MOTORCYCLES FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION
Free Spirits Motorcycle Club Hosts Bike Rodeo
Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the Metro St Louis area gathered at the Dupo Quarterback Club on Saturday, August 15th, for the 22nd Annual MDA Bike Rodeo sponsored by the Free Spirits Illinois Motorcycle Club. Motorcycles of all shapes and sizes were on display as riders and enthusiasts got together to have a good time and raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The Free Spirits Illinois Motorcycle Club started in 1975 and as part of their efforts to contribute to the communities they live in the club began the MDA Bike Rodeo back in 1987. Twenty-two years later the Rodeo is bigger and better than ever. Free Spirits Illinois Motorcycle Club Representative Antonio Buffo said, “The Rodeo initially started out in a members’ backyard and as it grew we moved it to different sites in the area. This is our second year at the Dupo Quarterback Club. We rose over $5800.00 last year and hope to raise even more this year.”
So what is a bike rodeo? Cyclists compete in a variety of events testing their driving skills. None of the events involve speed. On the contrary, there’s even an event called the slow race. One of the favorite events in the rodeo is the partner ride which involves the cyclists’ partner riding with them while holding a wooden plank above their head with a bucket of water on it, the goal being the first to the finish line without spilling the water. But as you might imagine, a lot of water gets spilled. The events are enjoyable even if you’re not a cyclist. Free Spirits Illinois Motorcycle Club Representative Antonio Buffo said, “We encourage anyone to come down and join us at the rodeo. That’s the point, to get as many here as possible to have a good time and raise money for MDA.”
Funds are raised at the event through the event fee at the gate, food and drink sales, raffles and sponsor donations. Once all funds and donations have been collected the Free Spirits Illinois Motorcycle Club takes them to the local live MDA Telethon broadcast and presents them with a check for what they’ve collected.
The Free Spirits Illinois Motorcycle Club doesn’t just help Jerry’s Kids at MDA. They are also involved in other local charitable activities throughout the year. Free Spirits Illinois Motorcycle Club Representative Antonio Buffo said, “We’re involved in helping people all year long. Bikers often get a bad rep but it’s not what people think. Every Christmas we’re involved in a toy drive. Last year we adopted thirteen families, gave them each a Christmas dinner and provided gifts for all the kids. We really enjoy helping people especially when kids are involved.” For more information on the Free Spirits Illinois Motorcycle Club call Antonio Buffo at 618-876-5615.
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