| Author | Message | ||
     Mbsween |
Okay here goes, The motivation: My youngest son is autistic. My wife and I do a fair amount with local support groups and charities. A friend is running a local event for a National charity called "walk far for NAAR" (National Alliance of Autism Researchers). I asked what she thought about a "ride far for NAAR" and well she thought it was a great idea. As usual, I have no idea what's involved. Anybody do this sort of thing? Pointers on what worked/didn't? I'm hoping to leverage whatever experience I can find. Thanks in advance Matt | ||
| Nevco1 |
Matt...I know you are going to get many responses to your inquiry. I have no experience concerning it. However, I suggest that you contact the appropriate person(s) at your local HOG Chapters as they have a lot of experience with these events. | ||
| Mikej |
There is also the Experimental Education Unit at the University of Washington who may have ideas for you. 20+ years ago they were doing a lot of research on autism. | ||
| Dynarider |
Im sure you probably know this, but Dan Marino former qtr back for the Dolphins setup or backs a clinic with $$$ for autism. One of his children also "had" it. After 10 or 11 years he came out of it. Caught a quick piece on tv so dont give up, there is hope. | ||
| Mbsween |
Bill, Thanks, I never would've thought to ask the harley guys (coming from an inline4 background). Mike, Thanks for the pointers. If you know the subject, my son's consultant is one of Lovass' students from the big ABA study. Greg, yup, knew about Dan Marino's kid and Doug Flutie's Kid (still pissed Buffalo traded him, the autism publicity was huge when he was here!). As far as quitting, I'm a product of the US Army infantry school. You can't quit there till you've killed 6 enemy, cleaned your weapon, and filled out the appropriate paperwork in triplicate. I'm pretty sure the paperwork doesn't exist, so I won't be quitting anytime soon. Hey don't quit on your X1  . Thanks for the encouragement Were you at the GAP last year? I don't remember meeting you, I spent most of the time riding with racerboy and v2win. I'm thinking of setting this up as a poker run. I've never actually been on a poker run, much less been in charge. How do they work? Thanks again Matt | ||
| Henrik |
if you wanted to work on the "Ride far ..." part, you could set up a ride along the lines of the Pony Express ride that happened some years ago. I believe it was for breast cancer. A couple of "regulars" did the whole ride in 2-300 mile legs, and locals would hook up and escort them on one or two legs. I think they did a big loop around the US, but a shorter version could be planned. Maybe even a "relay run" could work; ride a leg, pass the batton etc. Henrik | ||
| Court |
Matt, they are doing the Pony Express Ride again this year as well. You can learn much about the logistics by checking out the website. If you need to get in touch with either of the gals or need help getting more info, just let me know. I rode the opening and closing legs of the first one aboard an S2. Both, the departure in St. Joesph, MO and the arrival, in Dallas, TX were two of the hottest days I have ever ridden. Court | ||
| Joey |
I just lived in St. Joe! Crap! Here I am in Delaware, wondering (again!) if I should have stayed put. | ||
| Jdbuellx1 |
Matt, most of the poker runs I've been part of are fairly simple, find four locations, one for the start and finish, and three others in locations on roads and areas for a good scenic ride, map it out so you go full circle and have maps of the route, and papers to record your hand for the riders. Once everyone is organized at the start/finish line you draw a poker card, ride to the next stop draw a card, BS and what not, then on to the next stop. When you get back, draw your last card and the rider with the highest poker hand wins. Usually it's a $20.00 to $25.00 entrance donation and there are door prizes and meal at the end. The winner gets a percentage of what was donated. Almost every run I've been on the winner gives the winnings back to whatever charity we were riding for that day. Poker runs are always a good time and I don't think I've ever been to a bad one. | ||
| Mbsween |
Court/Henrik, thanks for the input. I like the ponyexpress concept and imagine that the WMF headquarters is about 20 minutes from My house. I'll start by talking to them, Court I'll email if I need the intro. How about this idea? A ride that goes between some of the east coast research centers. I can start with Strong Hospital here in Rochester and make some kind of loop through NYC, NJ and DC. Maybe I could get the research center to help out with the leg that ends on their turf. This may be to ambitious, but I've never been known to have good sense. Where I'd need guidance is with engaging the motorcycle press/manufacturers. What do you think? JD, nice X1, thats my favorite model of them all. Thanks for the poker run breakdown. I think I'll do one of those local for a starting event | ||
| Henrik |
That's not a bad idea. The challenge will, as you mention, be to get the word out so you can get participants, media coverage and thereby entice sponsors to "pony up" (sorry  ) Henrik |
