Riders rumble into Allensworth for fundraising festivities

ALLENSWORTH — Rarely can Harley-Davidson and Allensworth be used together in the same sentence.

The opportunity presented itself, however, during a three-day event Thursday, Friday and Saturday as thousands of motorcyclists converged on Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for the second annual West Coast Bikers Round-Up.

The event — which attracted riders from Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington — was sponsored by Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Sinister Wheels.

The entrance fee was $25. Children ages 10 and under were admitted for free.

All of the proceeds will go toward bone marrow research, West Coast Bikers Round-Up Association treasurer Deryk Howard said.

“We’re just trying to do a good thing,” he said.

Last year’s event, according to Howard, drew roughly 3,000 riders and raised $105,000.

“Next year’s going to be even better,” he said. “It’s starting to catch on.”

Showing its support by attending the rally was Divas For A Cure, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising cancer awareness through early detection, education, screenings and research.

DFAC founder and president Jan Emanuel is a three-time breast cancer survivor.

Her organization has raised over the past three years $110,000, all of which was injected into the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center fund.

“Passion should have a purpose,” Emanuel said. “Why not do something good for someone and have fun doing it.

“The quicker we do something about it, the quicker we’ll find a cure.”

Activities galore kept attendees constantly entertained Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

A bike race, bike show, stunt show, talent show, water slide, movie night, camping, raffles and music — among many more attractions — greeted bikers and children alike.

“It wasn’t something we had to come to,” Stan Jones, president of riding group Rising Sons, Bakersfield chapter, said. “We wanted to come.”

Broken Swords president Alex Shinal agreed.

“It’s wonderful,” he said. “So far I’ve been around to all of the different clubs. It’s really nice.”

Howard said he was hopeful 70 to 80 clubs would make an appearance in Allensworth.

He also said he wants to increase the size and popularity of the event by reaching out to East Coast riders.

“If we build it,” Howard said, “hopefully they will come.”

-- Contact Alex K.W. Schultz at 784-5000, Ext. 1049.