Wings of Thunder

By Staff
Second annual motorcycle ride roaring into town this weekend
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Whether you ride a motorcycle or just like the sound of a motorcycle's roar, the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a fun event for all ages to enjoy this weekend while benefiting an important community cause.
The second annual Wings of Thunder Charity Motorcycle Ride and Rally will be held Saturday, April 23 at Hartselle Plaza. All proceeds will benefit the Community Free Clinic of Decatur-Morgan County.
Motorcyclists will ride a 90-mile course with poker run stops and a wild card stop at Ramey's Shell in Hartselle, Joe Wheeler in Trinity, Rocket Harley in Madison, Automotive Innovations in Somerville, Glass's in Decatur, beginning and ending at Hartselle Plaza.
Registration is 8-11 a.m. with the last bike returning to Hartselle Plaza at 2 p.m. Poker run hands are $10 per hand and $5 per additional hand. The poker run high hand winner will receive $500 and the low hand winner will receive $100.
A host of activities will be featured at Hartselle Plaza 11 a.m.-5 p.m. for the entire family. Enjoy live entertainment, vendors, bike games, door prize drawings every 30 minutes, and a variety of unusual bikes and cars on display. Food vendors will also have a variety of items available, including barbecue, pizza, fresh lemonade, and Italian ice.
"You don't have to ride a motorcycle to enjoy this event," Chamber President Susan Hines explained. "Come on out and enjoy yourself and support a cause that works for the entire community."
The Community Free Clinic of Decatur-Morgan County provides free healthcare services to low-income adult residents of Morgan County.
Since it opened March 25, 2004, the Community Free Clinic has provided free healthcare services to over 1,000 patients. In addition to providing healthcare services, the clinic also provides free medications to patients of the clinic and dispensed over 10,000 prescription medications with a value of over $500,000.
Donation bins will be located throughout the event area for those who wish to make direct contributions to the Community Free Clinic. Bike riders with the highest and lowest hands at the end of the poker run will also have a chance to donate their winnings.
Last year's Wings of Thunder event raised $1,500 for Hartselle Youth Alive and attracted patrons to Hartselle's Highway 31 business area and downtown merchants.
"We felt last year's event was very much a success," Hines said. "We were told to only expect about 75 riders for a first time ride, but we ended up having between 125 and 150. We have wonderful entertainment, great sponsors and hardworking volunteers again this year and are expecting an even bigger and more successful event. The Chamber encourages everyone to come out and have a great time for a worthy cause."
For pre-registration or vendor availability information, call the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce at 773-4370.