Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128324
Happ ening s i n Moto r c y cling Colin Edward§ help§ Ride for Kid§ PHOTOS COURTESY OF RIDE FOR KIDS It's a rare and special occasion when a two-time World Superbike champion and current MotoGP contender is the top individual fundraiser at a Ride for Kids event. However, that's exactly what happened at this year's Houston Ride for Kids. Colin Edwards, a Co nroe, Texas, native who currently rides for Gresini Racingon a Honda RC2 1IV. wowed the attending motorcyclists by having his representatives turn in $1S,07S. Edwards, who is in Europe preparing for the MotoGP series, was there with the kids and riders in spirit, his spokesperson said. The 2004 Ride fo r Kids season kicked off with a bang in Kemah, Texas, on Sunday, April 25. Despite a little drizz le, 800 motorcyclists gathered to ride thro ugh Hou sto n's southern sub urbs to raise a record-breaki ng $273 ,S23 for childhood brain tum or research. Since 1984, the Ride for Kids program has raised funds to aid the research and family support programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Today, more children die from malignant brain tumors than fro m any other childhood cancer. After the police-escorted ride , the motorcyclists gathered for the meaningful Ce lebration of Life program. An amazing IS patient families, with Ride for Kids "stars" ranging in age from 6 to 19, were in attendance. Dr. Jack Su and Dr. Allison Bertuch were also there to help the riders understand the importance of pediatric brain tumor research . Darla, a 16year-old brain tumor survivor, won the audience over by taking the microphone away from National Ride for Kids director Allen Hughes and asking him to have a seat. She then addressed the younger bra in tumor survivors by telling them , "I lea rned a saying that I want to pass on to you . Please remember that rain always comes before a rainbow." Fundraising records were broken across the board in Houston. The Top Club honors went to both GWRRATexas Chapter Z, whose members brought $5S,450 , and GWRRA Texas Chapter C, whose members turned in $54 ,153 . The Top Dealer title was earned by two deserving and generous dealers: Pasadena Honda's clients turned in $68,320, and Northwest Honda's customers brought in $62,9 14. Howard Chipman of Groves, Texas, won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle. For mo re infor mation about the Ride for Kids and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, please visit www.ride forkids.org or www.pbtfus.org or call (800) 253-6530. (Top) Darla captures the hearts of the motorcyclists by sharing some life lessons with 6 -year-old Garre" while National Ride for Kids director Allen Hughes looks on. 104 MAY 19.2004 • CYCLE NEWS 40th Annlversaru