HOG Heaven...there is more than one kind of 'hog' in Carroll County
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Kathe Bell

Sunday was a beautiful day to take a nice, leisurely motorcycle ride. The sun was out, the breeze was light and the birds were chirping. Many cyclists decided to tour the countryside on their favorite set of wheels that day.

But a group of dedicated two (and sometimes more)-wheel riders, several from Carroll County, added a significant benefit to their riding that day. They rode to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association - and raise money they did!

County residents Brian Bullard and Russell Price from Rockfield, Pat Brown, Gordon Waligorski and Ernie and Elaine Todd of Delphi plus county residents Chris and Kay Little and Francis DeFord joined others from the county to help with the cause. This was Brown's first MDA ride although he has been riding for more than 10 years.

"I go on all the rides,"Waligorski said in contrast.

The annual ride was organized by Kathe and Dan Bell, owners of Eagle Harley-Davidson/ Buell in Lafayette. It was co-sponsored by the local Harley Owners Group (HOG), Chapter 1188 and supported by Harley-Davidson corporate office.

Dan Bell

The Bells have organized the ride for the past 17 years.

"We had maybe 20 bikes the first year," Dan Bell said. "This just keeps growing."

Sometimes this is the first ride for some," Kathe added.

All proceeds from the registration fees, $15 per bike and $25 for a couple on the same bike, plus the sales of MDA pins, are forwarded to the MDA, according to Kathe. No money collected is used to make the ride and event happen.

A total of $11,581 was raised from 734 riders on 604 bikes.

"This is a great event that's been happening for 17 years and we're thrilled to be a part of it," MDA District Director Misty Clugh said.

Not all Carroll County event participants were astride motorcycles Sunday. The Radnor United Methodist Church Youth Group sold refreshments and sandwiches prior to "kickstands up" time (departure). Proceeds benefited the youth group's activities.

"We teach our youth about tithing," lay leader Bruce Hankins said. "Ten percent of what we raise here today will be donated to MDA as a way of teaching the kids what it means to tithe."

Kathe Bell told the Comet Monday it was crucial for their event that whatever group provided refreshments for the riders be willing to donate at least part of their proceeds to MDA. She said she was very pleased with the Radnor group and hopes they will continue to help the cause in years to come.

Where's the beef??? Many Carroll County residents participated in the 2007 MDA HOG (motorcycle) Ride Sunday. Not only did Carroll County's participation involve those riding motorcycles to raise money for a cure for MDA, but the youth group from Radnor United Methodist Church sold refreshments to the riders. Many from Carroll County gathered in front of the church canopy to socialize while waiting to begin the ride. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe

"Those who suffer from muscular dystrophy are the inspiration for us to go on," Kathe said. "The community has been incredible with their help."

"We just hope to make a cure possible," she concluded.

For information about MDA, visit the Web site at www.mda.org.