Run for the Border raises money for food bank, Boy Scouts

By Gary DeVon • May 20, 2010 11:23 pm

Over 150 riders and motorcycles poured into Oroville as part of the eighth annual Run for the Border charity ride from Wenatchee. After a brief ceremony many who took part in the event went to get some lunch or to talk to those who came out to see all the

OROVILLE – More than 200 motorcycles left Wenatchee with another 30 joining at Pateros for the eighth annual Run for the Border charity ride.

However, a few bikes didn’t head north from there, according to Wendell Holve, Director of the Columbia River Harley Owners Group (HOG) which sponsors the event.

“Several of the riders enjoy the first leg of the ride then split off into groups to ride to other destinations after Pateros,” said Holve.&#160;”The weather was perfect for the ride.&#160;A total of 300 pins were ordered&#160;for the ride and all were gone.”

Those that did head norther were joined by more riders along the way as the run made its way north. Okanogan County Sheriff’s deputies helped with traffic control at Pateros and the Washington State Patrol blocked four intersections to allow the long line of motorcycles to continue without having to stop at the stoplights along the route.

Ken Taylor helped to organize the event from the Oroville end and he expressed his appreciation to Oroville Mayor Chuck Spieth for his speech and to Oroville Chamber of Commerce President Raleigh Chinn for talking about the many things to see and do in Oroville and the surrounding area.

“I’d like to thank the many people and organizations involved…. Walt and Vickie Hart, who performed the flag ceremony along with their Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troops and assisted by members of the American Legion,” said Taylor.

Taylor added, “I also want to personally thank the City of Oroville for letting us use the traffic cones and barriers to close down a couple city streets. The Eagles for letting us use the front of their hall as a platform for the speakers. The Border Patrol Explorer Post for assisting in the parking of the more than 300 motorcycles attending the ceremony and the many restaurants and vendors that were open and feeding these hungry bikers.”

Holve said it is too early to determine how much money this year’s run made, but it will be split between the Boy&#160;Scouts of America and the Wenatchee Food Bank.&#160;&#160;