Motorcycle run will ring in the new year

Ogdensburg — The annual tradition will continue on Friday, Jan. 1 as motorcycle enthusiasts join the Blue Knights of New Jersey, Chapter IX and the Ogdensburg Fire Department to ride the roads of Sussex County at the 36th annual Chilly Chili Run. Riders and participants will meet at the Ogdensburg Fire Department to register for the event, beginning at 8 a.m. The cost is $20 per person. The 30-mile escorted ride will leave at 11 a.m. and return by noon. Hundreds of hungry riders will return to feast on chili and hot dogs. By 1 p.m. the winner of the year-long Harley-Davidson Raffle, orchestrated by Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, will be selected. (Winner need not be present.) This year’s featured motorcycle is a red hot 2009 Harley-Davidson Street Glide, valued at $19,794. Only 1,500 tickets are sold for the raffle and tickets are still available by calling 973-383-0115. Proceeds from the Chilly Chili Run will be donated to support the services of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, supporting families throughout Northwest New Jersey and Pike County, Pa. since 1980. The Chilly Chili Run began in 1974 when the late Dale Lewis and Ted Hessler decided to head out for a chilly morning ride over the snowy local roads. Over the years the run has become a favorite of hundreds on men and women who come out for a day of camaraderie, food and fun. Lewis passed away in 1998, but his wife, Dale, continues to participate in the Chilly Chili activities each New Year’s Day. The Blue Knights are a world-wide organization of motorcycle enthusiasts in the law enforcement field, with over 400 chapters. The Blue Knights of New Jersey, Chapter IX was founded in 1986 and is known for its work to benefit area charities. For more information about the Chilly Chili Run, call the Blue Knights Hot Line at 973-729-4072.