BIKERS WILL MEET ON SUNDAY.Byline: Krystn Shrieve Staff Writer VENTURA - An estimated 10,000 bikers are expected to converge Sunday on San Buenaventura
Motorcyclists from throughout Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, hope to raise $100,000 for the Exceptional Children's Foundation, which provides social services social services Noun, pl welfare services provided by local authorities or a state agency for people with particular social needs social services npl → servicios mpl sociales to developmentally disabled children and adults. ``Bikers have a stereotype of being big and burly, but when you get to know them they're really the nicest people in the world,'' said Carmela Burke, director of development at the foundation. ``Their generosity is amazing. We've been doing this event for nine years, and each year we're able to raise $100,000.'' The day will include concerts by Paul Rodgers
Paul Rodgers, (born December 17, 1949) is an English rock singer-songwriter best known for being a member of Free and Bad Company. , songwriter and founder of Bad Company and The Firm, the World Classic Rockers World Classic Rockers is a rock supergroup formed in 1994. The band, founded by former Steppenwolf guitarist Nick St. Nicholas, was created to spotlight former members of well-known rock groups. and John Mayall on the Bluesbreakers. David Hansen David Hansen can refer to:
``The freedom you feel when riding a motorcycle is akin to being a cowboy on a horse - only faster,'' said Hansen, who has been riding for 30 years. ``We ride because we enjoy it, and if there's a good cause to help out with, all the better.'' There will also be a bike show, more than 200 food and clothing vendors, a tattoo contest and a Mr. and Mrs. Beach Ride contest. Expected to be shoo-ins for the title are John Gomez and Sandra Argott of Santa Paula Santa Paula (săn`tə pôl`ə), city (1990 pop. 25,062), Ventura co., S Calif., on the Santa Clara River in a fertile valley that yields citrus fruits, avocados, vegetables, flowers, nursery products, and walnuts; laid out 1875, inc. , who met at Beach Ride two years ago, became engaged at last year's event and plan to marry on stage Sunday. ``This wedding is my dream come true,'' Argott said Friday. ``John has shown me the meaning of unconditional love.'' Argott, 50, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 13 years ago and also suffers from cancer, kidney failure kidney failure or renal failure Partial or complete loss of kidney function. Acute failure causes reduced urine output and blood chemical imbalance, including uremia. Most patients recover within six weeks. , heart disease and a degenerative bone disease. There are times Gomez has to get up in the middle of the night to make sure she is still breathing, and other days when she is so physically drained he has to spoonfeed her. ``He's almost lost me a few times,'' said Argott, who was a pharmacy technician until she became disabled in 1984. ``I'm terminal, but he insists he wants to marry me. We've been through so much together, and he's been right by my side.'' Argott and Gomez were former high school classmates Classmates can refer to either:
Argott, who had never ridden a motorcycle before, rode home on the back of his bike that night. ``I felt like a high school kid,'' said Gomez, a 50-year-old machine operator for Weyerhauser, a paper product company in Santa Paula. ``I was getting nudged by my friends. I kept on looking at her and she kept looking at me. We just clicked, and I realized it was love at first sight.'' Gomez said he hasn't thought twice about marrying Argott, despite her illnesses. ``She's written me so many poems; I have lots of cards from her,'' Gomez said. ``I know there will be a day when her illnesses will take over and she'll go home to the Lord, but I'll have my memories.'' THE FACTS WHAT: Beach Ride 2000 WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday WHERE: San Buenaventura State Beach and Park in Ventura ADMISSION: $30 INFORMATION: (800) 696-3727 or www.beachride.com CAPTION(S): box Box: The facts (see text) |
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