Friday, September 5, 2014

Hot Metal Harley Raises over $4,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities with our annual Toby Keith Ride!

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson hosted one of our most anticipated rides of the year to First Niagara Pavilion to see Toby Keith, who is one of country music’s biggest stars.  The ride benefitted the Ronald McDonald House Charities by raising over $4,100.

Almost 400 tickets were sold at our dealership in just a few short weeks and hundreds of people showed up for the pre-tailgate party at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson on Saturday, August 9th!  The party included live music, free food and refreshments, and a chance to go back stage at the venue.

During the party Hot Metal Owner, Toby O’Brien and General Manager, Lori Flanigan dished out the food while two members of Hillbilly Way played music to a packed parking lot of motorcyclists and country music fans.

At 4:30 the Allegheny Sheriff’s Department started leading nearly 250 bikes out of Hot Metal Harley-Davidson’s parking lot bringing with them a trail of motorcycles!  The bikes and their passengers wound their way through the South Hills of Pittsburgh at leisurely, yet non-stop pace. 

Sirens wailed and lights flashed while cars were halted as the riders were escorted through busy intersections.  The line of motorcycles gliding down the road two-by-two stretched for an impressive mile during the most of the ride according to the police.

Once out of Allegheny County, the Washington County Sheriff swept in front of the pack of motorcycles aided by Cecil, Smith, and Hanover Townships.

The ride lasted about an hour and ended when the parade of motorcycles were escorted into the VIP parking lots ahead of other cars waiting at the gate.  The smiles, high fives, and general feeling of excitement were apparent as the riders dismounted their bikes and headed for the gates.  They were ready for the show.

“The Ride continues to grow in popularity and this year it has expanded by nearly forty percent over last year. Our partnership with Live Nation and the continued success of all of our major fundraising events enable us to give back to the community and demonstrate our passion for turning wheels for a good cause, said Lori Flanigan.”

Even though this was a fun ride to see an amazing performer, at the end of the day this run was about the kids of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  Hot Metal Harley-Davidson would like to thank everyone who participated and donated to make this ride a huge success.