ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) -- Hundreds of people in our area have been helping to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. A group of motorcycle enthusiasts have "cruised" for a cause and with the help of sponsors, they've raised more than 1-million dollars in the past 12 years combined, all going to help children in need.
The rev of the engine
"They all like to get together, they all like to talk about their bikes and what they did with their bike, some after-market product on it and they like to get together and talk about them and then they like to go and show off," explained John Sivly, a event motorcycle rider.
These bikers are here for a cause, It's all part of the 12th annual "Cruise". A 130 mile motorcycle ride, raising money for the Ronald McDonald House.
For John Sivly, the "cruise" is a way to honor his dad.
"My father went through the chemotherapy, he went through the surgery, he went through a lot and all of those kids down at the Ronald McDonald House are going through some of the same things my father is going thru right now," described Sivly.
John's father passed away last July from cancer. He was an avid cycle enthusiast and supporter of the Ronald McDonald House. While he may no longer be in the fight, John is still riding motorcycle with his dad by his side in more ways than one.
"It's got a motorcycle on one side, dad on the other side and the bullet kind of commemorates that he was in the Army back in the 60's," stated John.
That's not all, John's father also rides in the trunk of the motorcycle, in an urn. Always cruising together, no matter what.
What began as a group of fewer than 10 motorcycle riders 12 years ago has significantly grown. This year more than 1,100 bikers took part. Events Organizers tell me they aren't sure how many lives and families of those at the Ronald McDonald House they've touched over the years, they estimate "thousands". Talk about a feel, good kind of story.
