3rd Annual Brian's Ride this Sunday (from the SEMMSF)

For immediate release - Thursday, July 30th

(Raynham, MA) The 3rd annual "Brian's Ride," an AMA sanctioned Event, hosted by the Southeastern Massachusetts Motorcyclists' Survivors Fund, Inc., and co-sponsored by the Acme Armament of Plympton, the Jockey Club, S & L Mailing & Graphics of Kingston, Training Wheels and Planet Dirt Rider Training Schools, is this Sunday, August 2nd, at the Jockey Club just off Route 28 and on Route 44, in Raynham. For directions, see www.jockeyclubraynham.com.

Last year, this Event (www.BriansRideFriends.org) saw over 650 bikes, more passengers and drive-ins, rallying for "Riders helping Riders" families in need, due to motorcycle accidents and to promote motorcycle safety and awareness, in memory of Brian Mello, a New Bedford firefighter, son, husband and father, who was killed in March of 2007 when an elderly driver turned left in front of three oncoming motorcycles.

Staging begins at the Jockey Club at 9:30 a.m., this Sunday - Ride leaves at NOON sharp !

Advance Ride tickets at $15 per person, (includes great food, free door prize entry for 2 Red Sox tickets [GREAT SEATS] and close to the front Ride staging position) are available on-line at www.SEMMSF.org - up to midnight, Friday, July 31st - and at Chili Head's BBQ Co. (chiliheadbbq.com/Welcome) - 320 West Center Street (Route 106) in West Bridgwater. $20 per person donation requested at the Gate.

The band, "Southbound" will be rocking the expected crowd all afternoon, and expect the return of the 'biker games' skills contests. Morning and afternoon 50/50, other raffles and a silent auction with great prizes.

See the Ride Route on www.BriansRideFriends.org web site and order advance tickets and Event Shirts (limited amount). "Will Call" Ride tickets will be at the "Will Call" table as you enter the Registration area; "Will Call" Event T-shirts will be at the Products table.

We can never have enough Road Guards - so email contact@massmsf.org if you can help. Our Road Guards "eat first" upon their return as thanks for protecting and keeping the Ride safe. Or, you can volunteer a few hours to help out in other areas at the Event. If volunteering, please arrive for 8 a.m., and enter the Volunteer chute and go directly to the Volunteer Table. Please e-mail us at contact@massmsf.org before Sunday for advance planing purposes.

The 3rd Annual Brian's Ride - this Sunday, August 2, 2009, at the Jockey Club, Route 44, Raynham, "Riders helping Riders."

"THIS IS THE ONE RIDE TO BE ON!"

Nelson Selig Memorial Bench dedication held July 23, 2009 in Ipswich

July 23, 2008 - Ipswich, MA - "Nelson Selig Memorial Bench" dedication

More than 50 family and friends of Nelson Selig braved the rain tonight and helped kick off the count down to the August 23rd 10th Annual "Nelson's Ride," as the MMSF, on behalf of the motorcycle community, donated and dedicated a "Nelson Selig, Sr. Memorial Bench" at the Whittier Motel in Ipswich.

Original Event founders, Ted and Sue LeMieux, Jason Hallock and Paul W. Cote, teamed up with State Senator Bruce Tarr, State Rep. Brad Hill, members of the North Shore Women on Wheels, the Aces and Eights Riding Club, North Shore Riders, Star Touring Chapter 240, the American Legion Riders, VFW members, old and new friends, joined in honoring Nelson's parents, Faye and Bob, Nelson's wife Felicia and children (now young adults), at the Memorial Bench dedication.

Ted LeMieux told the crowd, "Ten years ago we never imaged it would grow into this, we just wanted to help Nelson's family." Jason Hallock, a friend of Nelson and long time MMSF Board Member thanked the crowd for their ongoing support for 'riders helping rider's families." State Senator Bruce Tarr, involved since "Day 1" - said, "This extended family of Nelson - motorcyclists - has shown the Commonwealth and the nation that people that ride motorcycles count - and we are listening." State Rep. Brad Hill, also involved the past 10 years said, "I'm proud to have been a small part of getting "Nelly's Bill" enacted into law, making drivers more aware and reducing accidents that sadly took Nelson's life too early - and you too should be proud of your accomplishments."

It was announced that Nelson's mom, Faye, will be the "Parade Queen" for the 10th Annual Nelson's Ride, August 23rd from the Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, leading the Ride on www.BostonBiker.com Larry Cahill's "Demon" trike, with Bob and Felicia riding also.

Advance discount Ride tickets, MMSF raffle tickets, limited amount of Event t-shirts, can be purchased at $10 each on the www.NelsonsRide.com web site and at supporting businesses listed on the www.MassMSF.org web site.

Upcoming MMSF Events: July 15th edition

Thanks - PC
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Date: July 15, 2009
Subj: Upcoming MMSF / SEMMSF Supported Events

Note - 10th Annual Nelson's Ride tickets, Event T-shirts (limited amount - get yours now), and MMSF Raffle Tickets - all $10 each in celebration of the 10th Annual "Nelson's Ride, are now available on-line, www.NelsonsRide.org and at these supporting businesses:

Beverly, Cycles 128!
Ipswich, Whittier Motel
Ipswich, VFW, 110 County Road (Rte. 1A)
Peabody, Provanzano Law Offices, 16 Bourbon Street
Newburyport, Seacoast Cycle
Rowley, Gypsy Cycles, 295 Newburyport Turnpike (Route 1)
Salem, Witch City Cycles
Wakefield, Stewy's Custom Cycles


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Thursday night, July 16th, from Stage Fort Park, Gloucester
6:30 - Group Riding Workshop and walk-through for August 23rd 10th Annual "Nelson's Ride:
7:15 - Riding the Route - road guards and everyone welcome to pre-ride Nelson's Ride Route with us.

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Saturday night, July 18 - Aces and Eights RC Open House, 7 - 11 p.m., $2.00 food donation. See http://www.acesandeightsrc.com/

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NEW Event - All welcome, - Thursday night, July 23, at the Whittier Motel, Route 1A, Ipswich, MMSF's "Nelson's Ride Memorial Bench" dedication, 7-9 p.m.

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Saturday, July 25, SEMMSF's "Callahan's Run," at Buddy's Villa, in N. Easton, in celebration of the life of South Easton MA rider and Marine, Bill Callahan, killed in Iraq. Co-hosted by his widow, Amy and her friends. $20 donation includes food. Event T-shirts and advance Ride tickets available on line at www.semmsf.org/upcomingevents.html - an AMA sanctioned Event.

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Sunday, July 26, MMSF 2nd Annual "Friends of Marty" Ride, from the Gateway Pub, Lawrence, in celebration of his life and to assist 'baby Marty,' who was born after his tragic death last year. Live music by "Fatsunnie." For more information, advance ride tickets, t-shirts, go to www.MassMSF.org

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Sunday, July 26, Manomet Mystery Riders Memorial Poker Run, from John Alder Sports Club, Manomet, MA - SEMMSF supported. See http://www.manometmysteryriders.com/home.html for more info.

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Sunday, July 26, 10th Annual Xtreme Riders Fun Run !
Staging at 9am Robinson's Ace Hardware Nicolas Rd. Framingham, MA. Departs at 10:30
SHARP! Long Backroad ride to New Hampshire for Go Kart races, batting cages, arcade, mini golf course, driving range, ice cream, food/bar and a great time. Only $5 Donation for a great ride and awesome day. See www.xtremeriders.com for more information.

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Sunday, August 2, . . 3rd Annual "Brian's Ride," from the Jockey Club, Raynham, MA - For advance Event tickets, men's and women's Event shirts, (limited amount) See www.BriansRideFriends.org for more info.

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For upcoming Blackstone Valley Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund events, see http://www.bvmsurvivorsfund.org/

Free Check Twice Signs are everywhere!

FREE 2' x 3' CHECK TWICE SAVE-A-LIFE MOTORCYCLES ARE EVERYWHERE !!!! SIGNS !

Via the Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles, the MMSF has secured 100 of these 2 ' x 3' signs, with stands, for FREE distribution. These were purchased by the RMV from the Motorcycle Safety Fund, as appropriated by the Legislature, from $2 of each annual motorcycle registration fee. Currently, signs are available at the Law Offices of the MMSF's General Counsel, Joseph S. Provanzano's office, 16 Bourbon Street, Peabody. Please call ahead to pick up your FREE sign (978) 535-8222. Within a week of so, if we have some left, we'll put them at those MMSF supporting shops now selling our Nelson's Ride tickets, limited amount of 10th Annual Nelson's Ride T-shirts, and MMSF raffle tickets! Help reduced motorcycle accidents with these FREE 'Check Twice . . . " signs !

TONS of thanks to our major sponsors, BostonBiker.com, Cycles 128 !, Ironstone Ventures, Provanzano Law Offices, and Training Wheels !

Every Tuesday night (weather permitting) Star Touring Chapter 240 Rides, departing at 6:30 from the Honey Dew, Route 1 in Salisbury to ? ? ? See http://www.star240.com/ for more info.

Thursday night, 7/9 - at the Stage Fort Park, Gloucester - 6:30 - group riding workshop; 7:00 Nelson's Ride Event Planning Team - site walk-through then 'riding the Route,' with wrap up about 8:30 ish at the Whittier Motel, Ipswich. See www.MassMSF.org for more info . . . and supporting businesses now selling Event tickets, t-shirts, and MMSF Raffle tickets.

Tuesday night, 7/14 - at the Jockey Club in Raynham, 7:30 - 3rd Annual Brian's Ride Event Planning Team meeting - Road Guards, Clubs, Groups, . . . send your members and/or representatives as we do a walk-though for this Sunday, August 2nd Southeastern MA Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund event. See www.SEMMSF.org and/or www.BriansRideFriends.org for more information.

Thursday night, 7/16 - location to be determined - Group Riding Workshop and Nelson's Ride Planning Team Meeting.

Saturday night, 7/18 - Aces and Eights open house, 7-11 p.m. $2 food donation requested. Let's see if we can get motorcycle accident victim Mary Jane David of Gloucester out of the Lawrence Rehab facility to attend this Saturday night with her new leg ! See www.acesandeightsrc.com for directions.

Tuesday night, 7/21 - at Buddy's Villa, 190 Washington St., N. Easton, MA - Callahan's Ride Planning Meeting (www.SEMMSF.org) Road Guards and volunteers requested to attend this meeting.

Thursday night, 7/23 - 7:00 "Nelson Selig Memorial Bench Dedication Ceremony," donated by the MMSF on behalf of supporting area riders - to the Whittier Motel - Ipswich - 10 years of helping families of riders killed or seriously injured in accidents, and promoting motorcycle awareness and education to help reduce those accidents, all began due to the tragic accident on Route 133, in early May, year 2000.

Saturday, 7/25 - "Callahan's Run," by the SEMMSF, Buddy's Villa, 190 Washington St., N. Easton, MA. $20 per person donation, includes food. Proceeds to benefit the SEMMSF and the Wounded EOD Warrior Fund. Riders helping Riders. Veterans helping Veterans. Staging begins at 9:30 - Run leaves at Noon. Tickets and Event shirts available on www.SEMMSF.org

Sunday, 7/26 - 2nd annual "Friends of Marty Ride" - by the MMSF, Gateway Pub, 339 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA. $15 per person - good Italian Food by Biggie's of Haverhill will be available. Proceeds to benefit "Baby Marty," who was born after Marty's accident. Tickets with Marty's family, the Gateway Pub, and later this week, on-line with Event T-shirts at www.MassMSF.org.

Sunday, 7/26 - MMSF supporting Club - Xtreme Riders "Fun Run," 9:00 a.m. staging in Framingham leaving at 10:30 to NH. See http://web.mac.com/silascopathic/Xtremeriders.com/XR_Home.html for more info !

Sunday, 7/26 - SEMMSF and MMSF supporting Club - Manomet Mystery Riders "Memorial Poker Run," from and back to the John Alden Sportsman's Club, Manomet (Plymouth) - staging 9:30 - 11:00, $15 in advance, $20 at the Gate. See http://www.manometmysteryriders.com/home.html for more info !

Coming in August . . .
8/2 - 3rd Annual Brian's Ride - www.BriansRideFriends.org
8/8 - Aces and Eights Summer Blow Party and raffle drawing
8/22 - Blackstone Valley Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund "Touring the Valley" Ride
8/23 - 10th annual Nelson's Ride - www.NelsonsRide.org

Riders helping Riders !

TONS of thanks
PC

Upcoming Events: July 1st and beyond

Date: July 1, 2009
Subj: Upcoming MMSF / SEMMSF Supported Events

From Southeastern MA Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund - Preliminary report on Greg's Ride last Sunday:

TONS of thanks to the more than 150 riders who helped Greg Reynolds "Finish the Ride" an SEMMSF sponsored Event, Sunday, June 28, and the more than 150 friends, family members and supporters who joined the riders at the Lafayette Club. Great Ride, great Pig Roast by Paul Verdatt of Classic Catering, great tunes by Johnny G 3 band, raffle prizes, . . . good time by all. Over $10K was grossed and very much appreciated. Half of the proceeds after expenses will go to helping other downed riders, their families, and to promote motorcycle safety and awareness in hopes of preventing accidents.

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Thursday night, July 2 - Nelson's Ride - Group Riding Workshop - Event Planning Meeting . . .

Due to the expected rain Thursday night, the Group Riding Workshop and Event Planning Meeting has been RE-LOCATED, from Stage Fort Park, TO THE Aces and Eights RC Clubhouse, 239 Western Ave. (Route 22) Essex (see this link http://www.acesandeightsrc.com/directions.html).

The Group Riding Workshop will start at 6:30, with a 15-minute DVD, handouts, question and answer period. At 7:00 p.m., we'll begin the Nelson's Ride Planning Session, approximate about 1 hour.

Nelson's Ride tickets, Event T-shirts (limited amount - get yours now), and MMSF Raffle Tickets - all $10 each in celebration of the 10th Annual "Nelson's Ride, are now available on-line, and at these supporting businesses:

Beverly, Cycles 128!
Ipswich, Whittier Motel,
Ipswich, VFW, 110 County Road (Rte. 1A)
Peabody, Provanzano Law Offices, 16 Bourbon Street
Newburyport, Seacoast Cycle
Rowley, Gypsy Cycles, 295 Newburyport Turnpike (Route 1)
Salem, Witch City Cycles
Wakefield, Stewy's Custom Cycles

(call for their hours of operation ! More locations to come, including Black Death Cycles in Salisbury - watch www.MassMSF.org)

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Saturday nights, July 4 and 18 - they're OPEN - Aces and Eights RC Open House, 7 - 11 p.m., $2:00 food donation. See
http://www.acesandeightsrc.com/

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Tuesday, July 14, 7:30 p.m., Brian's Ride Planning meeting - Jockey Club, Route 44, Raynham. Road Guards, volunteer parking lot, registration help needed. Please come to this planning meeting or write us at Contact@SEMMSF.org to be listed on the volunteer list . . .

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Saturday, July 25, SEMMSF's "Callahan's Run," at Buddy's Villa, in N. Easton, in celebration of the life of South Easton MA rider and soldier, Bill Callahan, killed in Iraq. Co-hosted by his widow, Amy and her friends. $20 donation includes food. Event T-shirts and advance Ride tickets available on line at www.semmsf.org/upcomingevents.html - an AMA sanctioned Event.

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Sunday, July 25, MMSF 2nd Annual "Friends of Marty" Ride, from the Gateway Pub, Lawrence, in celebration of his life and to assist 'baby Marty,' who was born after his tragic death last year. Live music by Fatsunnie (see www.fatsunnie.com). For more information, advance ride tickets, t-shirts, go to www.MassMSF.org

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Sunday, July 25, Manomet Mystery Riders Memorial Poker Run, from John Alder Sports Club, Manomet, MA - SEMMSF supported. See http://www.manometmysteryriders.com/home.html for more info.

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Sunday, August 2, . . 3rd Annual "Brian's Ride," from the Jockey Club, Raynham, MA - See www.BriansRideFriends.org for more info.

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For upcoming Blackstone Valley Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund events, see http://www.bvmsurvivorsfund.org/

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TONS of thanks - "Riders helping Riders !"

Help Greg Finish the Ride (from Seekonk to Taunton) SEMMSF

Sunday, June 28, a young Veteran and severely injured rider and his family need our and your support.

"Help Greg Finish the Ride," Seekonk to Taunton - co-hosted by the Southeastern MA Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund (www.SEMMSF.org) - $15 in advance (available on that web site until 6/27) - $20 at the Seekonk Speedway 9:30 staging area - Ride leaves at NOON SHARP. AMA sanctioned Event - includes PIG ROAST by Paul V. (formerly an ABATE of MA member) at the Lafayette Club, and live music donated by "Johnny G 3," with John Gilligan. They play cover tunes as well as some originals. See them at www.myspace.com/johnnygilligan

Here's the short version of the long - all too familiar "rider-victim" story - and what else YOU can do about it !

Last June 22, (2008) Greg was riding home when a 75-year old blew a STOP sign, (he "thought he could make it") resulting in a direct impact with Greg shattering his body and his young life.

After volunteering for the MA Army National Guard while finishing High School, he answered the call to duty the spring of 2002, then went to "the theater of operations" the spring of 2003 for 12 months, and was then "boots on the ground" for a another 3 months attached in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Greg was a driver in the 1058 Transportation Unit out of Hingham. He was in an ambush while over there as well as many "near misses" with IED, and many other hazards. His unit traveled all over that country! They actually transformed their trucks into "gun trucks" so then he was a "machine gunner" running escorts for "third country nationals." He earned his Air Assault Wings which was a big accomplishment for him. He is a Staff Sergeant and was a platoon leader as well as his unit's PT instructor. Quite accomplished for a young guy.

He was home for 4 years when then his world turned upside down. He was a full time college student (Bridgewater State College, Criminal Justice Major, on the Dean's List), still serving in the MA Army National Guard (had signed on for another 6 years and planned on doing 20 years) and also worked part time at Loomis (armored money trucks). He was due to graduate last month and had been recruited by the Newport RI police department.

And then some 75-year old guy in a hurry with no place to go - blows a STOP sign - with minimal liability coverage and no assets. And now, with over $700,000 in medical bills, . . . Greg will never see a dime.

So the www.SEMMSF.org, the folks at Seekonk Speedway, Joe & Jane of www.IronstoneVentures.com and Greg's family and friends - see www.aheroheals.com - are joining forces to make Greg's and his family's lives a little comfortable, with this "Help Greg Finish the Ride" fundraising Event, and a portion of the funds raised from this Event will go into the SEMMSF pool of funds to assist other riders families in need.

Greg will be at the Ride. If he can be there - please come out also - whether your a rider, a veteran - (or both) - or just a person who would like to pay tribute and make a donation to this special young man and his family - rain or shine, ride or drive, Sunday, June 28th.

PC EDITORIAL NOTE - AS A MOTORCYCLIST ADVOCATE - NOT ON BEHALF OF THE MMSF OR SEMMSF . . .

I sent a letter to the driver who wrecked Greg's life over two weeks ago, offering to mediate an off the record meeting with Greg. He has not yet answered that invitation - We hope he will - that would help Greg in his healing and rehab process. As no citation was issued, we suspect he's just been advised to stay away.

On behalf of motor vehicle accident victims, House, No. 1405 has been filed at the State House, seeking to shift the financial burdens victims and their families face when others violate their right of way resulting in death or serious bodily injury. See www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/186/ht01/ht01405.htm.

House, No. 1405 has been assigned to the Judiciary Committee and its Public Hearing is scheduled for September 29th. I'll be asking ALL victims of right of way violations, and their families to be at that Hearing, to share with legislators how 'right of way victims' are victimized twice - first with the accident and resulting injuries or lost of life, and secondary with the financial burdens through no fault of their own.

If this type bill gets enacted, that $700,000 in debt Greg faces - through no fault of his own - would be shifted to the at-fault driver who won't even answer a letter. Let him go bankrupt, not his victim. Please pass the word to others you know who have been victimized - join me in Seekonk OR Taunton on June 28 and at the State House September 29th !

Write me privately at claimscote@aol.com for more information on this Bill and working to right this wrong.

TONS of thanks - PC

Speaking only for myself and not on behalf of any nonprofit organization I am a member to.

Stage Fort Park in Gloucester will host 10th Annual Nelson's Ride!

Date: June 10, 2009

(Gloucester, MA) - Stage Fort Park, in Gloucester, (off Route 127 and right on the ocean), will be the host site for the 10th Annual "Nelson's Ride," Sunday, August 23 (with 8/30 its rain date), as today, the City of Gloucester Licensing Committee unanimously approved the Special Event license, permit applications and of the Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund, Inc.

Appearing before the Police & Fire Chief and Assistant City Clerk, were MMSF officers Jason Hallock, Jacky Kieras, and Paul W. Cote. Prior to the Hearing, the MMSF had submitted its "Event Plan" with supporting documents, and had signed a "Facilities Usage Agreement" with Gloucester's Department of Public Works. Both the Police Chief and Assistant Clerk expressed their appreciation of the Plan and references provided.

Our web mistress Samantha has updated the www.NelsonsRide.org web site with the Event schedule, a layout of the expected usage of Park, the proposed 30-mile SLOW Ride Route (subject to police approval), pictures of the Event T-shirts, and linked up our "click & pledge" account to begin taking credit card orders now ! Check it all out at www.NelsonsRide.org.

In line with the this being the "10th Annual" Nelson's Ride, due to present economic conditions, and your 10 years of support, some advance purchase items will be $10.

Now available on the www.NelsonsRide.org web site, advance Ride Tickets are $10 per bike and $10 per passenger. Purchase of advance Ride tickets gets you into the door prize drawing. Advance purchase of 10th Annual Nelson's Ride T-shirts are $10 each, and their design by Frank Perron and Lee Blais, can be viewed on the www.NelsonsRide.org web site.

These items will be available at some of our MMSF supporting shops, dealers and businesses, which we'll begin lining up over the next few weeks and list on our www.NelsonsRide.org web site, for cash sales in advance of the August 23 Ride and Event.

10th Annual Patch and Pin sets will be $10 in advance or at the Event. And the MMSF Raffle tickets are $10 each, in advance or at the Event.

Two bands are being lined up to play live at the Event, watch for those announcements.

The Bike Games will return as well as Dean's Concessions with the food. Vendors interested in selling their wares should write us at Contact@MassMSF.org.

Sherm Deering, of the New Life Riders/Christian Motorcycle Association, will be the lead Ride Road Captain. If you can Road Guard during this 30-mile SLOW Ride Route, write us at Contact@MassMSF.org

Plan to bring your blanket for laying out on the grass at the Park, or even your swimming gear for a dip in the Ocean !

Event planning meetings will begin on Thursday nights, June 18 and 25, at the Ipswich VFW, off Route 1A, at 7:30, usually lasting an hour. If you would like to volunteer, please attend one of these initial planning meetings.

"Bikers Helping Bikers" - your MMSF.

For other upcoming MMSF supported Events on the North Shore, South Shore and Blackstone Valley areas, see www.MassMSF.org.

TONS of thanks for your 10 years of support !