Bikers turn out even in rain for Special Olympic fundraiser

Kristen Moreman got a little bit rowdy. That’s a little bit R-O-W-D-Y.

And so did Elizabeth Bronold. And Joyce Adams, and Ashley Rockwell.

In all, 11 Special Olympic cheerleaders made some noise at Dothan Harley Davidson Saturday morning for the annual Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Ride sponsored by local law enforcement agencies as part of their Torch Run for Special Olympics.

While the planned police-escorted ride around Ross Clark Circle was all but rained out, eight bikers braved the elements to ride a short distance to Larry’s Barbecue. They were followed by a caravan of bikers in rain-proof trucks and SUVs who turned out in support of a good cause.

William Ward and his wife, Sandra, were among those who rode their bike.

“We don’t have any of the kids today,” said Ward, “and my wife said she wanted to ride. So we are going to ride.”

Nearly two dozen bikers signed up, compared to more than 250 last year.

“We are certainly disappointed in the weather,” said Heath Carpenter of Alabama Beverage Control enforcement. “But the fantastic thing about bikers is, they turn out. We’ve got bikers who rode in this monsoon and others who came in their pick-up trucks. It’s all to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.”

Ashley Kelley, a 2005 graduate of Northview High School, has been cheering most of her life, she said, and was a mascot for her sister’s squad. Now, she is a member of the Special Olympic Cheer Team.

“I love cheering,” she said. “I watch it on TV.”

But how does the 24 year old feel about motorcycles?
“I’m used to them. My god father has one and my cousin has one. I sat on a police motorcycle once.”
When asked about a ride, Kelley fiercely shakes her head. “I’d be a little afraid to ride,” she said.

But that didn’t stop the squad from offering up a little cheer for bikers.

“Two, four, six, eight,” the girls yelled. “Who do we appreciate?”

“Harley riders,” came the answer.

The girls are managed by Northview special education teacher Barbie Nelson, and receive assistance from three members of the Northview squad.

Nelson said she had a desire to form the team. “I am all for these girls having the same opportunity as anybody else.”
And as far as the rain spoiling the event, Nelson pointed to the girls’ faces. “They don’t care,” she said.