Wisconsin Benefit Rides Attract Over 2,000 Motorcyclists and Raise $200,000 for MDA

Cal and Laura Niemeier flex their muscles before they kick off the Tub Run for the 17th consecutive year. Cal was diagnosed with ALS in April 2010.   

GREEN BAY and JANESVILLE, Wis., June 28, 2011— Thousands of motorcyclists rallied in Wisconsin this month to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

With the help of local HOG chapters and motorcycle dealerships, MDA hosted two benefit rides, raising over $200,000 for the Association. 

The Packerland Ride attracted over 700 motorcyclists to Green Bay on June 4 with festivities including a 60-mile scenic ride ending at Doc’s Harley-Davidson in Shawano County, raffle, auctions, food and entertainment. 

The ride, which was organized by the Wolf River Harley Owners Group Chapter, raised over $48,000 for MDA. 

Nearly 1,600 motorcyclists kicked off the 17th Annual Tub Run on June 18 in Janesville, Wisconsin. Tub Run events ran throughout the weekend and raised over $149,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Pledge riders alone raised over $23,000, nearly doubling the 2010 contributions. 

Five pledge riders raised over $1,000 and had the opportunity to lead the ride with longtime Tub Run supporter, Cal Niemeier. Niemeier lead the Tub Run for 17 years, carrying the American flag on his motorcycle. However, in April 2010, doctors diagnosed Niemeier with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). This year, he and his wife, Laura, lead the ride together with the five pledge riders.  

The top overall pledge rider, Dave Alwin, won a four-day trip for two to Las Vegas to see the MDA Telethon. He gave the trip to Cal and Laura.   All proceeds from the Tub Run will benefit local clients of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and help finance clinic visits, support groups, and a weeklong stay at MDA Summer Camp.  

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. To volunteer or for more information about MDA’s programs and services, call (800) 572-1717.