STATE COLLEGE – Three Pennsylvania manufacturers, two start-ups and one with a rich heritage in the commonwealth, have teamed up to create of a unique fundraiser for a Penn State University charity.
Latrobe-based Kennametal is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of metalcutting tools and counts BlueSwarf of Clearfield, a company started at the Penn State incubator, as one of their premier technology partners. Kennametal and BlueSwarf commissioned the newly formed Hardbikes of Hermitage to design and build a Penn State themed chopper. Hardbikes designers created a bike that emulates the famous old school look of Penn State football uniforms. A 40’s style bobber style was selected over the stretched choppers made popular on motorcycle television shows. The pearl white tank and fenders feature a simple blue stripe like Penn State helmets. A PSU Lion logo adorns the rear fender. The custom wheels were powdered coated black reminiscent of the Nittany Lions’ traditional black shoes. While its look is old, the technology of the motorcycle is state-of-the-art, with a 96 cubic inch engine, 5-speed transmission, front and rear disc brakes, tuned exhaust and digital instrumentation.
The final piece of the puzzle was the contacting of Peter Weiler, Vice President for Development at Penn State and Megan Kendrick, the Public Relations Chair of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, better known as THON. As the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, THON has raised over $40 million and have helped thousands of children and families fight pediatric cancer. This one-of-kind Penn State Chopper will be raffled off with proceeds benefiting THON. To make the motorcycle even more valuable for the fundraiser, Mr. Weiler arranged for Penn State’s legendary Coach Joe Paterno to pose for photographs with the bike and to autograph the gas tank.
The Penn State Chopper will be displayed at events at the University, around Pennsylvania, and nationwide throughout the remainder of 2006. For more information contact: public.relations@thon.orgor go to www.blueswarf.com/thonbike.
