San Bernardino Dual Sport Ride kicks off the 2001 Ride for Kids Season

San Bernardino, CA - March 18, 2001

Riders from all over Southern California and western Nevada converged on the Glen Helen Motocross facility on Sunday morning March 18, 2001 for the start of the annual Dual Sport Ride for Kids event. The riders, 300 strong and riding all brands of motorcycles, raised $45,064 to find the cause and cure of pediatric brain tumors.

The dual sport motorcyclists began arriving as the sun was peeking over the horizon. The early arrivals were treated to a special breakfast of pancakes and sausage prepared by none other than National Honda Riders Club Of America (HRCA) Manager Charlie Keller and his able assistants, "Sausage Suzy" and "Pancake Patty".

Just before the riders on the 90-mile ride that traversed the valleys and mountain tops, they gathered under the big top tent for the excitement of the "Celebration of Life". The inspiring words of Dr. Douglas Hyder encouraged the riders to continue to help, and shared how seeing them all here encouraged him to work harder. He said, "I can could hardly wait to get back to work on Monday."

The words of racer Paul Krause, who's own child was stricken by a brain tumor, along with Joe Bishop, father of 7 year old brain tumor survivor Justin Bishop, provided inspiration to all in attendance. It's always a special time when the "kids" come on stage. With six kids, all brain tumor survivors, it was a lot of fun with both smiles and tears. Seven year-old Justin Bishop was a special hit in his riding gear, proudly posing on his brand new XR50 Honda.

Special congratulations are in order for Ed Schneiderhan, who led all fundraisers with $5,265. Top club honors went to the Orange County Dualies who raised a whopping $16,340 to fund the programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the U.S. (PBTFUS). Fine Line Motorsports of Huntington Beach, CA was recognized as the number one dealer: Fine Line's customers brought $11,156. Ray Mock of Long Beach, CA was the lucky winner of a brand new XR100 Honda motorcycle.

Congratulations to Task Force leaders Paul Flanders, Jim Woods, and Buddy Percin for organizing a great event to kick off the Year 2001 Ride for Kids season.

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The Ride for Kids events provide financial support for the programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the U.S. The next Ride for Kids will be held on April 22, 2001 in Houston, TX. For more information about the Houston Ride for Kids and other Ride for Kids events, please call the PBTFUS at 800-253-6530 or visit: http://www.ride4kids.org or http://www.pbtfus.org.

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