Event to benefit Pennsylvania veterans

The Chester County chapter of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.) organization will hold its annual bike ride to benefit Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors on Saturday, Aug. 17, beginning and ending at the Parkesburg VFW, 406 W. Fourth Ave., Parkesburg.

Registration will be held from 8 to 8:45 a.m., and the ride will begin at 9 a.m. Participants will be asked to pay a registration donation, which will include lunch after the ride.

Coffee and doughnuts will be provided by the Parkesburg Wawa at the beginning of the ride. "We will travel from VFW Post 4480 in Parkesburg to Post 5892 in Hockessin, Del.," explained chapter chaplain and event chair Jeff Smack, noting that coffee and fresh baked goods will also be available at the Delaware location. "From there, the group goes to Kennett Square VFW Post 5467, and then we will we weave our way back to Parkesburg, so it's a big circle."

The ride has been held for at least 10 years, according to event organizers. "We average between 50 and 100 motorcycles," noted chapter coordinator and president Stephen Sinson. He emphasized that the ride benefits Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, an organization that is not affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project. "This ride is for PA Wounded Warriors. It is all nonprofit, and 96% of the funds that they raise go directly to wounded veterans. They help with medical bills, rent and utility bills," he said.

More information about the organization is available at http://www.pawoundedwarriors.org.

Sinson noted that every effort is made to keep the riders safe during the event. "Most of the time we stick to smaller roads to avoid traffic," he stated. "The municipalities help us out. They will block major intersections or us."

Following the ride, the group will enjoy a catered lunch by A&J's Twisted Kitchen.

The Chester County Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. is a nonprofit organization of bikers that has been working to protect motorcyclists' rights in Pennsylvania since 1983. "Our biggest goal is to promote safety, and we also do a lot with the community," Sinson said. "We have other rides that we do. We have a drug awareness ride to benefit Kacie's Cause and we have a food run every year for Oxford (Area Neighborhood Services Center)."

The chapter has about 125 members, but it is not necessary to own a motorcycle to join. "We have people who come and participate and help," said Sinson.

He noted that one of the group's projects is to post the yellow "Watch for Motorcycles" signs that people may see in the area. A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania also offers Operation Save A Life, a motorcycle awareness program.

The Chester County chapter meets on the first Sunday of the month at noon at the Parkesburg VFW. Guests are welcome to attend. "We have a close group. Our meetings average between 20 to 45 people. We vote on things and discuss things," said Sinson.

During the upcoming ride, chapter officers will lead the pack of bikes. "Everyone fans out behind us," Sinson said. "When you see bikes out in a big group, it's usually for a cause. We really do have a good time."

To learn more about Chester County A.B.A.T.E. and the upcoming ride, search for "Chester County ABATE" on Facebook.