By Gary A. DeVon
Managing Editor
OROVILLE – A convoy of 300 or more riders on their motorcycles is expected to roar into town as the 6th Annual Run for the Border comes to Oroville this Saturday.
The Columbia River Harley Owners Group (HOG) sponsors the 150 mile run from Wenatchee to Oroville as a charitable event. This year they will again be raising funds for North Central Washington Kids in Need. Although the club is made up of Harley Davidson owners, all types of motorcycles are welcome to join in the ride, according to Ken Taylor of Oroville who is helping to coordinate the event.
“They start up in Wenatchee at 10 in the morning and usually stop in Pateros which is about half way,” said Taylor. “We expect the convoy to start rolling in to town around 1 p.m.”
The group’s website says 12 p.m. but in the past has arrived anytime between noon and 1 p.m. In past years the group has also picked up additional riders in Pateros, mostly from Okanogan County, who join to make the last half of the ride.
“I know of a couple of people heading down to Wenatchee on Friday who will spend the night so they can come up the whole way with the group,” Taylor said.
That night before a big auction is held at the Cashmere Riverside Center to raise additional funds to be added to the pledges for the ride. The Oroville Chamber of Commerce gathered several items donated by local businesses to put together two baskets to be included in the auction.
“We had a great response and will have one basket geared toward men and one geared toward women,” said Taylor. “Many of the businesses in town donated generously. We also have several gift certificates included to give whoever wins an excuse to come back to Oroville on another ride.”
When they get to town the riders will be able to park their motorcycles on the east side of Main Street from Central to Appleway, as well as “Sturgus-style” parking on 16th in front of Linda’s Bakery, with more parking on Golden Street by the Eagles, according to Taylor. These areas will be coned off especially for the riders and their machines and will allow spectators to get a better look.
“This year with the good weather forecast I’d like to see between 300 and 500 bikes and riders,” Taylor said.