By Gale Brown

  Well we all have heard the rumors about the annual May ride maybe not happening.   "What?  Why?"

  The first reason is MONEY!
  The problems started a couple years ago when the fine city of Moline starting to charge for traffic control. 
  Last year Rock Island joined in, and this year East Moline wants compensated for their officers
  time.   Not that they don't deserve it but, for the past 20 plus years this cost has always been waved.  The
  proposed combined cost to the Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Council is much more than they normally raise
  in a given year through sales of event t-shirts and ride pins. 

  The question of what to do was presented to the council during their September meeting.  Ideas were spiritedly
  debated about how to afford this and still donate to the Children's Therapy Center.  Why donate to them you
  ask?   Because the Center needs community support and was chosen the benefactor of donated funds, which
  the ride raises.  Not to mention that for many years it has covered the parade's staggering insurance cost.  In past
  years the donations made have been able to repay this and more.  

  Well, a decision was made.   Now I know you probably won't like what I'm about to say but read please on. 
  The decision was to regretfully start charging Riders to attend.   I know, I know, it's always been a FREE Ride.
  Believe me if enough sponsors were to step up and cover the costs this wouldn't even be an issue. 
  Why should you pay?   Well the primary reason of the ride is to promote motorcycle awareness to cage drivers.
  Another good reason is to help the Children's Therapy Center with a tax deductible donation.    If you op for the
  "Parade Registration Package" (read the registration form) you will receive a goodie bag including an event
   t-shirt, ride pin and other items.   Think about it, how many benefit poker runs have you been on and walked
   away with only a warm spot in your heart for doing something good.   Here you can get material items as
   well. 

  For you observant ones that noticed at the beginning of this rant, the first reason was for money.  
  The second reason is for time.   On the 2006 parade there was an unfortunate accident on the Centennial
  Bridge.   Two ride participants collided while shifting positions.  The accident caused a tie-up and brought the
  parade to a halt.   I bet you'll remember the over heating and blocking intersections for way too long.   If you
  don't, don't worry.  City Officials do.   It has been pointed out by all cities involved that the length of the
  procession can not exceed 2000 motorcycles.  This means the general public won't be annoyed and put out by
  blocked intersections for to long.   Or what you ask?   Or there will be no parade permits issued in the future.  
  2000.  That's all. 

  So my good friends, there it is.   Yes, the 24th Annual Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Ride will still go on this
  year.    If you want to attend, and I hope you will.  Please take a moment to read, print, fill out and mail the
  registration form.   There is only room for 2000.  So don't print it and leave it lay. 
  This is still a very important event.  Far to many Riders are downed by inattentive drivers every year.  They just
  don't see us!
  Your attendance is needed for there to be a 25th Annual Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Ride.

  The Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Council  is a non profit organization made up of a variety of volunteers
  from multiple organizations who's purpose is to plan, establish and operate an event which provides motorcycle
  awareness to the general motoring public and to provide opportunities and assistance to persons about
  motorcycle safety and awareness in and around the bi-state region. http://www.awarenessride.com/

  Parade Registration Packages will be available for pick up at the ride.