Ride For Angels Blog

Ride for Angels

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 15:15:00 -0500

Ride for Angels 2009 was last Saturday, October 3rd. The focus for this ride is to generate money for families less fortunate than others. The distribution of funds go out through the (FCESF) Fannin County Empty Stocking Fund. For those of you that do not know about the orginization let me just say that this is way more than toys on Christmas morning. While that is certainly part of the program, as it should be, the more important aspect is to provide life necessities for families that need them. Clothing, coats, shoes, food and yes, toys are provided to those in need. I encourage you to learn more about the FCESF. It is an awsome organization and I applaude them for what they do!

As far as the event is concerned, honestly, we did not know what to expect in this economy. We are all short on cash these days when you look back at where we all were just a couple years ago. Our riding community came out in typical numbers to years past which was great! Sponsorship from the business community was soft as was expected. Most businesses have cut back on budgets for anything that is not absolutely necessary. At the same time we were very happy to have new sponsors join our group. This was the first year for LongHorn Steakhouse to join us and they say they will be back next year. How great is that?

With the 2009 Ride for Angels in the rear view mirror it's now time to reflect on how it went. What did you like? What could we have done better? What changes should we make? How should we head off and start planning for next year?

So..... drop us a line to let us know what you think! Your feedback will go along way to make next year even better! You can enter you comments here on the blog. We can post your comments here or keep them private, you can decide. So, give us some feedback on how we are doing!

And by the way, give your self a pat on the back for supporting a great cause. We do appreciate you very much and want you to know it.

Ride Safe!

Ride For Angels 2009

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:59:00 -0500

Do you love good food? Well, LongHorn SteakHouse from Ellijay has come on board as one of our major sponsors for this years Ride For Angels! I don't know about you but that is my favorite place to eat so naturally you know I was excited to get the news that they wanted to be part of our event! Bring a big appetite cause you are going to need it. Gene has promised to make the food one of the better memories from this years ride. The ride is October 3rd this year. MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR, AND BRING A FRIEND! Riders will return to a new venue this year after a beautiful 110 mile ride. The ride is normally the best part as any biker will tell you, but, this year the food will be awsome and the entertainment will the best we have ever had!

We will roll back into Blue Ridge after our ride and the food will be served between 2:00 and 5:00 PM. At 5:00 PM The Buckner Brothers Band will take the stage. If you haven't heard these guys then you have missed out. They will be rocking it out till 8:00 PM. You don't have to ride a motorcycle to come enjoy the music, cars, trucks, bicycles, scooters or anything else that will get you down here will do. Just come on down and bring your $5.00 for the cover charge. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the evening! We will have a bond fire for those that want to enjoy it or if you want to just sit and look across the lake and take in the sounds, it's all good.

Check the web site for more info. Pre-registration has already started so get yours in today! Remember, the first 100 to register get one of our new 2009 T shirts free!

See you at the ride,

Jon

2009 Ride For Angels

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:25:31 -0500

I hope you are planning to join us this year for the Ride for Angels. Our ride this year will be October 3^rd. Make sure to mark your calendar, you don’t want to miss the entertainment that we have on tap. Our headliner this year will be the Buckner Brothers Band. If you don’t already know them you have missed out. The band was originally formed in 1979 under the name Flinthill. All current members of the band are from the '79 lineup with the exception of Scott West who joined in 2005. They have taken some breaks over the years to work with other bands such as Whitewater & St. Elizabeth but, reformed in 1996 to continue doing what they do best. Billy Joe Royal, Jack Hall & Wet Willie, Tommy Talton (of Cowboy & Greg Allman Band) & Monty Powell are just a few of the great artist they have had the privilege of performing with over the years. You can hear some of their music and learn more about the band at http://www.myspace.com/bucknerbrothersband . We are very excited to have the guys come out, the show is going to start at 5:00 PM and finish around 8:00.

The party will be at a new event venue in Blue Ridge this year. High County Farm will be hosting us this year at their all new outdoor venue. The site is great and I can’t wait for you to see it. We are going to have more room to party and enjoy the day. We have events planned all day and I am sure you will find something for everyone to enjoy. As always we have some of the best food ever so make sure to come hungry. You do not have to ride to come enjoy the party, music and food so tell all your friends to come on out. Everyone is welcome!

The day will start off with registration at Appalachian Community Bank, next to CVS, and we will have some great treats and coffee to get the day started. Next, our poker ride will take us into the hills of Tennessee. Our 100 mile ride will hit some areas that we have never gone to before so don’t miss it. The ride is going to be GREAT!

When we return to Blue Ridge there will be lots of entertainment, vendors, food and more. Make sure to stay tuned for more details. And don’t forget that you can pre-register, once again the first 100 get a free event t shirt. Our shirts have become collector’s items and supplies may be limited. I look forward to see you on October 3^rd. Don’t forget to wish me a happy birthday!

Jon

Spring is here!

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 13:38:52 -0500

Well.... Spring is finally here, The drought is over and the economy still stinks. Sounds like time to ride. Well, those of you that know me understand that I would ride no matter what, but that is just me. I have rode in the cold, in the heat, in the rain, in the snow, in the wind, in the dark, in the bright sun, and I have rode far far away (and endured all the above conditions while on one ride, in Canada). So, what is stopping you? As long as you have a motorcycle with gas in the tank get out there...... just be careful!

Rally season is in full swing. Daytona has come and gone. Sturgis is just around the corner but we have many opportunities between those two here at home. Copperhead Lodge is hosting their Stimulus Party April 18th. Check out their plans at http://copperheadlodge.com/events/stimulus.html . Looks like a great time. You just might see my new bike in the show this year. Bring yours out and let's have a great time. I may be in the running for the prize with the biggest light bill thanks to Tri State EMC. I really appreciate all they do for me!

Cherokee Survivors Rally, Thunder Beach in Panama City and Maggie Valley's rally in the Valley are all coming up in April. If you are interested is going let us know, we plan on hitting as many as possible thais year. There is always room for a few more. What is a ride without friends? Well don't ask me because I have already told you about me riding in the snow and I probably won't get many takers next time I try that.

Another ride coming up in April is the Top Gun Ride for Children. The ride strarts at Hooters on 41 and finishes at NAS Atlanta with a band, great food and many prizes. We got some great stuff there last year in the live and silent auctions. You can find more about this ride at www.TopGunRideAtlanta.com .

Plans are being made for the Ride for Angels October 2009 ride. We are trying to put together a two day event this year starting with a kick off party on Friday night and the ride on Saturday morning. At this time it looks like a we are going to hold a card tournament and have some music a bond fire and some great food on Friday night but we would like your input. Let us know what you would like to see. Contact me at jpack@tds.net with your ideas. We are always looking for volunteers to help at the event and would like to hear from you if you are interested.

Now, turn off the computer and get your butt out there and ride!

Jon

Ride for Leigh Ann

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:14:13 -0500

If you love escorted rides then you missed a great one on Saturday. The Ride for Leigh Ann was a great time for all! Doraville PD escorted us from Eagle Mountain Trading Post up Aska road, across old Dial, to Skeena Gap and Hwy 76 then back to Copperhead Lodge. During our stop at the Lodge we got the chance to taste the Chili cook off for 2008 and spend some time showing off our new friends from the Doraville PD motor unit. Not sure but I think we were the first ride to pass through there with our own motor patrol leading the way. Someone asked “is this ride out of Atlanta?”. I think they were jealous, well maybe just a little anyway. After a short time we were back on the road with our escort in place and ran Hwy 76 back into Blue Ridge.

We pulled back into Eagle Mountain like VIP’s never slowing down or stopping, Lt. Curry and his crew had every intersection and cross road covered and we just rolled on through. Not sure if the weekend masses on Fannin roads enjoyed it as much as we did but we had a great time none the less. Make sure you don’t miss the next ride, stay tuned for more info!

Leigh Ann was at Eagle Mountain when we got back and talked to many of us. We all wish her god speed in her recovery! If you did not get the chance to talk to her or make a donation call Lynn at 706-455-7276 and he can hook you up. I know they will appreciate you very much!

After the ride Ron and Chuck treated us to a great time with a bond fire and all the marshmallows we could eat. Everyone got to tell their share of lies, listen to Ron laugh and watch Chuck do most of the work, just kidding.... Chuck laughs too. What more could you ask for? Well… I guess another bond fire…. right? Call the girls at the store or stop in and check on the schedule, they have several more planned.

Until next time, Ride Safe!

Ride for Leigh Ann

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:58:42 -0500

Check out the Ride for Angels news page. There is yet another urgent need in our community. Leigh Ann Harkins is a 10th grade student at Fannin County High School and she was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. A benefit ride has been planned to help with her medical expenses. You will find a copy of the flyer on the Ride for Angels web site with all the details. The ride will meet at Eagle Mountain Motorcycle Outpost, 2521 Hwy 515 in Blue Ridge on October 25. Please come out and support Leigh Ann in her battle.

Ride for Angels 2008

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:45:57 -0500

Saturday October 4th was a beautiful day for a ride in the mountains. The sixth annual Ride for Angels pulled out of Blue Ridge on time at 10:30AM and headed south for Ellijay. We had about 75 motorcycles bound for LongHorn Steakhouse and our first card stop. Our second stop was on Hwy 136, Burnt Mountain Overlook. The sky was clear and bright blue but the overcast set in and blocked our view of Stone Mountain. I guess we will have to make another trip there to get a look in next few days!

Our final stop brought us back north to the Aska adventure area along the Toccoa River. Then it was back to Blue Ridge for some great food and more fun. 94 miles of pure heaven! We couldn't have had a better day for a ride and to meet new friends.