September 16, 2005
Bainbridge, Georgia-- Bikers are bombarding Bainbridge this weekend, and it's all for a good cause.
Up to ten thousand of them areexpected from all over the country. "We came from Milford, Delaware," says motorcycle enthusiast, Gary Hall.
That's a 19-hour trip. But for Hall, the hardest part wasn't the driving, it was waiting to get there. "I've had a bike since ten years old. I fell in love with many bikes, and I've had a bike ever since then," he says.
Hall's love of bikes is hard to break, literally. He got into an accident during last year's bikefest, but he lived to ride again for the eighth one this year. "Broke my neck in two places, right collar bone, left wrist, and left foot," says Hall.
It's easy to see why Hall came back. There's music, food, and vendors loaded with anything bike-related. The best part is, the profits go to charity. "Our main charities arethe Salvation Army, the Juvenile Diabetes Association, and the Shriner's Hospital for Children," says volunteer, Billy Barber.
Bikefest isn't just about fun on two wheels, or in some cases three. It's also about safety. "All of our streets are one way so we have no traffic congestion in case we need emergency vehicles. Fortunately, we haven't had to have them," says Barber.
There are also speed limits, first aid, and plenty of security, safeguards designed by the hobbyists who started bikefest to ensure everyone has a good weekend. "We got married on September 14, 2002, and spent our honeymoond here at Bainbridge Bikefest," says motorcycle enthusiast, "Pothole." "We're now making it a tradition to come out here and have fun on our anniversary,"adds his wife, "Blondie." "Stay up all night long and have a good time," says Hall. You've got until Sunday evening to do just that.
Feedback: news@walb.com
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and WALB, a Raycom Media Station. 
