MDA Witch Ride expands to ‘Wicked Weekend’

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the annual Harley-Davidson/Muscular Dystrophy Witch Ride to Salem. In conjunction with this milestone, two new events in addition to the ride will be sponsored by Bruce Rossmeyer’s Boston Harley-Davidson, the Boston Harley Owners Group (HOG) and MDA.On Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, the inaugural VIP Biker’s Bash will be held at the Hard Rock Café in Boston. Advance reservations are required and tickets will include the following: free entertainment, food, front row motorcycle parking, a chance to bid on valuable auction packages, and admission to ride up front with Bruce Rossmeyer at the Witch Ride the very next day. In addition, the winner of the motorcycle raffle will be drawn for a Thunder Mountain Custom Spitfire donated by Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson, Thunder Mountain Customs and the Hard Rock Café.The Post-Ride Party, also new for 2008, will be held at Shetland Park in downtown Salem. According to David Gallant, Director of the Boston HOG Chapter # 2358, “at the Witch Ride’s end, the 3,000 plus motorcyclists can now enjoy some fun activities.” This event will include live music performed by Soulstice, a DJ, a Halloween costume contest (many of the participants dress up in full Halloween regalia), awards presentations and plenty of food and beverages.And of course, the 20th Annual Halloween Witch Ride on Oct. 19 will begin in Everett at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Boston Harley-Davidson located at 1760 Revere Parkway, Route 16. Participants will donate $25 to MDA the day of the Ride and follow a scenic shoreline route to Salem. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and the ride leaves at 12 noon. Advance registrations are currently being received by MDA at a discounted rate of $20.To purchase a ticket to the Witch Ride “Bikers Bash” at the Hard Rock Café or to enter the Witch Ride, log onto bostonwickedweekend.org or call either MDA @ 781/575-1881 or Harley Davidson 617/389-8888. Last year’s benefit event raised over $38,000 for the MDA.All proceeds will benefit MDA’s Boston South Chapter. MDA provides free clinic visits at four hospital facilities in Boston, assistance with the purchase of orthopedic appliances, Support Group meetings, youth summer camp sessions in Canton, and other medical, recreational and educational services to children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases. MDA also funds over 200 research projects around the globe all seeking treatments or cures for over 43 muscle diseases.