15th Annual Chester’s Harley-Davidson Torch Ride
Chester’s Harley-Davidson is once again bringing motorcycle enthusiasts together to enjoy two of their favorite activities: riding and helping others.
The 15th Annual Chester’s Harley-Davidson Torch Ride is the ONLY police-escorted charity ride in the Phoenix area during all the big motorcycle events happening the first week of April. It is expected to draw 1200 riders and 100-percent of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Arizona.
An exciting change with 2014s Torch Ride is a brand new destination for riders to experience. Phoenix Bikefest, the newest and most anticipated addition to April’s motorcycle activities, will explode with great daytime entertainment, live evening concerts, a variety of food, beverages, shopping, vendors, games, contests, bike shows, and the area’s only ride-through bar.
The event’s impressive selection of motorcycle attractions will be hosted by the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, an appealing venue that offers the added draw of a casino property for those who enjoy gaming. This change in Chester’s Torch Ride is anticipated to increase rider participation this year, which is good news for Special Olympics Arizona.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
“The Torch Ride has become one of our favorite events of the year.” explained Greg Warrington, General Manager, Chester’s Harley-Davidson. “It is a lot of fun for a great cause. We are hoping to raise a substantial amount for the athletes.”
Special Olympics Arizona’s (SOAZ) goal is to empower the over 180,000 Arizonans with intellectual disabilities to be healthy, productive, and respected members of society through year-round sports training, competitions and support programs. The SOAZ has grown to 16,000+ athletes, for whom sports provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy. This would not be possible without the help of sponsors, donations, volunteers and benefits like Chester’s Harley-Davidson’s Torch Ride.
The event kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 5, with registration and a pancake breakfast at Chester’s Harley-Davidson, 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. The ride leaves the dealership at 10 a.m. lead by area law enforcement officers, and travels to Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino to enjoy all the festivities kicking off the first year ever of Phoenix Bikefest, a brand new event making news throughout the riding community.
The cost is $25 for single riders or $45 for motorcycles with a passenger. Pre-register online at www.2014torchride.kintera.org before noon on Friday, April 4.
Registration will be available at the dealership on the day of the event for a $5 price increase. Participants will receive a commemorative ride pin, a free pancake breakfast at Chester’s Harley-Davidson, access to the attractions offered at Phoenix Bikefest, and the opportunity to meet Special Olympics Arizona athletes.
