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Thrill ride Journey was great, destination amazing

A bucket list isn’t something I’ve ever sat down to write, but if I did, one of the items would be crossed off now. Because thanks to Vern Wilhelm of the Superior Chapter of the Harley Owners Group, I got to ride on a Harley.

Vern and a large contingent of Superior HOG members recently made a trip to Bay Cliff Health Camp to have dinner with the campers, and they invited me along for the ride.

For those who might not know, Bay Cliff is an amazing place. Its website states: “Bay Cliff is a place apart where children and adults with physical disabilities learn to believe in themselves, strive for fuller lives, and realize their dreams. We also are a place that offers a warm, friendly environment and excellent facilities for guest programs promoting health, wellness, education and youth development.”

Indeed a fanastic place to have in our area.

The trip was really fun. Vern’s motorcycle was being worked on but thanks to the fine folks at Bald Eagle Harley Davidson in Marquette, he was able to borrow a bike for us to cruise north on.

Confession: I was anxious. OK, scared. It was the first time I had been on a motorcycle since my then brother-in-law took me for a ride when I was 11. That was a LONG time ago.

But Vern’s expert handling of the motorcycle soon had me at ease and the 27-mile ride to Big Bay was smooth as silk.

And any anxiety was minor compared to the joy felt spending time with the Bay Cliff campers and staff – who lined the streets of the facility while the HOGs rode through. The kids had made signs welcoming the Harley riders and many chanted “HOG, HOG, HOG!” as the bikes rode through.

Then everyone went to the dining hall for a meal of grilled cheese and tomato soup, campers and staff mixing in with the visitors. It was a bit difficult to tell who was more excited: The Bay Cliff kids or the HOGs as dinnertime conversations were conducted and many smiles were exchanged.

And it got even better. After dinner, cabin by cabin, the campers were able to spend some time with the visiting HOGs and their Harleys. The kids were able to sit on the bikes and honk the horns. Their smiles could not have been any brighter.

The HOGs gave out red bandanas to the kids who in turn asked the riders to sign the headwear. It was only fitting, I think, because to these kids, the HOGs are rock stars.

The HOGs make sure any child who wants up on the bike gets a chance to do just that. These kids with disabilities – too often left on the sidelines in life – were the center of a lot of positive attention.

And a lot of love. It was hard not to weep watching the interaction between the leather-clad riders and the kids, ages 3-17, who had a downright blast.

When dusk started to descend and the mosquitos threatened to carry the kids away, the visit came to an end. The kids went back to their cabins, and I can only guess their excitement kept them awake a bit later than usual.

The HOGs got back on their motorcycles, heading back to Marquette, but leaving a bit of their hearts back in Big Bay.

The ride back seemed to go by in a blink but the memory of my first Harley ride will stay with me forever.

Superior HOG has donated more than $1.3 million to Bay Cliff in the past three decades. You can help them up that total by buying the raffle tickets they’re selling. For $5, you get a chance to win a Harley.

The drawing will take place July 18 when Superior Chapter of the Harley Owners Group has its annual bike show in Little Lake. Look for signs at area businesses selling tickets.

The HOGs will be back at Bay Cliff in August to make this year’s donation: Let’s help them make this the biggest single check ever.

You’ll be helping kids and adults with disabilities spend time at one of the best places around: Bay Cliff Health Camp.

Editor’s note: Renee Prusi can be contacted at 906-228-2500, ext. 240. Her email address is rprusi@miningjournal.net.

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