Thanks to The O’Sullivan Law Firm, BikerDown recently benefitted from another motorcycle giveaway! Starting last spring, hundreds of people registered to win the bike and, in the process, they also learned about our important nonprofit. Then, on Saturday, September 23, we all gathered at Erico Motorsports to see who would ride away on a new motorcycle. Everyone was so excited!

Scott O’Sullivan said, “This contest is all about raising awareness for BikerDown. They do so many great things for the riding community in Colorado and we want more riders to know about them and support them. Sponsoring this giveaway is one way to introduce more people to this fantastic nonprofit organization.”

The Giveaway Event

Over 100 people braved the driving rain to gather at Erico Motorsports to witness the final stage of the Triumph Motorcycle Contest. In addition to the 10 pre-qualifiers drawn from advance registrations, we drew another 10 names from those who came to the event. That meant 20 people would have a set of keys to try to start the bike.

We lined up the 20 qualifiers, they drew keys and attempted to start the bike. And the winner was…..

John West! And the best part was, John really needed this bike! His motorcycle was recently totaled in an accident!

“When I won, all I could think was, ‘Oh, my God! This is real!’” John told me. “I was so excited I couldn’t stop my hands from shaking.”

And how did BikerDown benefit? In addition to the exposure to hundreds of new riders that the organization received over the past six months, BikerDown received cash donations at the event.

I have a feeling that Scott and The O’Sullivan Law Firm will continue supporting our organization with giveaways. If you’d like to be included on their mailing list, contact them at [Chere, how should they do this?] You never know… you could be the next big winner!

By Laurie Easton-Montoya

May 13, 2017 was a beautiful day for a ride and the perfect day to raise awareness about motorcycle riders! The Fourth Annual “BikerDown Look Twice, Save a Life Ride” not only raised $3,400 for BikerDown but captured media and political attention for our cause.

We met at the Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson at 9am and we were joined by Fox News and Colorado State Representative Cole Wist, who had a personal story to share with the riders.

Rep. Wist told us a heartfelt story about his teenage daughter, who was stopped at a red light when a motorcycle careened into the back of her car. The motorcyclist had been hit by a driver who was texting and driving. Because of that experience, his daughter now puts her phone in the back seat when she’s driving.

I have to give a huge shout-out to Rep. Wist, who also helped pass Senate Bill 27, the anti-texting and driving bill. The bill, which passed in May 2017, increased the penalty for texting and driving from a $50 fee and one point to $300 and four points! Rep. Wist supported the bill and I believe his efforts will save motorcyclists’ lives.

Sometimes politicians show up at events and say a lot of words that really have no meaning. Rep. Wist shared a story from the heart and we are so grateful.

We also enjoyed a speech by Kathy Yevoli from Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson. She said that her company supports three organizations: Children’s Hospital of Colorado, The Humane Society and BikerDown. Wow! We are in good company! She said that she is very proud to be associated with our organization because we help so many injured riders and their families.

And, of course, the main goal of our Look Twice ride is to raise awareness among drivers about the motorcyclists all around them. This year’s theme was, “Stop Distracted Driving.” Another huge shout-out to Fox31 News and reporter Macradee Aegerter, who posted this story: “Riders Say Distracted Drivers in Vehicles Cause Sharp Increase in Motorcycle Crashes.”

Then, we all got on our bikes for a gorgeous ride down through Palmer Lake and Monument. As a big group, with our bright Look Twice T-shirts (provided by The O’Sullivan Law Firm), I’m sure we raised eyebrows AND awareness!

Support BikerDown

I have to be honest: BikerDown has been overwhelmed with help requests in 2017. (I’ll share statistics and stories in another blog.) We all attend dozens of events and charity rides throughout the year for riders we know and love… won’t you please consider a gift to BikerDown? This organization provides emotional and financial support to bikers and their families.

Just the other day, I was able to connect a hospitalized rider who had just lost a leg with another rider who lost his leg several years ago. Thanks to their connection, the newly injured rider has hope for his future.

In addition to the all-important emotional support that we provide, we also offer medical equipment and financial support to riders in need.

Bikers are the most generous people I know. Please consider a gift to BikerDown and expand the impact of your giving. Chomper and I will never quit advocating for your needs and rights as a biker!

Remember: Look Twice and Save a Life!