a great time and after the prizes were given away, Sharlene announced that $1,390 has been raised that day and thanked everyone for their participation. She also thanked the following sponsors who helped make their first annual biker run a great success:

- Big Sky Sales
- Blue Springs Harley-Davidson
- Bullseye Bar and Deli
- Cycle Connections Online Motorcycle Magazine
- Gail’s Harley-Davidson
- Glazer’s Sales
- Hawg Wyld Cycles
- High Life Sales
- Major Brands
- EFECT Group of Kansas City

Story & Photos by Mike Schweder