WEST BRANCH — Ogemaw County is no stranger to motorcycle events, but one area rider has created a motorcycle run for a cause, which
will be held May 30. Hoss, as he is known to bikers in the area, started his charity motorcycle run last year, raising money to send support packages to troops overseas. “They had all kinds of things to go in the baskets, but they didn’t have any money to mail them,†Hoss said. “So I started a tribute ride last year, from here to Great Lakes (Harley Davidson) in Bay City, and we raised between $3,500 and $3,700 last year.†This year, Hoss has brought back his tribute ride, with proceeds going instead to Snowball Express, an organization that assists families of fallen soldiers. Hoss is being assisted by Melissa Alex, a member of a Snowball family. “What they (Snowball Express) do is they raise money to provide an all-expense paid holiday weekend for the kids and the families,†Alex said. “It’s because I’m a family member, and for the last three years they have done such an awesome job taking care of my kids, that I wanted to be able to give back. The only way I figured I could give back with the way the economy is, is to help make more money so they can provide these weekends for these kids. I have their support.†The ride will begin at Great Lakes Harley Davidson in Bay City, and travel approximately 62 miles to West Branch, where it will wrap up at Gildner’s Harley Davidson. Riders can sign up the day of the event in Bay City — the price is $10 for the bike and driver, and $5 for additional riders. Hoss said there will be music, food and drinks at the end of the ride. Signup starts at 10 a.m., and the ride will leave at noon. Last year’s event drew 287 people and 187 bikes, and Hoss said he expects this year to bring in even more riders. He said he hopes to see around 300-500 people attend the event this year.
Alex said she became involved with Snowball Express when someone suggested it after her husband was killed in action on Sept. 2, 2006.