Bikers ride for Make-A-Wish

HAMBURG — ABout 400 motorcycles roade on a 26-mile ride from the Chatterbox to the Hamburg Fire Department Pavilion on Route 23 recently for Make-A-Wish New Jersey.

The riders had lunch, which was made by the Hamburg Fire Department.

This ride originated in 1988, when members of Blue Knights New Jersey IX coordinated with the Make A Wish Foundation of NJ to do something for Make-A-Wish. That year, club members gave rides to Make-A-Wish children in sidecars and the children loved it. This event took place at the Sparta VFW. Due to the small area at the VFW, the following year, the ride was moved to the Hamburg Fire Department Pavilion, where funds were raised for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. That year, approximately $8,000 was raised.

The ride continued each year and was then moved to the Sussex County Fairgrounds, which allowed easy access for motorcycles both entering the grounds and exiting the grounds. While at the fairgrounds, members of Blue Knights New Jersey IX prepared the lunch for the riders.

In 2012, the ride was again changed. The starting location was changed to the Chatterbox with the end location being again the Hamburg Fire Department Pavilion. This change also freed up the members as the Hamburg Fire Department now cooks the lunch.

With all the help from different organizations, the various police department, and the motorcycling public, Blue Knights New Jersey IX has raised approx. $300,000.00 for Make-A-Wish New Jersey.