Well, 2010 has officially begun and Vindicta Riding Club participated in a charity ride today. Republic Harley Davidson, of Stafford, Texas, organized a charity ride to escort 93Q disc jockey and Snowdrop Foundation co-founder, Kevin Kline’s amazing 482-mile ultra marathon to benefit the Snowdrop Foundation, (www.snowdropfoundation.org). Kevin began running December 20th from Dallas to Austin to San Antonio, finally ending up at Texas Children’s Medical Center in Houston. Republic H-D (http://www.republichd.com/default.asp) and General Manager Craig Slovak organized the Ride with Strides to benefit the Snowdrop event. Republic H-D covered each bike’s $10 registration fee and donated the proceeds to the cause. Republic is starting to establish itself as a dealer any city would be proud of, and I am proud to say it will be my dealer of choice from now on. What an amazing way to start the New Year.
Vindicta, a V-Rod based riding group that has started in Houston, rode in together at around 11 am to represent our club. There’s nothing like riding into an event 10 strong, cruising in like a unit of jet fighters ready for battle. Overall, we had a decent showing, with several wives coming along to show their support.
Republic H-D had coffee, doughnuts, and barbeque for those who wanted to eat before the ride. We were surprised to see the large number of bikes that showed up to go along on the ride, but bikers have always been known to be a charitable group, as a whole.
People mingled around and talked bikes, hangovers, and expectations for the New Year when we heard the announcement Kevin would be arriving soon. We all lined the street to welcome him into the dealership with an incredible roar. Kevin staid at the dealership just under an hour to get refreshed before taking off on the final leg of his incredible journey, which ended at Texas Children’s Hospital. We would wait an hour before taking off on our police escorted ride through the city to help welcome him in at the hospital.
The ride was fan-freaking-tastic! I have never had an interest in participating in one of these “group rides”, but I can tell you I had a great time. Besides the comraderie and brotherhood I felt, it was also awesome to experience the warmth we felt from the community. People were waving and onking their horns. There were several corners packed with well wishers who just wanted to see the pack of rolling thunder migrating through the city. The police escort kept us moving as we made our way through the city streets to the hospital. I am not sure if we made the goal of 1,000 bikes, but I couldn’t see the front or the rear of the pack as we rode to the event. All in all, I was impressed with the teamwork and effort that was displayed throughout the entire event proceedings. Those police riders can ride those bikes, and they did a hell of a job on the event, so thanks to the Sugarland PD.
Once we arrived at Texas Children’s, we were met with thunderous applause and a nice crowd. 93q, a local country station here in Houston, was broadcasting live at the hospital awaiting Kevin’s arrival.
When he rounded the final bend of his journey, the applause and cheering was deafening. Bikes were roaring and the people were screaming as if our team had just won the World Series. I was reminded of what a friend of mine used to say, “If that don’t light your fire, then your wood’s all wet!” I was fired up, as there were several patients waiting to congratulate Kevin on his achievement, and all he wanted to do was tell them how proud he was of each of them for their brave daily battle.
As the confetti fell, Reed, our leader, gave the signal for us to depart. The same as we arrived, there group mounted our bikes and cruised out of the event. After a meal and fellowship, we each said our goodbyes and discussed which way each would go. As we exited the city, I was awed by the sight of our group as slowly the group became smaller, each rider heading towards their respective homes. My wife and I endured the chilling ride home, but I don’t think a smile left either one of our faces the entire night. Until next time…
