It was a sea of leather, metal and chrome as far as the eye could see as bikers lined up on Saturday for the
start of 5th Annual Charity Motorcycle Ride. The pavement quaked as some 500 motorcycle riders and their passengers, aboard Kawasakis, Yamahas and, of course, Harley-Davidsons, thundered through the parking lot for a 70-kilometre scenic journey through the city and Brant County. Escorted by police, the bikers had an uninterrupted trip in the brilliant sunshine while raising money for the Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation’s Every Kid Counts program. The ride raised close to $50,000 for the Every Kid Counts program that helps children and youth with special needs participate in recreational programs. Jordan Seberras, the 2009 ride ambassador who attends a swimming program with support workers provided through the program, was the top pledge raiser, bringing in about $4,600. While the program doesn’t pay registration fees, it provides workers to help special needs children get involved with activities. “It just lets them be one of the kids,” said Jim Hladish, who is a support worker at Lansdowne. “There shouldn’t be anyone saying they can’t, or that they shouldn’t try something.” Bob Cassie, who started the ride in 2004, said the bikers came from more than 40 communities to participate in the event. Part of the draw is the police escort, which makes the ride safe and enjoyable.
Heather MacDonald-Moore spent the morning collecting tickets so participants could get free breakfast sandwiches. She and other members of her family were sporting handmade buttons with pictures of her seven-month-old daughter, Billie. She suffered a brachial plexus injury during her birth that caused nerve damage between her tiny ear and wrist.