Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/703695
46 nAugust 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Jay Anderson Descanso, Calif., June 19—Shortly after he arrived at El Cajon Harley- Davidson, General Manager Brett Dickinson was approached by repre- sentatives of the Muscular Dystrophy Association about participating in fundraising ventures. With the long, productive history of Harley-Davidson national supporting the MDA, it was a natural partnership. Shortly after the dealership spon- sored some fundraising rides, it was invited to hang out with the kids dur- ing a Sponsor Day at the MDA Camp hosted at Camp Cuyamaca in the mountains east of San Diego. Dickinson said they really were not sure what to expect. Nevertheless, staff members and riders from the H.O.G. chapter headed out to the camp on a variety of rides, including one with a sidecar and some trikes. At that fi rst camp visit, matters naturally evolved and according to Dickinson, "All of a sudden we had a line of kids wanting to take a ride in the sidecar and on the trikes." While it does not have a lot of business benefi ts, it is an event El Cajon Harley and its H.O.G. chapter cannot imagine not supporting. So, on a Friday morning a group of riders gathered for what is now an annual event. The preferred ride is the trike, because they provide stable, safe, and comfortable riding platforms for the youngsters suffering from muscular dystrophy. Unlike a conventional two- wheel motorcycle, these larger rides also provide wider seating and in most cases arm and back rests to support the kids, a critical consideration. As the staging time approached, trikes from the El Cajon and Sweetwater H.O.G. Chapters lined up in front of the El Cajon dealership. This year there were seven trikes, which was terrifi c, but Wally Acord, assistant director of the El Cajon H.O.G., wants 20 bikes next year. Why more trikes are needed became apparent later. As the riders enjoyed a cup of coffee and doughnut prior to departure, trike owner Paul Rios spoke about his multi-year participation in the event. "When we give the kids a ride, it is a lot of fun. And a lot of us have more fun than the kids. When the day is over with and we are riding back home by ourselves, you kind of just think to yourself about what you just did, and how much joy you brought to these kids. It's their escape for the day." Rios also spoke about a young lady who rode with him last year. She got on the back of his trike, asking him what his issue is, since he has a cane. After Rios explained about his bad back, she began telling him about her challenges with muscular dystrophy. According to Rios, it was obvious that for that small period of time, his phys- ical infi rmity enabled a connection with the young lady. From the time she got on the trike, throughout the ride, and until she got off, she just talked, talked, talked. "But that was OK," said Rios, "because that's what we are there for. It was her release, as she talked about what will happen in her life and how she has accepted it." This young lady now looks for Rios at each of the events, eager for her turn to ride with him again. Soon it was time for the briefi ng from Ride Captain Theresa Mulligan and then we saddled up. With Mulligan's TriGlide in the lead, the procession headed out of El Cajon onto Interstate 8 East, before taking SR-79 to Camp Cuyamaca. Bringing up the rear of the procession was one of the dealership vehicles carrying tables, chairs, hel- mets and gifts for the kids. Thanks to El Cajon Harley-Davidson Marketing Manager Tina Hook, everything was good to go. Upon arriving at Camp Cuyamaca, also known as the San Diego County Offi ce of Education Cuyamaca Outdoor School, the group was met by camp leaders. After checking in, the riders rolled down to the staging area and were instantly greeted by a loud roar from all the kids. It was obvious to the most casual of observers they were really pumped up! After setting up and waiting for lunch, two bikers shared their views. Lest the reader assume all the bikers are grizzled graybeards, these were two Susans: Susan Smith and Susan Stein. According to Smith, a member of the El Cajon H.O.G. Chapter, this was her fourth year at this event. She related being "pulled in by all the kids' faces and how excited they were" at the event. Like Rios, Smith stated the kids get to know the riders and when they come back the next year, "They remember you and want to ride on your trike." A little emotional, Smith said, "It just fi lls my heart to make them happy." Turning to Stein, she offered that she and her husband have been doing these events for fi ve years. As an Albertson's employee, she has learned a great deal about MDA during the store's fundraising efforts, specifi - cally, how much it costs to send the kids to camp and what a difference it makes. Stein added that having a disabled family member, she is well aware of how important it is "when we make them feel they are alive and just normal kids." Like the others, Stein explained that the kids get to know the riders and the bikes and look forward to riding on the same bike with the same rider every year. See "El Cajon H.O.G.," page 56, column 3 EL CAJON H.O.G. AT CAMP CUYAMACA The smiles say it all Lining up the trikes Hannah was the fi rst rider with Paul Rios Mike of El Cajon H.O.G. with Hannah