Bikers

Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen Bikers Rebels or Angels! The biker community has, for many years, been feared by most people that don't ride. Bikers as a group have been stigmatized by society as renegades. They are looked upon as a subculture of nomadic vagabonds whose only purpose in life is to roam the highways at their leisure, party at the drop of a hat, and terrorize the communities they enter. Bikers are often labeled as rebels. They are perceived to be hell-bent, wild and crazy. But if you take a closer look you will find a whole new meaning of the word biker. A Biker is a doctor; a lawyer, a father, mother, son, daughter, or grandparent. A Biker could be a teacher, a student, mechanic, or congressman. (charityrides.com Sept. 2012) So let’s break the stigmatism. The fact is bikers are some of the biggest hearted people I've ever met. They give, give, and keep on giving. The 99%ers (the vast majority of the biker community) and the 1%ers (Hell's Angels, Outlaws, etc.) frequently ride together for charitable causes, 100% of the riders empty their pockets for that cause. An example of this giving can be found all over the world. This year, in Minnesota alone, they raised 10 of millions from events. The purpose of these events is to raise money to "Improve the Quality of Life for Those Less Fortunate". The beneficiaries, from these events include, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Make A wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Veterans Homes, POW MIA Organizations, just to name a few. The money that is raised, by bikers all over the world goes to help facilities for the less fortunate, without a doubt, the events sponsored by bikers has made a tremendous difference in the efforts to find cures, aid in hospital billing, helping children learn, making wishes come true, toys for tots, etc. Bikers not only give at charity rides they also help to put these events together. They work in the evenings after work and on the weekends. They take time away from their families in order for other, less fortunate families, to have toys for their children at Christmas, and for their children to receive better medical treatment, a great time at the Summer Olympic games, and a better chance at an education, just to name a few of the great causes.(charityrides.net Sept. 2012) When thoughts of bikers come to mind many envision rough and tumble groups and gangs. Most bikers, however, are just average people. Motorcycle enthusiasts have been actively attending and organizing rallies, events, bike nights, and charities for decades. Aside from the dozens of local and national rallies held every year across America, thousands of bikers participate to raise money and awareness to support charities and worthy causes. For the land of 10,000 lakes, there are numerous bike events held every year throughout Minnesota. (EHow.com Sept. 2012) Organizing and sponsoring any motorcycle rally or get together can be very rewarding and fund raisers can raise huge amounts for needy causes. For any motorcycle event to be successful it takes the help of sponsors, individuals and the community as a whole! I hope you all have a better understanding of Bikers and what the rallies and events mean to so many people and that your support can and does make a difference.