Cross-Country Motorcycle Journey Enters Its 21st Year
Twenty one years ago, NASCAR driver Kyle Petty combined his passion for helping others with his love of motorcycles to create the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. One of the most successful and popular charity events in the country, the annual motorcycle trek engages celebrities, Ride sponsors, motorcycle enthusiasts, fans and local communities to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction. Since 1995, more than 7,500 riders have logged 11.1 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised $16 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.
The inspiration for the Ride came in 1994, when Petty and three friends rode their motorcycles from North Carolina to a NASCAR race at Phoenix International Raceway. Friends joined the ride along the way, and by the time the group reached Phoenix, it had grown to 30 riders. The turnout inspired Petty, and he decided to nurture the event into something bigger; The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America was born.
This year, Kyle Petty will lead approximately 200 riders on a route drafted by the Ride’s co-founder and 20-year participant, the late Don Tilley*. The Ride will travel from Santa Cruz, Calif. to Branson, Mo., May 2-8.
As a result of the Ride, more than 7,815 children
have attended Victory Junction at no cost!
Fans and spectators along the Charity Ride route may contribute to the Charity Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program, which accepts donations at local stops.
The 2015 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Schedule:
- Day 1, Saturday, May 2 – Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA
- Day 2, Sunday, May 3 – Bakersfield, CA to Tonopah, NV
- Day 3, Monday, May 4 – Tonopah, NV. to Bryce Canyon, UT
- Day 4, Tuesday, May 5 – Bryce Canyon, UT to Moab, UT
- Day 5, Wednesday, May 6 – Moab, UT to Colorado Springs, CO
- Day 6, Thursday, May 7 – Colorado Springs, CO to Hutchinson, KS
- Day 7, Friday, May 8 – Hutchinson, KS to Branson, MO
Since its inception by the Petty family in 2004 in honor of Kyle’s late son Adam, Victory Junction has served as the Ride’s primary beneficiary. Located on 84 acres in Randleman, N.C., Victory Junction exists to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camping experiences that are memorable, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound.
This year, many celebrities plan to participate in all or part of the 21st Anniversary Ride, including: NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven time champion Richard Petty; NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth; NASCAR legends Harry Gant and Donnie Allison; former NFL great Herschel Walker; Harley-Davidson, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Levatich; NBC Sports NASCAR analyst Rick Allen; co-host of History Channel’s Top Gear America and NASCAR personality Rutledge Wood.
“When Kyle started this Ride 21 years ago, I don’t think any of us realized just how special it would become,” said Kyle’s father Richard Petty. “Riding across our beautiful country on two wheels with great friends and family is incredible, but knowing you’re doing it to help others makes it the ride of a lifetime.”
Giveaway
“Oma Loves U!” has teamed up with the “Kyle Petty Charity Ride” to conduct a giveaway for her blog readers. One lucky fan will win an Official Event Shirt And Hat From The 2015 Ride autographed by Kyle Petty! (ARV $35.00)
Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter.
The route was co-drafted by the late Don Tilley. Tilley was a legend in racing and Harley-Davidson circles. He helped launch the charity ride in 1995 and led all twenty of Kyle Petty’s “Charity Ride Across America” treks. Tilley died as he lived for most of his 78 years; while riding his Harley.
“Don taught me how to ride long distance, love Harleys & most importantly how to be a friend,” NASCAR driver Petty tweeted in August of 2014.
18 comments:
i learned that the mission is : To sponsor fundraising activities and promote community awareness for the benefit of children with serious illness or injury.
very nice good reason to ride
to sponser fundraising activities
dianetherkildsen@att.net
I love this quote from Richard Petty regarding the ride: “Riding across our beautiful country on two wheels with great friends and family is incredible, but knowing you’re doing it to help others makes it the ride of a lifetime.”
I'd love to win :) thx so much he's one of my fav drivers!!!!
I think the 21th Anniversary Ride in honor of Don Tilley from the Pacific to the Atlantic is a great idea.
It sounds like a great reason to ride.
I think its a great ride and will be special this year in honor of their friend and co founder.
This is why it should be done the love of it. The resolve and dedication of someone with so kind a heart and as good of friend as he was and is to many; helping out someone more unfortunate than yourself is the true testament to the human spirit. So Mr. Petty as my dad was a fan of yours I can now see why. You are a role model and you deserve the highest praises for all you do.. So I say thanks and keep up you good work.
This is for a great cause
I was a big fan of Richard Petty since we're both from North Carolina.
I would love to ride across the US. Although I would want to take more than 8 days to do it... take in the sights and lots of stops along the way. Thanks for the op to win.
I saw that "Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America announces route for 21st Anniversary motorcycle trek".
I love that he has done this for the kids.
What a great cause! I've been a fan of the Pettys for years.
I love the charitable causes that the Pettys donate their time and energy to like the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. Nicole Bowers
I love the various Charities and fundraisers they have on their website.
I love that they support so many charities. There is something so heartwarming when you read about people you admire giving back to the community.
Laurie Emerson
lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com
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