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This year gets a special boost by the inclusion of a custom motorcycledesigned by "Dozer," an award-winning custom bike builder who can be seen onthe Discovery Channel's Great Biker Build-Off. Children dealing with leukemiain June put crayon to paper to design their dream motorcycle. Their drawingsare the basis of Dozer's custom-designed Children's Leukemia FoundationMotorcycle, which will be brought to life by Great American Chopper, thepremier theme-motorcycle retailer in the state. Based in Clawson, GreatAmerican Chopper has built theme bikes for the Detroit Red Wings and theDetroit Tigers. ABC Harley Davidson donated the nearly $8,000 engine andtransmission for the motorcycle.
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The 8th Annual David & Wanda Harrison Memorial Charity Ride will roll outof Clarkston Chrysler Jeep at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, September 21st and end at theDTE Energy Theatre for an evening concert featuring Rock & Roll Hall of FameInductees Lynyrd Skynyrd, where the custom bike will be given to one luckyraffle winner at the September 21st ride event. Raffle tickets are $10 each;only 5,000 are being offered.
The scenic route along back roads in northern Oakland County is fullyescorted by the Oakland County Sheriff Department's Motor Unit.
"This year's event had the added bonus of giving the kids an 'AmericanChopper' experience and a wonderful way of getting involved in the event,which in itself is something to behold," said Chuck Fortinberry, President ofClarkston Chrysler Jeep and founder of the annual event.
"If you've ever seen 500 motorcycles rolling down the street at once,surrounded by the flashing lights of the sheriff department's motor unit, itdefinitely leaves an impression," Fortinberry said. "People will want to knowwhat this is all about. And hopefully they'll decide they want to be a partof it too."
The ride entry fee is $30 ($25 for passenger) and includes a lawn seatconcert ticket, VIP parking at DTE, lunch at the start and an official ridepin.
The annual event is growing quickly. Last year's ride drew more than 200riders. This year, Fortinberry said he expects that number to more thandouble to about 500 riders.
"This ride is one of the most important things I do each year,"Fortinberry said. "The Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan reallyprovides a home for Michigan families battling leukemia and lymphoma. Thisride, and other fundraising efforts like it, helps give these families theresources they need. Fortinberry and his wife Dana, have been very activesupporters of the CLF for many years.
Pre-registration for the popular event is encouraged. Pre-register atwww.leukemiamichigan.org or call 248-353-8222. Interested riders can alsoregister at Clarkston Chrysler Jeep, located at 8105 Big Lake Road inClarkston. A hot dog lunch, entertainment and silent auction items forviewing will also be available. The group will depart at 5:30 p.m. for the50-mile ride.
The event is sponsored by McLaren Health Care, ABC Harley Davidson,Clarkston Chrysler Jeep, DTE Energy Theatre, Great American Chopper, TheOakland Press, Dozer Cycle and 99.5 WYCD.
About Clarkston Chrysler Jeep: Clarkston Chrysler Jeep is a member of theChrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association. The Chrysler JeepSuperstores Advertising Association is a group of 39 independently ownedChrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeast Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville andfrom Clinton to Port Huron. Web site: www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com.
About Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan: Children's LeukemiaFoundation of Michigan is an independent
