BUFA Fall Run For Charity
MORE PHOTOS POSTED IN THE GALLERIES
By Joe Maher
Despite the cold and the threat of rain on September 13th, over 150 bikes and more than 200 participants turned out help make the Fall 2009 Bikers United For America (BUFA) Run a huge success. While there were a few actual sprinkles, the droplets did nothing to dampen rider enthusiasm on this noble charity run through Colorado Springs.
Every year, the fall BUFA run is dedicated to a person or family in need. Membership of all the riding organizations that make up BUFA, which includes nearly every motorcycle riding group and organization in Colorado Springs, decide on whom the recipient of the run’s efforts will be. There are many suggestions, all of them deserving, but the group is limited to assisting one cause per year. This year it is Colorado Springs native Tiffany Kinkennon, who at 23-years-old is battling breast cancer for the third time.
Riders first gathered at the Mill Hill Saloon for registration, breakfast and a little socializing. Breakfast choices were breakfast burritos or biscuits and gravy; either choice was both tasty and filling enough to ward off the chill of the early fall ride.
For the ride this year there was no set route. Rather, stops were planned in a specific order, and riders got to choose how they got there. This made for a wide variety of stories to tell along the way and at the end party. Additionally, for those who may have needed that one other card to put together a strong hand, that opportunity was presented with an extra card drawing, where an extra card could be purchased at the last stop.
With a slight chill in the early fall air, riders pointed their bikes into downtown Colorado Springs and the first stop at Apex Sports. There, riders grabbed their first card and quickly headed south of town towards Fountain and Shovel Heads on US Highway 85/87. Many took advantage of this stop for a quick bite to eat and perhaps a little something to quench their thirst. After all, staying hydrated and well lubricated is key to a fun run.
As the day and the ride progressed, it began to warm up a bit, and the riders wove their way North back through town for the third stop at Sun Spot Atlantis Tanning Salon on Austin Bluffs Parkway. From there, they headed even further North into Black Forest, where The Spirit Keeper was the keepers of the cards for the fourth card draw. Seeing how it was a bit cool in Black Forest, a few scooter tramps took the opportunity to warm up a bit before heading to the west-central side of town to pick up their 5th and final card at the Mile High Saloon. The rapidly cooling weather prompted many riders to pick up the pace a little. As a result, Mile High Saloon was caught a little off guard, and the Saloon became a waiting area as the final stop was set up. Adult beverages were flowing, and food made its way to tables as riders warmed up. After this stop and with sweep coming, everyone headed back into the chilly air to race to the final stop and the after ride party at Carry On Saloon, at I-25 and Fillmore.
Once everyone arrived and warmed up a little, the party kicked into high gear with live music provided by Coyote. Along with plenty of food and drinks, and with piles of raffle prizes, riders relaxed and enjoyed the good company. Conversation focused on talk of the just completed ride, its purpose, bikes (naturally), and, of course, solving all the world’s problems. While none of the issues facing the world community were solved, there was vigorous and entertaining debate.
Of the many raffle and auction items, there was one item of particular note. Extreme Customs donated a custom paint job valued at $2000, which was up for auction. Bidding started with a minimum of $500. In $50 dollar increments and spirited bidding the paint job eventually went for $1250 to Bill Fee. Fee happily forked over the bucks, saying he had a couple reasons for going after the paint.
“I have an old Softtail that needs to be rebuilt, and this paint job is what I needed to finally get me started on the project,” he explained. “Plus, this is for a really good cause. I can’t really go wrong.”
So, all had a great time and for a great cause. After a short break this fall, BUFA will start working on the annual spring ride with an eye toward stepping up the ride to make it even better.
