Fun Ride draws record number
Weirton senior center profits from annual eventBy LYNNELLEN WINKLER, Community editor
Article Photos
"Riders Up," was the invitation to a large group of motorcycles and passengers to mount their machines and participate in the third-annual Greater Weirton Senior Center Fun Ride and Dice Run that occurred on Saturday. The center's Fun Ride is one of the major fundraisers of the year.
Heather Hayes, Fun Ride co-Chair, said, "The weather is absolutely beautiful. We have more bikers this year than in the past."
This year the ride drew 65 bikes with 82 riders - the largest participation ever.
"It's an awesome day," said Jeannette Meriwether, center coordinator.
"The weather is terrific and I'm tickled pink," she added.
Months of planning went into the event by the Fun Ride committee and members of the center's board of directors.
Prior to the ride participants had the opportunity to purchase chance tickets for $10 each for Neidengard's Cycle Center's Muscular Dystrophy Association's fundraiser.
Following the tradition of sharing in the "Biker's Prayer," the "Riders Up," call was delivered, and riders and passengers mounted their motorcycles.
Members of the Weirton Police Department stopped traffic along Main Street for the procession of riders to depart the center. Brooke County Deputy Sheriff Darin Pizer from Wellsburg relayed the "rules of the road" and was the first rider out. Pizer is a member of the West Virginia Blue Knights/Policemen and Red Knights/Firemen motorcycle clubs.
"It's a good day and I hope for a safe, fun ride," said Pizer.
The approximate 70-mile route took the cyclists through Colliers; Eldersville, Pa.; Avella, Pa.; West Liberty, W.Va.; past Oglebay Park and back to the center.
Once the riders returned, they shared dinner with non-riders and volunteers, a silent auction and the awarding of door prizes and gift certificates for the Dice Run portion of the day - three dice rolls, highest and lowest won.
"We've been blessed with a wonderful day - our sponsors, our auction item sponsors - everyone has been so supportive this year," said Brenda Green, center board member.
Meriwether made this year's Fun Ride "a family affair" riding a customized Harley-Davidson tricycle with her husband, Jon, along with their son, Jim, on his new Harley-Davidson Road Bike enhanced with Screamin' Eagle Performance parts.
Hayes added, "I'd like to thank the local businesses for their generous support with sponsorships and donations to our silent auction."
(Winkler can be contacted at lwinkler@weirtondailytimes.com)
