Monday, December 1, 2008

Bikers ride for babies

By Megan Tilk

September 21, 2008

What started as 387 bikers in 2004 grew to the 603 bikers who rode through St. Joseph Saturday.

The annual March of Dimes Bikers for Babies ride began at St. Joe Harley-Davidson at noon and ended 65 miles later at Terrible’s St. Jo Frontier Casino.

The March of Dimes is a nonprofit health organization in the fight against prematurity.

“We’re not here because it’s cool, but it is,” said Forrest Schubert, whose family was the ambassador family for a second time.

“We’re not here to show off tattoos or do burnouts ... ” Mr. Schubert said. “One in eight babies are born prematurely, and that is why we’re here.”

During the opening ceremony, a flock of doves was released. For every seven white doves, one black one was in the mix to represent the one baby born prematurely.

Mr. Schubert and his wife’s twin daughters were born prematurely.

For a minimum of $20 a person, bikers enjoyed the ride through St. Joseph and a free lunch.

Marlene Leimen, a small-built 58-year-old, holding a motorcycle helmet said this year was her fourth year to join in on the ride.

“It’s a nice ride. We enjoy getting out and having fun, and it’s for a good cause,” Mrs. Leiman said just before hopping on her bright yellow Sportster and jetting off.

The 603 riders raised more than $20,000 for the March of Dimes.

For more information on the March of Dimes Bikers for Babies, visit www.bikersforbabies.org.

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