BRADFORD – Bradford will be the place to be July 18 for motorcyclists with a big heart. The 12th Annual Kids and Cancer Benefit Motorcycle Run will be held that day, shine or rain. Although, the event has typically been called a motorcycle run, we always invite anyone with any vehicle to participate, especially if the weather is not appropriate for motorcycles.
This year’s 120 mile run will kick-off at the Zippo Case Visitor’s Center with registration ($10 per person) slated from 8:00 a.m.to 11:45 a.m.. A Blessing of the Bikes will take place at noon followed by a parade of bikes through downtown Bradford before the participants head out of town to begin the Run. This year’s course, through Pennsylvania and New York, will have stops in and around the beautiful Allegheny National Forest, rustic Ellicottville, NY, and the scenic Willow Bay area. The final stop will be The Corydon Hotel located at 3307 West Washington Street where food, refreshments, entertainment, door prizes, and typical after-run activities will take place.
An event pin will be given to the first 750 registrants. A limited amount of numbered Zippo collectible lighters featuring a 2009 Kids and Cancer custom design will be on sale to registrants only. The lighters will sell for $30 on a first come, first serve basis. A few 2007 and 2008 lighters will be available at a reduced cost. As always, T-shirts will be on sale at registration. In addition, the committee will be raffling off a 2009 Harley Fat Bob with the winning ticket to be drawn following the Run (need not be present to win). This year’s bike was custom painted by local airbrush artist, Heath Cousins, and features an oil industry theme in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the discovery of crude oil in Pennsylvania. The clear coat was done by Barret’s Autobody of Bradford. Tickets can be obtained, for a $20 donation, the day of the Run or are available now at these outlets in Bradford: The Print Shop, 15 Barbour Street; Northwest Savings Bank branches in McKean County; Bradford Hospital Foundation, 20 School Street; and from Bradford Township Lions Club members. Other regional outlets include the Southern Tier Harley Owners’ Group and Jamestown Harley Davidson. Event sponsors include: Barrett’s Autobody, Cousins Designs, Jamestown Harley Davidson, Northwest Savings Bank, McJunkins/Red Man, and Zippo Manufacturing Company.
The end of the Run will also feature an auction with a collectible Kids and Cancer Run Gift Set comprised of a 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 numbered Zippo lighter (all serial #12), a specially engraved one-of-a-kind Case knife, and event pins in a custom display case.
For more information email kidsandcancerrun@yahoo.com.