Motorcycle enthusiasts plan March of Dimes fund-raising ride

The Fourth Annual "Bikers for Babies" event has been scheduled for Aug. 17 at River Eagle Distributing on Rust Avenue in Cape Girardeau. The event is to benefit the March of Dimes.

Combined, the Bikers for Babies rides in Missouri were ranked in the top five as the largest AMA sanctioned motorcycle fund-raising events in Missouri in 2001.

In the Cape Girardeau area, more than 300 riders from local clubs or individuals representing their businesses and community organizations participate in the event. Riders solicit donations from friends, family and business associates, then enjoy the festivities of the event and its 75-mile ride on Interstate 55 that begins at River Eagle Distributing.

After the ride is completed, participants gather back at River Eagle Distributing for more food, catered by Mac's Smokehouse, fun, and entertainment, including a live performance from the local band, Cape Rock Drive, and a live radio remote with KGMO.

This year's event goal is $24,000. A pre-registration rally will be held Aug. 16 at the Elks Lodge in Cape Girardeau. The March of Dimes Ride will be Saturday.

Major sponsors for this year's event include River Eagle Distributing, Southeast Missouri Hospital, Mac's Smokehouse, Budweiser, Doc's Harley Davidson, KGMO and KBSI-Fox 23, WB-49.

Money raised through this event will enable the March of Dimes to continue research, education and community programs designed to save babies from prematurity, birth defects, and infant death.

For more information, or to make a donation, call 1-800-289-4805, or 651-6033.