|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Harry Readshaw |
  
|
Upcoming A.B.A.T.E. 'Ride to Gettysburg' to be dedicated to Lt. Gov. Knoll
HARRISBURG, Sept. 8 – The 2008 "Ride to Gettysburg," sponsored by the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education on Sept. 27 will be dedicated to Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll, who has ridden in most of the seven previous rides and has long been a supporter of the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project founded by Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny.
Half the proceeds of the event go the Monuments Project and the other half to help the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association with the Lady Farm, which served as a Confederate field hospital and headquarters, later holding a portion of the huge Camp Letterman field hospital that treated thousands of wounded from both sides.
Last year, close to 500 riders took part and raised just over $15,500, nearly $4,000 better than any previous ride. The line of motorcyclists on Route 15 approaching Gettysburg was nearly 3 miles long.
Readshaw began the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project 10 years ago after reading about the deterioration of monuments on the battlefield. His first goal was to assure the availability of funds to meet the current maintenance and repair needs of the more than 140 Pennsylvania monuments and markers. His new goal is to fund a perpetual trust for each structure to pay for future maintenance to ensure they stand for many more generations to come.
Readshaw said the funds raised by ABATE have been crucial to both the monuments project and the GBPA and, in addition to rank-and-file ABATE members, gives credit to the organization's Harrisburg lobbyist, Charlie Umbenhauer.
"ABATE's support of our effort has been rock-solid right from the beginning," said Readshaw. "And at the core of that support, the first commitment to assist us came from Charlie. He recognized right away how important the monuments are to preserving the story of the sacrifices so many have made over the generations to protect our nation's freedom.
"And so many members of ABATE, especially the veterans among its chapters, caught that same enthusiasm and make it a point to join our ride whenever possible."
But Readshaw noted that no rider has been more enthusiastic than Knoll, who will sit out this year's trek as she receives treatment for cancer.
"We're going to miss her presence at the ride this time around, and I'm sure that everyone will join in a prayer for her recovery," Readshaw added.
-more-
-2-
Ride registration is $10, and each participant receives a special pin in appreciation and free food and refreshments at the end of the ride compliments of Battlefield Harley Davidson/Buel in Gettysburg.
The Sept. 27 event begins on Commonwealth Avenue behind the state Capitol. Sign-up for the ride will begin at 11 a.m. and the ride will begin at 1 p.m. More information about the ride can be obtained by calling 717-731-8975 or at www.abatepa.org.
Information about the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project and the historic Daniel Lady Farm can be obtained by contacting Readshaw’s Harrisburg office at 717-783-0411 or by e-mail at Gettysburg@pahouse.net.
###