This is a write up from a group Hogs4Hokies that have done an annual ride the last 2 years to raise schlorship money for VT students: I didn't get to ride this year but I will next. They have a web site and also a presence on Facebook for any interested. Dave and Sherry McCain, who lost their daughter in this event are friends of mine.
Mike

Well, how do you explain the perfect day !

The Hogs4Hokies 2nd Annual Memorial Ride took place on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

First on the agenda, those that needed it, got signed up, got their goodies, and eat breakfast at Hooters, then came outside for a short briefing. Dave McCain was introduced to everyone. We may have left the lot about 10 minutes late, but God has reasons why things happen as they do, the first bike left out just after asking God's blessing upon our ride. We left Manassas, VA with around 60-70 motorcycles, divided into groups of 12 or so, so that we could make the trip without being a hindrance to any of the other traveling public. One or two groups took a more scenic route to Charlottesville. We had one bike problem, it was turned off, then back on, and it ran great the rest of the way to VT.

Charlottesville, VA was our first stop, there we grew. We gained about 20-40 motorcycles in Charlottesville. We had the honor of being led into to town by the Charlottesville Motor Police, who was also our Police Escort all of the way to Blacksburg, VA. We had a relaxing break, got some fuel, those that needed/wanted it, and staged at Applebee's. We left out under the lights of Red and Blue sparkling off of the Harley Davidson Police Bikes. Our trip to Shenandoah Harley Davidson in Staunton was a short one, not to mention quick also.

In Staunton, VA we circled the Shenandoah Harley Davidson Shop, and staged for leaving, when we arrived. We grew again while there in Staunton. The bunch at Shenandoah Harley Davidson got it together, they fed us fried chicken, mac & cheese, sweets for those that needed it, and drinks to wet our whistle. Shenandoah HD gave the Hogs4Hokies registries a 10% discount coupon for their store.

We left out toward Roanoke, we had 90-100 bikes, many of which were doubling a second rider. The route was outstanding, the roads were great, and the weather, we all know that GOD is AWESOME ! No one got any more than a couple rain drops, just enough for us to be aware that God is able, and aware of where we were at on the road.

We rolled into Trinity Bike Shop in Daleville, where those that needed it, got gas, some snacks, and a short break off the bikes. Oh by the way, here we grew again. The VT Motorcycle Club met us, and they brought student riders on all makes of bikes.

We left Trinity Bike Shop with 150-160 motorcycles, rolling toward Roanoke. We trickled through Roanoke City, Salem City, and Roanoke County, and Montgomery County, and into Christiansburg, and the ride was closing to an end. We made the turn onto Southgate Drive, VT campus, and the VTPD met us with an escort to our staging area.

After a short briefing from the VTPD, we took Spring Road, to Washington Street, to West Campus Drive, where we turned onto the Drill Field. We were allowed two laps around the Drill Field, before we took to the paved paths crossing from the War Memorial Gym to Burruss Hall.

We had a short presentation to the 32 Victims Scholarship Fund in the amount of $14,690.00, at this point, and there is still $$ coming into H4H.org for the cause. There will be an update as it comes in of the total. We had just a couple speakers, Dr. Goff spoke, Frank Salzano had some words to say, and then our special quest speaker, Dave McCain, the father of Lauren McCain spoke, giving thanks to all those that were involved in the showing of love for those lost on April 16, 2007. Dave was very expressive to those gathered, his emotions were so moving that we can never be able to express it to the extent, and power that it had on everyone in attendance. An orange & maroon wreath placed on the Memorial, along with 32 maroon and orange carnations placed at the memorial stones, a symbol that we were here today.

We left out in small groups, and headed for New River Harley Davidson in Christiansburg, VA, where they had things ready to roll, just waiting for us. The food; pork bbq, slaw, sweets, and drinks was great. The band, The Remnants, from the NOVA area, was never better, they had the stuff, and they knew how to get the party going, and keep it rockin ! The raffles were a big hit, and the 50/50 went back to the 32 Victims Scholarship Fund. The auction items were claimed by their high bidders, with the climax to the auction being the helmet, to be sized, and painted in VT scene, was purchased, and then donated to Dave McCain in memory of Lauren McCain for $700.00.

At 9:15pm as I was leaving New River Harley Davidson, I thanked God, because I felt God's hand upon the happenings of this day, from start to finish, and I know that everyone involved was a blessing to the families of the victims, and to the entire world. Not only was little ole Blacksburg, VA touched on April 16, 2007, but the entire world took notice, and ask for mercy, and compassion to be upon those effected by what took place on April 16, 2007.

Thanks to everyone involved,

God bless you all !