In the wake of the horrible events of Sept 11, 2001 many of us had a need or a drive to do something to help even if it was only symbolic. Many donated money to relief agencies. Some volunteered to work at the devastated sites, God bless them. Military enlistments jumped and participation in military programs in colleges increased. The balance of us due to age or circumstances continued to pray we could do something, anything to show our support. The members of the Marietta Georgia Chapter of HOG recognized this need and decided to do something.

In late September the officers of the chapter started to plan a charity motorcycle ride to support something and to give the members and other like minded riders an opportunity to get involved even if it was symbolic. By then everyone knew that the U.S. military would soon be moving into harms way. The chapter decided that the charity receiving the monies collected would be military related.. Many of our members were vets and all branches were represented. As we could not pick one over the other it was decided to give to the one organization that serves them all, the USO. Many people have the impression that the USO is a government agency or funded by them. This is not the case, it is a private non profit organization founded at the request of FDR in 1941 to provide morale and recreational support to our troops. Most of us know of them because of the many shows Bob Hope and others did for the troops through 3 wars and years of peacetime.. Today singers and show people like Gary Senise with the Lt Dan Band and Toby Keith as well as others do many shows overseas each year at the behest of the USO. The USO in Georgia plays a primary role in the movement to and from the front. The USO location in Hartsfield airport is a busy place. Troops are escorted to and from planes and always greeted with a smile by the many volunteers that work there. Food is available as are soft drinks, travel aid, phone and internet service. The money this ride has produced in the past 9 years has been put to good use.

As this is the 10th anniversary of the charity event we have asked for help from the business community to offset the cost of a very special long sleeve t-shirt to commemorate this ride and they have come through for us. This is a very colorful shirt and we feel sure you will not use it to polish your bike as happens with many others. We can also say that all monies collected will go to the USO of Georgia and this includes the 50/50 drawing and all profits from food sales. We also want to thank our sponsors who made this possible and they are Doug Patterson and Steve Cole of Your Home Team Advisors; Dr Lee Silverstein, Marietta Chapter member; Hooters of Kennesaw; Chuck Watwood of law bike.com; and Gus Tselios and Jerry Tilem of the Marietta Diner and Marietta Fish Market. Please support these businesses as they support our fighting men and women..

The ride is scheduled on Oct 24th and registration begins at noon at Earl Smalls HD. It is police escorted and is open to all bikes and riders. This is a rain or shine ride, those who keep us free do not stay home in bad weather. Cost is $35 per bike no passenger cost. Shirts sized from small to 3x are available to the first 200 registrants. There will be a silent auction and many good door prizes as well. Please join us for a very worthwhile cause and show the USO that the bikers of North Georgia support their efforts in supporting our defenders.

Mark your calendars now for October 24, 2010 for the 10th Anniversary Ride for Freedom.