Charity run draws motorbikes to Yuma this weekend

Off the Wire
Event News

Yuma motorists can expect to see a lot of motorcycles cruising the city and county streets this weekend, along with some extra law enforcement vehicles.

"The vast majority of people who will be participating are motorcycle enthusiasts," said Capt. Eben Bratcher, spokesman for the Yuma County Sheriff's Office. "Unfortunately the reputation of outlaw motorcycle gangs preceeds them."

About 800 bikers are expected to be participating in this year's 49th annual Yuma Prison Run, which is hosted by the Norwalk Motorcycle Club from Norwalk, Calif.

"We think it is a very popular event, and the people who keep coming to it every year must think so also," said Mark Spector, treasurer of the Norwalk Motorcycle Club.

But it is not the only reason bikers are town. The Jason Howell Memorial Bike Run and Bike Show is also being held this weekend. It is held in memory of Jason Howell, the owner and founder of DMS Roofing, a Yuma business, who died in 2004 in a vehicle accident.

Spector said the Yuma Prison Run, which was founded in 1961, not only attracts people from all walks of life, but it is also a charitable event that donates its proceeds to charitable organizations benefitting children.

The two-day event is being held today and Sunday at Yuma County Fairgrounds.

Spector said the Prison Run has raised between $40,000 and $45,000 over the past few years and hopes to do so again this year.

"We are all volunteers. Nobody makes a living off this," Spector said. "We are looking to give away as much money as we can."

This year's proceeds are being donated to The Burns and Trauma Foundation, Amberly's Place, The ARC of Yuma County and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the only charity not from Yuma County that we are making a donation to," Spector said. "They have a chapter in Phoenix so at least it is still in the state."

Spector said the event, which is expected to draw between 2,800 and 3,000 people, features several activities throughout the weekend.

A snack and barbecue dinner is being staffed by members of the Yuma Youth Hockey League and the profits from their efforts will be given to the league.

A procession of riders is scheduled to leave from the fairgrounds at about 2:15 on a slow ride through the city on its way to the Yuma Territorial Prison.

Spector said unlike in years past, the procession will be leaving the fairgrounds from Pacific Avenue, instead of 32nd Street, which it used to do, due to traffic concerns.

The Yuma Police Department will provide traffic control and an escort for the ride, but that is not all.

YPD spokesman Sgt. Clint Norred said the department will have some additional officers on duty this weekend to make sure there are no problems.

"We have had some minor incidents in the past, but I don't recall anything significant," Norred said.

Bratcher made a similar comment, saying, "We have not had any significant issues in years past, and don't want any this year."

Bratcher said due to the influx of people, YCSO will also have additional deputies on duty throughout the weekend.

He said YCSO has also already received reports from the community of outlaw motorcycle gangs having arrived in town already, specifically the Vagos.

"It wouldn't surprise me," Bratcher said. "Historically there have been some in the past for these events."

Spector confirmed that members of the Hell's Angels, Vagos and Mongols will be participating in the event, but stressed they have been participating for many years without any problems.
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James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 539-6854.

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