Saturday was a bit chilly, wouldn't you agree? Speaking of chilly reminds me of chili, which reminds me of the chili cook off at the 14th annual Blue Ball Run at the Harley-Davidson Shop of Michigan City. Men and women from all over the area came out with their bikes to participate in the last run of the season.
“It's the last poker run that we do for the year and for a lot of our customers; after today they'll put their bikes in winter storage and they're done riding. So for them it's the end of the season,”Jeff Haggerty, General Manager of the Harley-Davidson Shop of Michigan City, said.
Proceeds from the run will go to benefit Folds of Honor, which is a nonprofit organization that gives money and support to the kids and spouses of fallen soldiers. This helps to pay for school, groceries, bills, etc. Follow this link to find out more about Folds of Honor: http://www.foldsofhonor.org/mission
The run was open to everyone as well as the chili cook off. In the service center of the Harley-Davidson Shop, long tables were set up and crock pots of savory chili lined the tables from one end to the other. The bikers on the run would get to feast on the chili and warm their bones when they returned later that day.
A blind vote was cast to see who had the best chili and prizes were given to first and second place.
There was also a sale going on at the shop on licensed products so customers could enjoy the last ride of the season, some good food, and some sweet deals all in one place!
Ron Everly came to participate in the poker run along with his friend Ben Neitzel. They have both done this particular run before and have enjoyed themselves immensely.
“I did this last year and it was a great run,” Everly said. “Chili was great afterward.”
“I love motorcycle riding and I haven't put enough miles on my bike yet this year,” Neitzel said. “The riding season is coming to an end so whenever I can get out I get out...anytime you can raise money for certain benefits it's a positive thing. We get to do something we enjoy and the benefits are there for others.”
Though the season is coming to a close that doesn't mean that there aren't great things happening at the Harley-Davidson of Michigan City, click here to see everything that is going on at their website, and keep up-to-date by following them on Facebook.
Click here to see more photos from the event!