Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/751464
34 nDecember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Felicia Morgan PETALUMA, CALIF., OCT. 1— Benevolent bikers working to provide for others is nothing new, so throwing an event to raise cash for those in need certainly isn't headline material. When a bunch of riders get to together to donate piles of cash to their commu- nity as a tribute to a fallen brother year after year? Well, that's a bit more note- worthy and certainly registers high on the heart-warming scale. When the Rip City Riders lost one of their own back in 2005 they were beside themselves with grief. William "Chilly Billy" Walsh Jr. was one of the cool guys (hence the Chilly Billy handle) that personifi ed the very heart of the club's brotherhood, so when he passed away from an illness 11 years ago, they knew they had to do something special to keep his memory alive. They just weren't sure what. From what started out as a local run and afternoon get-together with friends has turned into a favorite NorCal event that draws thousands of riders in from several surround- ing states. After more than a decade since his passing, one thing's for sure: Chilly is far from forgotten. The Rip City Riders are a group of civic-minded businessmen who formed a riding club decades ago that has grown to include three charters in as many states. They are neither a 1% nor an MC and have no affi liation with any motorcycle clubs but are, rather, a bunch of guys and their ladies who like to ride their motorcycles and help support the communities where they live and ride. They've put together a successful formula for fundraising that has resulted in donations to more than 20 organizations and has reached the hundreds of thousands of dollars bracket and it all stays in the com- munities where the event is held. The mother charter in NorCal holds their annual Fun Run, concert, bike and car show party at the Petaluma Fairgrounds where Chilly Billy's bike glistens in the afternoon sun next to the easel where his portrait rests on display. The place is consistently a rocking hot spot during the one-day event held each October. Admission to the fairgrounds is free but lunch and a poker hand is included for those who pony up the $25 donation for the run through the surrounding coastal communities and majestic redwood forests. This year the run kicked off at the nearby Sonoma County Harley-Davidson dealership and Rip City Riders from California, Oregon and Nevada were on hand to rip it up from there. Over the course of the last 11 years, the RCR have met resistance from not just the local fuzz but resi- dents as well, but these days there's a lot more cooperation since both factions have come to realize the club is all about community. Once estab- lishing themselves as a conscientious, responsible group that keeps its word RIP CITY RIDERS CHILLY BILLY RUN Rippin' up the redwoods Sharing the love with the community Veterans Housing & Services gleefully accepted the big check from Rip City Riders as a congregation of assorted clubs cheered on stage From board track racers to Prius Killers, the cross section of vehicles in the hot rod and bike show was enough to keep fans cruising the fi eld all day Hundreds of riders cruised in to party at the fairgrounds after the ripping' ride through the Redwoods