Bikers hope ride makes a difference

The "Country Legends Ride" is raising funds to ensure the boys and girls in BCH's care have much to look forward to this summer. The money will send the children on a trip to Paramount's Carowinds amusement park outside of Charlotte as well as fund additional fun summer activities.

Wayne Felker, longtime motorcyclist and first officer of the chapter of the Southern Cruisers, is very familiar with BCH's -based residential campus. He has ridden in the annual Bikers Toy Run sponsored by the Randolph County Concerned Bikers Association where motorcyclists bring Christmas gifts to the children living at Mills Home. Felker knew there was room for an additional ride.

"We want to help these children during the summertime just as the toy run helps them at Christmas," Felker says. He and his fellow Southern Cruisers are organizing the event. Southern Cruisers is a national family-oriented motorcycle riding club.

Felker expects between 500 and 1,000 motorcycles. Motorcyclists will leave from Wal-Mart Supercenter in at 2 p.m.

and travel a 53-mile police-escorted route arriving at Mills Home in around 3:30 p.m. The Sheriff's Office, Fire Department, Police Department, police and fire departments and Healing Springs Fire Department are all lending their time and resources to ensure safety.

Felker says the ride could not happen without the help of sponsors. He has been overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses and organizations that have stepped up to help. "It's amazing to see all these sponsors come together," Felker says.

"Businesses across the area have allowed us to put up posters to help spread the word. And all of our area Harley-Davidson dealers are right there together to support this ride and the children." Gary "Poochie" Cox, owner of Cox's Harley-Davidson in Asheboro, says bikers particularly enjoy the rides benefiting Mills Home because they are able to greet the children.

"You can tell the boys and girls genuinely appreciate what the biker community is doing," he explains. "When the bikers pull into the campus, it brings a smile to the children's faces. The ride is as meaningful to the bikers as it is to the children.

" Triad area radio station Country Legends 98.3 FM is a lead sponsor and has donated on-air advertising. INNCOMM, based in Greensboro, and Thomas Built Bus Co.

Local UAW 5287 in have made contributions. Other sponsors include Wal-Mart Supercenter in , Harley-Davidson dealerships, including Cox's in Asheboro, Curley's in , Tilley's in Salisbury and H-D of and Greensboro. Whitley's Restaurant in is providing food for the event, and Christian music group The Following will perform.

Motorcycle enthusiast and Fox 8 WGHP sports broadcaster Rich Brenner is participating in the ride. BCH helps children overcome the challenges in their lives. Some children are victims of abuse and neglect; others are desperate to overcome feelings of anger and hopelessness.

Lynn Garner, BCH Area Family Services director, said events such as the motorcycle ride go a long way toward helping. "It's such an outpouring of people who want to help," Garner says. "The children can't believe these adults that don't even know them care for them that much.

" For more information contact Felker at or 225-4940, Mark Thompson at 357-2364 or Country Legends 98.3 FM.