Bikers hit road; raise funds for memorial

Orland roared Saturday with the arrival of motorcycles on downtown streets and Highway 32.

Close to 200 motorcyclists descended on the city for the sixth annual Motor-Icicle Run.

They came from Glenn County communities, from nearby cities such as Corning, Chico and Paradise, and from as far away as Nevada for the chance to mingle with other bikers and take a 100-mile trek around this area.

Ride organizer Bob Pasero said the event raised at least $4,000 in entry fees alone for the Orland Veteran's Memorial project.

However, the total likely will come closer to $4,800 or $4,900, he said, once the tally is completed to include the $5 passenger fees and income from raffle and T-shirt sales.

The event kicked off with a pancake breakfast served by the Orland Kiwanis Club as bike after bike drove into the parking lot behind the Orland fire station.

"We couldn't have asked for a better day," Pasero said. "We have everything from sport bikes, Goldwings, Harleys and borrowed bikes."

Indeed, chrome shined as motor bikes of all types lined up for the event on a cold, crisp winter morning.

Clear skies provided good weather for the ride that took off from Orland at 10 a.m. and headed down to Hamilton City via country roads. From there, it went south on Highway 45 to Highway 162 west to Willows.

Then, riders headed up the hill to Elk Creek and over to Black Butte Lake before coming back to the Orland firehouse for a chili lunch in the afternoon.

"As far as I'm concerned, I am not up on the benefit," said Bobby Shoutz of Orland. "I just want to get on the bike and ride. I hear there is a ride. I don't hear what the charity is."

Glenn County Supervisor John Viegas also donned leather and brought out his bike for the day.

"It is a great day to ride and benefit the community," Viegas said. "A $6 breakfast and a $20 ride is really cheap compared to what we pay for other rides."

He was joined by Glenn County Sheriff's Posse Capt. Diann Day of Corning.

"Sheriff's Posse members not only ride horses but the steel horses, too," Viegas added.

Day said she came just to enjoy the ride, beautiful weather and fresh air while supporting Orland.

On Monday, Pasero said 198 motorcycles registered for the ride.

"The ride went off without a hitch," he said. "Everybody seemed to enjoy it, and it will definitely go on again next year."

Money from the Motor-Icicle Run goes toward a bronze statue to be placed on the grounds of the Orland Memorial Hall on Third Street.

Pasero guesses between $18,000 and $19,000 has been raised for the project, although he has not spoken recently with Orland Pride's treasurer for an accurate update.

The statue, which is being designed by Orland sculptor Ulises Meza, will feature a riderless horse led by a military service member.

It is estimated to cost about $45,000, Pasero said, so the funding is not quite half way.

The monument is to honor Orland area veterans from all US wars.

Some of Saturday's run proceeds also will go toward landscaping around the historic Orland Arch on Old Highway 99, he said.

In the meantime, Orland Pride is looking to put on a Toy Run in December to benefit local children.

Pasero said he has had preliminary discussions with a couple of Orland Rotary Club members who also expressed interest in the concept.

"We've never had a (motorcycle) toy run here," said Pasero, adding it could also include a food drive.