Ride with a Buddy

On Friday, August 22, 2008, 65 motorcycles and 15 collectible cars were each matched with at least one Buddy for the kickoff of Walk Fest 2008. The participants all said the leisurely ride through the countryside, the setting of the sun and seeing the long procession of motorcycles and cars riding in formation was perfect.

As they entered the Fair Park, skydivers from AtmosphAir Skydiving Club landed in the park with the American and Tomorrow’s Hope flags. At the same time, two T-6 planes flew over the park to salute all of those who are touched by or give care and support to those touched by life-limiting illness.

After arriving in the park, survivors of life-limiting illnesses took the torch on a “Survivors Lap.” The portable torch held the Flame of Hope which was our beacon throughout the event.

Stories from Ride with a Buddy

• Cayden, three years old, and his parents were passengers in a car driven by Dick of Lake Mills. When they returned to the Fair Park, we saw Cayden sitting on Dick’s lap ‘driving the car’! It is these types of moments that make the event priceless for the drivers of cars.
• With some gentle persuasion, Joyce, mother of Karen, rode on the back of the motorcycle driven by Pete. Pete was Joyce’s daughter Karen’s buddy for the past two years. Karen passed away a month and a half after the Ride last year. At Karen’s funeral, Pete led the procession from the church to the cemetery with his motorcycle. On the back of his bike, he had a sign that said: In Memory of Karen.” For him to be able to give Karen’s mother a ride … priceless!
• “Having the Ride on Friday night in conjunction with the Opening Ceremony was the perfect fit. Both events complimented each other. It also gave the Ride participants a better understanding Tomorrow’s Hope and our mission.” Elvin, Ride With a Buddy Coordinator

Following Ride With a Buddy, we held our 2008 Walk Fest. Read about it here.

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

• Brian Happ
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