Ride for Kids®

benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation®

We ride to cure the kids!

Early morning mist gave way to sunshine as motorcyclists gathered at St. Charles Community College in Cottleville for the 11th St. Louis Ride for Kids, which raised $60,127 for the PBTF.

The 350 participants included Izzy, Brian, Joshua, Daniel, James, Josh, Zach, Ashleigh, and Courtney. These young people were the stars of the event, and many of them led the ride through the countryside, with rolling hills and views of the Missouri River.

The brain tumor survivors also inspired the crowd with their stories of hope. “Originally, 40 percent of my tumor was removed and I was given 18 months to live,” said Courtney, 21. “Here I am five years cancer free.”  

Added Dr. Joshua Rubin of St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Siteman Cancer Center, “It was [Mike and Dianne] Traynor’s vision that got us doing things differently, and different is what is making survival possible for our patients.”

The leading fundraisers were:

• Individuals: Andy Baum and the Mungenast Family, each $5,000
• Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA MO-Z, $10,546
• Motorcycle business: Niehaus Cycles, $25,926
• Special organization: Brian Ott’s Bikers, $5,450

David Piel won a new Honda motorcycle. Other drawing prizes went to Anthony Stratman (AGV helmet); Marty Hall (Dunlop tire); Glen Bates (Tourmaster luggage); and John Voss (Cardo Scala Rider).

The St. Louis Ride for Kids is a team effort, and this year’s volunteers were led by Greg Hoette, Norm and Angie Riekena, John and Lorrie Lehmann, Kristi Rozier, and Marty Hall. Mark your calendars now for the 2013 ride on Sunday, Aug. 18.