To see an extensive PHOTO collection click here.

 On August 23, 2009 the seventh annual Walt Gray Ride For Kids took place with a roar.  Thousands of motorcycles lined up at the Sierra College parking lot in Rocklin, CA while on-site registration was completed with free donuts, coffee and bottled water.  The charitable donation fee per rider was $25.00 with proceeds benefiting the children’s charities Mustard Seed School, Make-A- Wish,  Sacramento Children’s Foundation and Hope Productions Foundation. Over the past six years the Walt Gray Run has made an accumulative $259,000 to donate. 

Bikes of all kinds and riders of all creed filled the college parking slots in groups of four in preparation for the ride through 58 miles of back roads and scenic routes ending at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. The massive charitable parade of bikers began with a California Highway Patrol escort from the college onto Sierra College Blvd.  News crews from the sponsor KCRA-3, photographers, volunteers, and interested spectators stood by as the engines hummed and roared their announcement to the world: We ride for kids!  The run proceeded to SR-193  into the city of Lincoln with traffic control assistance until the last traffic light in Lincoln on SR 65.  If you were traveling on streets that took you through the line, your wait was ample as the controlled traffic delayed progress but few complained. The significance of the number of riders equated to substantial proceeds for the charitable benefit.

The 2009 route was a scenic success with summer golden hills dotted with native California oak trees, farm and orchard lands and quaint towns.  Numerous people demonstrated their interest and appreciation with thank you signs, waves and big smiles.  The appearance of thousands of motorcycles sparked the interest of the young and old alike. The city streets and scenic routes were not packed with spectators but the appreciation was ample enough for a rider to know they were being applauded. At some points along the route, grey-haired waving grandmothers could be seen holding the hands of toddlers and entire families casually rested on the road side or in the bed of pick-ups to witness the event.  Smiles widened when they got a wave in return and cameras were held up to capture the spectacular scene of bike after bike cruising by.

The route continued to Wheatland, SR-70, SR-20 and into Grass Valley.  There were no accidents or disturbances reported and the arrival to the Fairgrounds was followed by a bag lunch of turkey sandwiches from Hard Rock Cafe, potato chips, cookies, small bags of Jelly Belly jelly beans and water or soda.  Lunch was made enjoyable by the mid-mountain fresh air and gentle rock tunes performed by Coco Montoya.  Vendor booths featuring motorcycle gear and accessories, food, clothing, and biker clubs provided additional interest as well as raffle donations. 

The Bikes on display included some custom painted with scripture by Carl Brouhard Designs shown by Richard Wilkins of Awakening In Him Ministries. The Way Riderz Motorcycle Ministry were also present to assist in the information and raffle booth where free Christian music CDs by Steve Grace  were being offered.  A group of Buffalo Soldiers gathered for an impromptu photo shoot on the lawn while bikers continued to enjoy the live band, raffles and festival treats. Other biker clubs with attending members included Veterans of Foreign Wars Riders Association, Capital City Sacramento, and Mestizos MC Califas. Even a little biker dog with riding goggles joined the crowd.      To see an extensive PHOTO collection click here.

All content and photos copyright by Susan

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