Scotty's Ride the largest yet

(10/1) Despite a rainy day, the Fourth Annual Scotty's Ride drew its largest gathering yet on Saturday, Sept. 26.

"We had around 200 players and at least 160 bikes," said Kerry Shorb, who along with his wife Valerie came up with the idea as a way to help their nephew Scotty Harbaugh.

Five-year-old Scotty had an inoperable brain tumor and the poker run was a way to help him and his family with their medical expenses. When Scotty's died a month before the second Scotty's Ride, the money raised went to help other children.

The riders in the poker run left from the Jubilee parking lot in Emmitsburg, rode to Blondie's in Waynesboro, Creekside in Hagerstown, Throttle's in Clear Spring and then took a scenic ride back to the American Legion hall in Emmitsburg.

"We'd like to thank the Frederick County Sheriff's Office and local fire police for helped us all get out of town safely," Shorb said.

Following the ride, they all went back to the Shorbs' home for food, live entertainment and door prizes. The event was all-you-can-eat and drink.

"We had at least 300 people at our house," Shorb said. "The rain was terrible, but it didn't keep anyone away. It was our largest event yet."

Scotty's Ride uses the slogan "In the name of one child, we ride for many" and that's just what the motorcyclists do. They proceeded to help other children with serious illnesses. Even during the ride this year, the group stopped to make a donation to a family with a young daughter suffering from hypoplastic left heart syndrome and right lung hypoplasia.

"We've now made over $16,000 in donations," Shorb said and he expects to continue helping where he can.

This year's Scotty's Ride will also mark the beginning of ticket sales for a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Tickets are $10 each and only 2,000 are being sold. The drawing will be held at the 2010 5th Annual Scotty's Ride.