August the fourteenth saw the annual Geordie Chapter Ladies of Harley ride-out, which raises funds for a charity chosen by our L.O.H.
The ride out was nicknamed the Pink Run many years ago when we raised money to help fund a scanner specifically aimed at early diagnosis of breast cancer. The theme saw riders, pillions and bikes decked in pink fancy dress – an amazing spectacle! Despite a number of attempts to change, the pink theme has continued, particularly with the male riders (must be something to do with their feminine side) and this year’s ride was no exception.
In 2016, we raised money for a charity close to home. The Charlie Bear for Cancer Care fund is dedicated to raising money for the Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC) at the Freeman Hospital. It also incorporates the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which funds projects within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. These directly benefit cancer patients from across North East England and Cumbria which contribute significantly to international research into the disease.
Our brilliant Road Crew planned a fantastic ride-out which left from Jennings Harley-Davidson Gateshead and visited NCCC, where members of staff greeted us (some of who came in to see us on their day off) and Charlie Bear himself.
After the customary coffee and cake and a chance to chat with the dedicated nurses, we left Newcastle and rode through beautiful scenery to the Carriages Tea room in Bellingham.
The ride-out ended at Brocksbushes Farm, after about a hundred miles, and raised £220 solely from our riders. It was a fantastic day, made better as three guests joined us – they all bid for a Harley-Davidson Experience in a charity auction in November 2015.
Although we call this event the Ladies of Harley run, it is supported by the entire chapter and is one of the favourite dates in our event calendar. They may all secretly enjoy the dressing up and pink is obviously the favourite colour however, raising money for worthwhile charities is at the heart of the ride-out and everyone’s generosity never fails.
Dawn Beattie, Ladies of Harley Officer