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Feb 10
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Yamaha Fulfills $500,000 Pledge in Outdoor Access Initiative Grants

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Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative’s 2022 Q4 Grants Fund Large-Scale Riding Area Clean Up and Essential Trail Maintenance Projects Protecting Access to Land for Motorized Recreation

MARIETTA, Ga. – February 9, 2023 – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, today announces the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) contributed more than $500,000 in grant awards for 2022, satisfying a commitment made in honor of National Public Lands Day. The final funding cycle for 2022 in the fourth quarter provided meaningful support to a wide variety of projects – from California desert cleanup and state-wide riding trail maintenance in Washington to multiuse bridges and trail resurfacing – making public lands sustainably accessible for motorized and outdoor recreation.

“The response from the outdoor community to our call for quality projects the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative can fund is the reason we were able to fulfill our 2022 pledge. While half a million dollars will make a significant impact, we know there are more opportunities out there in need of support,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager. “In 2023, our commitment is unchanged as we continue to invite and welcome partnerships with land managers, riders, land stewards, and anyone who relies on public land for outdoor recreation. Together we will work to protect, defend, and improve access everyone can enjoy for years to come.”

The application deadline for consideration in the first funding cycle of 2023 is March 31. Visit YamahaOAI.com to learn how to apply for a grant and review the submission guidelines. There, you also will find the Yamaha OAI grant application form, as well as the informative blog, which includes recaps of typical projects for inspiration.

The powersports industry leader in delivering critical resources to those working to make public land available for motorized and outdoor recreation had a strong finish for 2022 with more than $195,000 in grants to projects nationwide. Projects funded in the 2022 fourth quarter grant cycle include:

Central Colorado Mountain Riders

  • Clean-Dezert (California)
  • Eleva-Strum Trail Riders (Trempealeau County, WI)
  • Idaho West Magic Lake Recreation Club (West Magic, ID)
  • Mad River Ridge Runners (Washington County, VT)
  • Northwest Motorcycle Association (Washington)
  • Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (Quincy, California)
  • The Sierra Foundation (Prather, CA)

About the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative: Since 2008, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative has led the powersports industry in supporting responsible access to our nation’s public lands for outdoor enthusiasts. Website: YamahaOAI.com

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Dec 22
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War Machine: Custom Bike Tribute to Soldiers

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Built by Richie Russolello, Story and Photos by Dangerous Dave – Earl’s Garage

Richie Russolello was working in Kansas and meet with some Veterans building a memorial with no support.

As he talked to them, he made a promise to help them, and their mission to honor veterans and wounded warriors.

He has been working on airplanes, trains, and all the associated support equipment.

He worked for Continental, Colorado Railroad and now Signature Flight Support, and he is licensed to work on A&P aircraft and Qualified Maintenance Personnel (QMP) for trains.

This year he was elevated to judge at the Mountain Regions largest motorcycle event, Colorado Motorcycle Expo going strong for 43 years.

CLICK HERE To Read this Photo Feature Article only on Bikernet.com

See All Featured Custom Motorcycles

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Dec 20
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Toy Runs for Kids : Merry Christmas

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Rogue rides to the Toy Run in Brevard County, Florida

It is the time of year that Bikers from around the country hold Toy Runs to help out those in their community who need toys for their kids.

Things have been tough for a lot of people, but you can always count on the Bikers to help where they can.

CLICK HERE To Read this Merry Report from Florida Toy Run

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Dec 20
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War Dogs Charity Riders Leading Caravan to Kentucky Relief Efforts

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War Dogs Charity Riders of Chicago Tornado Relief Caravan Leaves for Devastated Mayfield, Kentucky

Chicago December 19th 2021 –

By Gina Woods – Open Road Radio and War Dogs Charity Riders Board Member

With a six-truck and trailer load caravan of donations, the War Dogs Charity Riders leave tonight at 11:00 pm from Woodstock Harley-Davidson. The War Dogs Charity Riders and friends will gather at Woodstock Harley-Davidson with six trucks and trailers full to the brim and headed to Mayfield, Kentucky to deliver donations.

Greg Voss, a Chicago native and newly relocated Mayfield resident, says, “The past week has been terrific with the outpour of donations from around the world. We just got electricity back on and the clean-up effort has been amazing and ongoing.” Greg lives in the valley of Mayfield and was untouched by the disastrous tornado that wiped out the entire town. Greg uses his house as a headquarters for donations and coordinates with the city of Mayfield the many donations coming in.

Jessica Sheehan, the War Dogs Charity Riders board member who started the idea and organized the Kentucky Tornado Relief Caravan project, says, “My gosh, in the last five days we have collected thousands of dollars in monetary donations and water bottles, toys, clothes, tools and so many other necessary items like batteries, gloves and cleaning products for the trip to Mayfield. It’s a fine example of hope, perseverance and good will of the men and women in the community. I can’t even begin to thank all the organizations and people who have helped.”

Doug Jackson, owner of Woodstock Harley-Davidson and War Dogs president, says that the dealership has been a collection house all week and will feed the 10-plus people riding in the relief caravan to Kentucky and provided monies to help feed them while on the road. Doug comments, “It’s doing what we do in the name of mankind and bikers have always been a big part of relief efforts.”

If you’d like to donate you can contact the War Dogs Charity Riders @ 847.989.1827 or 630.833.9889

Dec 15
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The “Biker Lives Matter” Organization

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Rogue with his son Dale and grandson Reese – a family that rides together.

Click Here to Get Involved – http://www.bikerlivesmatter.com/

Article by Rogue – Founder of Biker Lives Matter, Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame

I have been asked a lot why I and some others started an organization named Biker Lives Matter and why it is important to me. My answer is simple, there is a need for an organization that calls attention to the tragic loss of lives and livelihoods from motorcycle crashes.

In the 1970s, I became involved in motorcycle rights and safety. At the time, motorcycle injury and death rate were high so the government and insurance companies began trying to pass laws that they hoped would help protect motorcyclists when crashes happened.

I have been riding motorcycles for 69 years and both my life and that of the others who ride has always been important to me.

I have seen many people injured and I know too many that have died.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones to still be riding at the age of 83 years old.

CLICK HERE To Read this insightful feature article on Bikernet.com

SUPPORT Biker Lives Matter – Visit website to know more: http://www.bikerlivesmatter.com/

Oct 22
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Annual Motorcycle Ride for Toys for Tots to Begin October 24

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by Allison Keys from https://www.krqe.com

On Sunday, Oct. 24, the 17th Annual Ride for Toys for Tots will kick off the season.

Toys for Tots begins collections for holiday season during motorcycle run.

As a child, there is nothing quite as exciting as waking up on Christmas morning with presents under the tree. However, not every child gets to experience that feeling.

The Toys for Tots campaign works to change that. Assistant Program Coordinator Paul Caputo and Maj. Mike Schroeder discuss the campaign and how it’s making a difference in the lives of local children.

A program by the US Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots strives to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December every year and to distribute them as Christmas gifts to children in need within the community.

On Sunday, Oct. 24, the 17th Annual Ride for Toys for Tots will kick off the season at the Super Walmart located on 528 and Enchanted Hills. Registration for the motorcycle ride starts at 9 a.m. with a ride to Thunderbird Harley-Davidson at 5000 Alameda Blvd. for an afterparty. The entry fee to the event is an unwrapped gift.

For more information on how to get involved with the program, visit https://toysfortots.org/.

If you’d like to put a donation box for toys at your business, call Paul Caputo at 505-975-2033.

WATCH: Full interview with Toys for Tots Asst. Program Coordinator Paul Caputo and Maj. Mike Schroeder

Aug 24
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Motorcycle Poker Run & Raffle to support Central Vermont families

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from https://www.vt-world.com

Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) announces a brand-new fall fundraising event and invites Central Vermonters for a motorcycle ride, barbecue, and raffle on Saturday, September 18, 2021. The Poker Run & Raffle for Central Vermont Families replaces CVHHH’s annual Seasons of Life Fashion Show, which raised over $50,000 in its 20th year in 2019. Proceeds from the inaugural Poker Run & Raffle will benefit CVHHH’s Maternal-Child Health program.

As part of this event, CVHHH is raffling a 2021 Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Sportster 1200X. Raffle tickets are $100 each. Don’t ride? Tickets to the after party and barbecue at the Capital City Country Club cost $25.

• $50 to ride – registration deadline is Thursday, September 10.

• Poker Run starts and ends at the Capital City Country Club (formerly Montpelier Elks Club).

• Registration opens at 10:00 a.m. Kickstands up at 11:00 a.m.

• Poker Run prizes: Best hand wins $500 cash. 2nd best wins $250, and 3rd best wins a $100 gift card.

• The Poker Run will be led by Circuit Sponsor, the Rock Solid Crew of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club.

About Maternal-Child Health at CVHHH
CVHHH’s Maternal-Child Health program provides a range of medical and supportive services that promote maternal and child health and wellness from pregnancy through childbirth and beyond. Services include lactation support (seven days a week, including holidays), medical care and assessments through pregnancy and after delivery, education on issues ranging from making the transition back to work, child development, and sleep habits. Families can have visits in the comfort of their own home, and sometimes avoid going out for additional visits. CVHHH’s goal is to ensure that Central Vermont women and children are safe, comfortable, and have the supports they need to thrive. CVHHH knows that the benefits of early intervention last long into a person’s life, and CVHHH’s Maternal-Child Health team is committed to supporting the needs of Central Vermont families.

Aug 08
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Lemonade Stand of 8-year old is popular attraction at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

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by Brie Stimson from https://www.foxnews.com

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally a boon for boy, 8, running ‘donations only’ lemonade stand.

Young Wyatt Dennis says he’s saving half the money for college, donating some to a children’s hospital — and having some fun with the rest.

A motorcycle-loving 8-year-old’s roadside lemonade stand has become a popular attraction at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally kicking off this weekend in South Dakota.

Wyatt Dennis opened the stand last year to earn a little money toward a Lego set he wanted, according to FOX 9 in Minneapolis. By the end of the day, he had earned the money plus $200 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“So now, 50% goes to college, 30% goes to St. Jude and the rest goes to — last year it was Legos, this year it’s a dirt bike,” Dennis told FOX 9.

This year, Dennis’ entrepreneurial venture went viral after someone staying at a nearby campground posted about him on social media, allowing him to raise $4,500 for the children’s hospital so far.

Dennis doesn’t charge for the lemonade but donations are appreciated, according to FOX 9.

“If you are traveling between Rapid City and Sturgis on your bike, stop by the Tilford road exit!!” Derek Swain posted on Facebook last Monday. “There is a motorcycle loving little boy who is giving away free lemonade and water to any and every one. Please stop by and give him a huge thank you and show off your rides!!! The lemonade is DELICIOUS!!!! Also, tip the damn kid, it’s hot out, and he’s gonna need to start saving now for that Harley.”

After Swain found out Dennis was donating most of the money to the hospital and for his college, he added, “Get out there and support a kid doing some good in this world.”

Swain’s post had been shared more than 64,000 times by early Sunday.

The Sturgis rally will continue through next Sunday, Aug. 15.

May 26
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Hogs for Heroes gifts motorcycle to Wisconsin Dells veteran

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by Erica Dynes from https://www.wiscnews.com

A Wisconsin Dells man became the 18th veteran to receive a motorcycle from a Wisconsin organization that gifts motorcycles to veterans to help them cope with mental and physical wounds from their time in active duty.

Marine Sgt. Rick Erickson was gifted a Harley-Davidson motorcycle from Hogs for Heroes at The Keg and Patio in Wisconsin Dells May 23. The presentation included a color guard ceremony by Wisconsin Dells American Legion Post 187. Eleven of the veterans who had receive motorcycles from the non-profit organization were there to hand keys to Erickson to start his new motorcycle.

Erickson hand-picked his motorcycle after going to three different dealerships with the co-founders of Hogs for Heroes before finding his perfect one at an Oconomowoc dealership.

To Erickson, the presentation was much more than receiving a motorcycle. It was sharing the emotional moment with the family he had become a part of, forming bonds with others who understand the pain and struggle of coming home from war. He struggled to fight back tears as he told the crowd what it meant to him.

“As awesome as the bike is, it’s about getting back in touch with people who understand you, living life again, people who know me and who have shared experiences that I had and welcoming me into the family,” Erickson said.

Erickson planned to follow in the footsteps of his father, who served in Vietnam as a Marine. He decided to enlist in the Marines after high school but was diagnosed with cancer, according to his biography on the Hogs for Heroes website. After being cancer free for five years, he enlisted in the Marines in 2003.

One year later he did a six-month tour of Iraq and served as an artillery scout and gunfire controller. Erickson was also in the center of Operation Phantom Fury, the highest point of conflict during the Iraq War against the Iraqi insurgents as the Marines invaded Fallujah. He was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor. He served in the Marines until 2007.

Upon returning home, Erickson fought a different battle as he struggled to cope with the transition to civilian life and post-traumatic stress disorder. He underwent surgery to treat several injuries from his time in the Marines and also struggled in his personal life. He later sought help for his PTSD and obtained two associate degrees. He currently works what he calls his “dream job” as assistant county veterans service officer for Sauk County. According to his biography on Sauk County’s website, he’s held the position since 2018.

Erickson tried to cope with his struggles riding his motorcycle, which he purchased when he returned from service 14 years ago. However, he sold it two years ago to save money for a necessary remodel to his house.

During Sunday’s ceremony, Kevin Thompson, one of the co-founders of Hogs for Heroes, told Erickson not to hold back his feelings. Thompson said he deserves to have some time to release energy as “wind therapy,” along with the support of the Hogs for Heroes family. Thompson also hopes the moment changes Erickson and makes him realize he isn’t struggling alone.

“My hope (is) to take Rick’s words; he said his experience in the military and Iraq changed him,” Thompson said. “My goal is Rick looks back at today as the moment this experience changed him.”

Hogs for Heroes started in 2015 by Kevin and Audra Thompson and Craig and Michelle Thompson. Audra Thompson said the non-profit will give away six bikes by the end of this year, a record for the organization that started with a goal of giving away one bike annually to an injured veteran. All proceeds raised goes directly to fund a motorcycle for veterans who apply to receive a motorcycle. For more information on Hogs for Heroes, go to hogsforheroeswi.org.

Dec 18
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Rockstar Harley-Davidson donates $50,000 to local children’s charities

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On December 12, 2020, David and Charlyn Veracka representing the entire Rockstar Harley-Davidson family, presented a check for $50,000 to local children’s charities that are beneficiaries of the annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational golf tournament, now in its 24th year.

Two years ago, the Veracka family added Rockstar Harley-Davidson, formerly Six Bends Harley-Davidson, a mega 54,000 sq. ft. motorcycle destination located off of I-75 and Daniels, to their growing list of motorcycle dealerships across the country. They have since purchased a home in Fort Myers and look forward to getting more involved in the Southwest Florida community.

“We love children and enjoy supporting the community where we live, work and play,” said David and Charlyn Veracka. “Our family and the Harley-Davidson family feel it’s our responsibility to give back to our community and those in most need.”

In 2020, many fundraising events were canceled due to the pandemic, which has placed a huge financial burden on local non-profits who rely on those funds to provide much needed services in our community.

“Organizers thought long and hard about canceling the Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational for the first time in two decades because of the pandemic but quickly realized that it was more important than ever to go forward with the event,” says Scott Fischer, owner of Scott Fischer Enterprises and co-host of the event. “Non-profits need our help more than ever and we can’t let them down.”

Thanks to the generosity of Rockstar Harley-Davidson, sponsors, and golfers, the 24th Annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational will go on as planned to provide essential funding to Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida to feed food insufficient children on the weekends throughout the school year; Paul Sands Memorial REIS Scholarship Fund at Florida Gulf Coast University to providing scholarships to those seeking a Real Estate degree; and Stockings 4 Kids who will provide stockings of toys for kids who would otherwise not receive them. In addition, a portion of Rockstar Harley-Davidson’s donation will support Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida to educate and mentor K-12 students on work readiness.

Here are how these charities will put these funds to work right here in our community.

“With COVID-19 leaving many families financially disrupted and facing food insecurity, this generous donation by the Veracka Family at Rockstar Harley-Davidson will help us provide over 25,080 meals and couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Executive Director Blessings in a Backpack SWFL Cecilia St. Arnold. “It’s heartbreaking to see so many children in Southwest Florida that normally would not be in our program, now on waiting list to receive food.”

“This generous donation will help our goal of reaching 20,000 students during the 2020-2021 school year and provide them with valuable career and work readiness programs that are needed more than ever before,” said Angela Fisher, president, and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. “We are so thankful to Rockstar Harley-Davidson for entrusting us with this investment that will further JA’s impact on our region’s next generation of business leaders.”

“Thanks to this donation we are able to provide 100 beautiful Christmas stockings stuffed with fun toys and a warm teddy bear for less fortunate children right here in our own backyard,” said Lee Knapp, founder of Stockings 4 Children.

“Thanks to this donation, three FGCU students pursuing an education and career in Real Estate will receive financial support they need from the Paul Sands Memorial Scholarship Fund,” said Lisa Sands, organizer of the Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational and Broker at VIP Realty.

The 24th Annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational is sold out again this year. For more information about the Annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational or how you may support one of these local children’s charities, contact Lisa Sands at lsands@VIPrealty.com.