Huron Valley Night Hawks M.C. Ride for Hope
On Sunday, August 1, 2010 the Huron Valley Night Hawks M.C. from Ypsilanti, MI joined forces with the Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter for the second annual motorcycle charity ride. The sun was shining brightly and riders were treated to a breathtaking route filled with winding roads, lakes and beautiful trees. This year the ride was an AMA sanctioned event and was conducted in a Poker Run style.
The morning began with coffee and donuts and bikers gathering to share stories of their other rides and recent updates of their bikes. The hosts of the event, the Huron Valley Night Hawks  M.C. were able to meet scleroderma patients and once again 15 year old, scleroderma patient, Brittney Burke came out to the event ready to ride on the back on one of the bikes. She came with her biker gear in hand and a smile on her face.
With everyone on their bikes the engines roared and the roads were cleared for the bikers to start their 90 mile trip. The sun was beating down and temperatures were in the high eighties but with a mild breeze coming out of the North, bikers were thumbs up as they drove away from the clubhouse.
The Poker Run took four hours to complete before all bikers were back to the clubhouse ready for hotdogs, hamburgers, snacks and listening to the music of two local bands. Bikers relaxed and some even danced before Executive Director Laura  Dyas took the stage to share some updated information about scleroderma with the group. Cheers erupted when Brittney came to the stage and spoke of her appreciation for all the bikers and she told of how much she enjoyed riding again. She told of how the NightHawks had come into her life and the lives of her family and what a difference they had made in her life. Laura told how she had made a telephone call to the NightHawks and from that call the “Ride for Hope” had begun two years ago. She remarked that, “The NightHawks have made a real difference in the lives of so many people and they have helped create so much awareness for scleroderma in the state of Michigan. They never have asked for anything in return, they just keep on giving.”
Several awards were given out to the riders and Brittney even received a plaque for the “Best Passenger” and a trophy for Youngest Rider.”
After the awards ceremony the members of the Night Hawks informed Brittney  that they are all getting a special tattoo complimenting her for the courage that she represents in facing her life with scleroderma. Since her favorite flower is a carnation they designed the tattoo with a carnation. NightHawk member Hammer stated, “We all think we face challenges in life but since I have met Brittney I have learned to face every day with a positive outlook. Brittney is the bravest person I know and she always has a smile on her face. She faces the challenges in her life with such strength; we all need to learn from her. She has taught all of us so much and we keep learning from her. We are better because of her.”
The Michigan Chapter is so grateful to the Night Hawks for reaching out and touching the lives of the so many people with scleroderma. The awareness that was raised during this charity ride was amazing and both the Michigan Chapter and the Night Hawks are looking forward to next year’s ride.
For more information about the 2011 ride please contact the office at (248) 865-7259. You can also keep checking the website for updates. |
