The seemingly unbreakable brotherhood and bond of the motorcycle community will cause it to rally around a noble cause, even if it means getting the bikes out in the frigid Northeastern winter.
Hundreds of motorcyclists braved the 30-degree temperatures to take part in the 11th annual Frosty Balls and Frozen Susies Poker Run to benefit veterans.
“To be a part of taking that check to the hospital is really special,” said event organizer Tyler Stumpf. “The administration and the men and women in need are so thankful. We tell the veterans, you don’t need to thank us, this is our way of thanking you.”
Patriotism, passion for two-wheels and the desire to help those in need is what built this South Eastern Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Valley New Year’s Day motorcycle tradition.
Aside from a $500 prize to the holder of the best poker hand, all proceeds from this event are donated to the Lebanon, Pa. VA Hospital. It has proven to be life changing money for those in need.
“To be a part of taking that check to the hospital is really special,” said event organizer Tyler Stumpf. “The administration and the men and women in need are so thankful. We tell the veterans, you don’t need to thank us, this is our way of thanking you.”
Thanks to enormous bike counts and generous donations this event has raised more than $160,000 in its decade of existence.
Disabled Vietnam veteran David Sanchez on hand riding his motorized scooter and was overcome with emotion.
“It gives me a warm feeling in my heart to see that everyone appreciates what we did,” Sanchez said.
The ride begins in the small town of Mt. Joy, in Lancaster County at the American Legion and wraps up at the Elizabethtown American Legion after about a 25-mile brisk and chilly ride. The long line of motorcycles seems endless. Police are there to assist with traffic control.
For the few hours leading up to the 1:00 PM departure, Main Street in Mount Joy looks like Daytona Bike Week. It’s an event many in the community look forward to all year.
The event saw it’s share of diversity as men and women of all different ages from all walks of life took part. There was a heavy dose of Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles and a handful of sport bikes, adventure bikes and slingshots as well. There was even a Moto Guzzi and a Suzuki Hayabusa spotted in the sea of v-twin rumblers.
The event is made possible by several volunteers. It was only $10 to enter and pre registration started weeks before. Funds are also raised with a Chinese auction that features several useful motorcycle-related items donated by local businesses. Some bar tenders have been known to donate all of their tips from the day to the event. It’s a day of giving that culminates with a traditional pork and sauerkraut New Year’s meal.
Many who participated in the event are veterans themselves. Dozens of clubs took part, many proudly displaying the American Flag on their vests.
The event is advertised as “rain, snow or shine.” Fortunately this year’s ride was blessed with clear skies and midday sunshine that helped push the total bike count to 456. Most of the riders were local but a few logged chilly miles to take part, with a long distance award was given out to the rider who came from the furthest away.
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