There were some big numbers put up this weekend, and it all started in Johnston.
Saturday’s 20th annual Motorcycle Run raised a large sum to support Special Olympics Rhode Island and its programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
“I’m almost speechless,” said Phil Viens, a former Johnston Police patrolman who founded the run two decades ago. “This is by far our greatest run ever.”
More than 1,000 motorcycles showed up for the run, with riders enjoying festivities outside the former Grieco Collision Center on Putnam Pike – including music from the Run’n Wild Band – before taking off en route to the SORI Summer Games at the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston campus.
“I was so, so happy … thrilled,” Viens said. “We don’t have a final count yet, they’re still doing the credit cards … but by the time everything is added up, we’ll be over a record $30,000 plus [raised].”
There were many memorable and heartwarming moments during the pre-run party, as well as when the motorcycles pulled into URI’s Meade Stadium.
A group of Special Olympians held a 20-foot long banner, which read “thank you” and was signed by each and every athlete. It was presented to Viens for his untiring work to keep the Motorcycle Run alive for 20 years and counting.
“I was blown away,” Viens said. “Oh my goodness … I love doing this for all those athletes. It’s a great feeling for everyone involved in this event.”
The pre-run festivities in Johnston included grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as pizza chips and calzones from Don DePetrillo and The Original Italian Bakery on Atwood Avenue.
“We’ve never done this run,” said Laura Brasil, who was riding with former Warwick firefighter Mike Clarke. “But this is certainly a great cause.”
Statements like that were commonplace during the pre-takeoff bash, which featured bikes of all sizes and shapes and owners from a number of communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts – and even motorcycle clubs like the BPOE Riders from East Providence.
“We love doing this run,” said Mark Andrade, the Exalted Ruler of the East Providence Elks Lodge 2337. “We’ve all been her before. It’s always a great time, especially because it helps so many Olympians.”
Lodge 2337 trustee Barbara Silva, Past Exalted Ruler John Rodrigues and Rhode Captain Tom Evans accompanied Andrade.
“We’re ready for what should be another great ride,” said Richard Branch of Willy’s Precision Towing. “This is always special.”
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