5th Annual Biking for Miracles

Story by Sherlene Ayala
Photos courtesy of the Naked Turtle

The bikes lined up outside the Naked Turtle

For 43-year-old biker Brian H. Fullerton, being on the road with motorcycles is a large part of his life. He's been doing it for 17 years. Last year, he became the owner of a Valkyrie, a very large and powerful Honda motorcycle.

On August 21, Fullerton will be Biking for Miracles, a charity motorcycle ride for the Children's Miracle Network at the Vermont's Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care.

"I have always believed that contributing to the community is a duty that everyone is responsible for, in whatever way you can," Fullerton said. He is a representative of Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club.

"I have always believed that contributing to the community is a duty that everyone is responsible for, in whatever way you can," Fullerton said.

Biking for Miracles was created five years ago when Tom Wyand's son was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 10. Wyand and a few friends decided to design a project that would give back to the Children's Miracle Network.

Currently, there are 170 hospitals affiliated with the Children's Miracle Network in the United States. "The Children's Miracle Network is the main fundraising vehicle for this hospital. It is the only organization within the region. The next closest one is in Boston," Lisa Long, Development Associate for the Children's Miracle Network at Vermont Children's Hospital, said.

Matt Spiegel, co-founder of the event and owner of the Naked Turtle, said, "Wyand decided to use what he loved and knew about the most, which is motorcycles, to help raise money. Since he owns a motorcycle shop in Plattsburgh, North End Repair, and has a lot of connections, he knew it would work out."

This summer, on August 21, 2005, the 5th annual Biking for Miracles motorcycle rally will take place. The funds raised at the event will be donated to the Pediatric Cancer Program at Vermont's Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care. According to Long, "The role of the bike rally is to bring in money for the Children's Pediatric Cancer program, as well as raise awareness of Vermont's Children's Hospital. The event has much significance due to the fact that 15 percent of patients are from upstate New York. The money also helps the cancer unit stay on the cutting edge."

This year, the 50-mile motorcycle rally registration will begin at 9 A.M. in Rouses Point, New York. The parade will begin, rally style, at 11 A.M. and end at the Naked Turtle, located in Plattsburgh, New York. It will end with a huge BBQ and an afternoon of festivities that include raffles, live music, and games for both adults and children. Some expected giveaways are Harley Davidson jackets, boots, woodcarvings of Harley Davidson clocks, hardware, and other merchandise donated by stores in Plattsburgh and Vermont.

Biker John Mandeville said," The scenery along the route is spectacular. A police escort leads the group to Highway 9 and takes us north to Plattsburgh, where we end up on the waterfront at the Naked Turtle. This route takes us through many small towns and along the western shore of Lake Champlain. Couldn't really ask for a nicer ride."

Last year, the event raked in 1,200 bikers from as far south as Albany. The amount of funds raised totaled $50,000. "One hundred percent of the money raised goes straight to the Children's Miracle Network," Spiegel said. "We don't profit from the event at all."

A beautiful day for a great event - 2004

Fullerton was informed of the event when his friend John Mandeville brought it to his attention. "Being on the road has been a large part of my life. I attend many motorcycle events and many of them are for charities. Everyone wants to help children in need, no matter what the cause, and I think only a scrooge would not feel that way. Getting together for a good cause and good fellowship is something that fills all the agendas, that is, awareness of bikers, fellowship, and civic duty," Fullerton said.

"Getting together for a good cause and good fellowship is something that fills all the agendas, that is, awareness of bikers, fellowship, and civic duty," Fullerton said.

Mandeville, who has been riding with Biking for Miracles since 2003, said, "I participate because it's fun and the money goes to a good cause." This will be Mandeville's third time participating.

Registration should be done before August 19, 2005. The prices range from $35 to $300. The price will increase by $5 thereafter. If registration is completed by August 1, 2005, participants are guaranteed their T-shirt size.

"You need a bike to participate in the rally," Long said. "But if you just want to meet everyone at the Naked Turtle for the BBQ, then that is OK. But there is a fee of $20."

Spiegel agrees with Long and also recommends participants and supporters register as soon as possible. “It gives us, the Naked Turtle, a good head start on how much food to buy. There is a big difference between 200 and 1,000 people,” Spiegel said.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for the event, contact Matt Spiegel at 518-566-6200. As for registration, please contact 802-847-1010.

Did you attend Biking for Miracles, or will you attend? Tell us about it!

Welcome to the Naked Turtle

Welcome to the Naked Turtle

 

Plattsburgh Boat Basin
1 Dock St. Plattsburgh, NY  12901
(518) 566-6200

Open 7 days a week 11:30 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.

Serving lunch, dinner, dancing, and good times on the waterfront.

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Registration Information

The registration fee for the event depends on the specific package you choose. All packages include a T-shirt, pin, and entrance to the BBQ. Other packages include extra items. They are as follows:

• Package 1 - One Rider is $35
• Package 2 - One rider and passenger is $70
• Deluxe Package - One rider will receive all of the above plus a bandana and VIP privileges which include parking in front of the Naked Turtle. The price is $150
• Luxury Package - One rider and passenger will receive all of the above items plus a bandana and VIP privileges as well. The price is $300

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Pictures from the 4th Annual Biking for Miracles

Great music and food

   

Volunteers

   

State Police support