On June 20, 2010 there were a gathering of motorcycles roaring into the Bellefonte High School parking lot early on a Sunday morning.  In the midst of all the bikes was a tent filled with nothing but smiles, grace and friendly faces ready to help.  Along the curb on the outskirts of the tent sat many different items such as helmets, boots, battery tenders, head wraps and more that will soon be used as prizes for the 2nd Annual Brandon Miles Memorial Ride. 

            The Brandon Miles Memorial Ride started last year on the Sunday after the Bellefonte Cruise, and this year was the same.  It was a great way to enjoy a beautiful ride through Central PA and help raise funds for a worthy cause all at the same time.  This event took place on Father's Day, which set the stage for many to have some Father/Son bonding time just like Matt Hockenberry of Julian did with his son, Hunter.  This was Hunter's first time on a group ride and the smile on his face showed he was ready to ride! 

            All in all, this event proved to be a successful one. The ride ended at the Milesburg Park with a delicious meal served out to all the riders. There was a great turnout with 64 bikes and 97 total guests.  It took about 15 volunteers to organize and carry out the details but in the end, it was all worth it.  The ride serves as a dual purpose.  First, it honors Brandon Miles by doing one of the things he loved more than anything else; Ride.  Second, it makes a contribution to the Mission Teens Northwest Bible Training Center and this year's ride did just that!  $1,450 was raised and will be donated to the Mission Teens Northwest Bible Training Center in memory of Brandon Miles.  This non-profit organization is dedicated to helping men and women of all ages recover from drug and alcohol addiction.  The Center relies on donations alone for its operations.  Anyone interested in more information regarding this organization can visit their website at http://www.missionteens.com/Home.html.

            Be sure to mark your calendars for next year, same place and same time for this ride.  The organizers are hoping to make it bigger and better with more prizes, maybe a band, or even an Open House at the 2-3-4 Motorsports Shop.  Who knows what they'll come up with, but whatever, I'm sure it will deliver another day of enjoyment. 

            After speaking with Doug Miles about this event, he wanted to make sure I include this:  Special thanks to all of the volunteers who made this meaningful event run smoothly again this year, we couldn't have done it without you.       

Pictures from the ride can be on the 2-3-4 Motorsports website, Brandon Miles Memorial Ride Photos.     

As always, you can also catch more of this ride and many more in the RWO Events Gallery!

By Crystal G.

Crystal G., aka G, is the founder of Ride Wide Open.  RWO's purpose is to bring the local motorcycle and car clubs together, provide a centralized location for the many rides and events happening in Central PA and beyond, as well as provide a vehicle for these groups to get their information out to our fellow riders and enthusiasts of street bikes, dirt bikes, cars, bands, and more for FREE. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her own bike, a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom, or with her hubby on his Victory Jackpot, and spending time with her kiddos.