Motorcycle riders have gained the reputation of leather jacket-wearing tough guys. But Saturday was a chance for riders throughout the Twin Tiers to show they can be tough while also doing a lot of good for their community. Our Bill Mich has more.
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BIG FLATS, N.Y. -- By 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, hundreds of riders had gathered in the parking lot of the Big Flats American Legion. And if you asked them why, almost everyone gave the same answer.
"Just a fun ride. And for the kids," said Dan Argetsinger of Bradford.
"Kids are so awesome, how can you not help but give to them?" said Kay Draper from Painted Post.
"It's just a good gathering for everybody to get together and help raise money for the kids," said Adam Tinkham of Rome, Pa.
The 17th Annual Pride Ride was all about benefiting those in need. Proceeds from the event went to the Children's Miracle Network and every rider also brought along a toy to donate to the Salvation Army.
"Those toys will go to needy children in Chemung and Schuyler county during the Christmas distribution this year," said Maj. James Purvis of the Elmira Salvation Army.
The Ride took the group from Big Flats down to Athens and Mansfield before making the way up to Montour Falls and finally ending at Tag's back in Big Flats. Riders put 160 miles on their bikes Saturday, each one well spent.
"I hope that it makes everybody feel really good at Christmas time especially because you can think back and say you did something for the kids," Argetsinger said.
"It saves us dollars that we can put back into the community in other ways whether it is through rental assistance, whether it clothing vouchers or food for our food pantry," said Purvis.
It is hard for many of us to even begin to think about Christmas when it's June and 80 degrees outside. But Saturday, hundreds of people took time to ensure that every kid has a gift under the tree this December.