Two-wheeled thunder rumbled through La Porte County on a sunny Saturday morning as area bikers once again gathered at Harley-Davidson of Michigan City to roll through the Region and raise money for Toys for Tots.
At a cost of just $10 per participant, the long-running event typically sees more than a hundred riders take to the streets, with all proceeds going to benefit Toys for Tots.
Beginning at the Harley-Davidson Store in Michigan City, the annual ride features stops at local watering holes such as Pinola Saloon, Les & Pearls, 3rd Base Bar & Grill, and the Waterford Inn, with riders collecting a stamp at each stop before returning to the store, where they finished the ride with a Chili Cook-Off.
“This is our longest-running event,” Katlyn Slater, Office/Finance Manager for the Harley-Davidson Shop of Michigan City said about the rain-or-shine event.
Slater said that the event is often the last ride of the season for many local bikers.
“While a lot of people do actually ride through the winter, for others, this is their last big ride of the year before they put their bikes in storage for the cold winter months. A lot of people will come here, do the ride, then stay and talk to us about our winter storage options.”
This year’s event was well-attended, owing largely due to warmer-than-usual weather and sunny skies.
Slater expects the event to raise more than $1,000 to benefit Toys for Tots.
“We will take all the money raised and go to the store to physically buy toys. We’ll load up the box multiple times before we eventually drop them off. If there’s any money left, we will use that to help local food pantries.”
Jason and Corinne Odle of La Porte rode their 2015 Harley-Davidson Street Glide to the event.
“We’re excited about it. It’s a good ride, for a good cause and it gets us out of the house,” said Jason, who added that he was mostly looking forward to the chili afterward.
“I’m hungry. I didn’t have breakfast,” said Jason.
“I’m just ready for the ride!” said Corinne.
Debbie Allie came from Union Mills on her 2003 Low-Rider.
“I came out to ride and have a good time. It’s a beautiful day,” said Allie, owner of Les & Pearl’s. “I love this dealership.”
“Our customers are awesome!” said Slater. “A lot of people have been coming to this event every year for the last 15 years. They come and help us support Toys for Tots and we really appreciate each and every one of them.”
For more information about the Harley-Davidson Shop of Michigan City, visit them online athttps://www.hdmichigancity.com/
