Revving engines and helping others was the goal on Saturday as bikers from all over the county came together to aid handicapped pets.

By RACHEL JOHNSON

Staff writer

Riding for a cause, the Dixie Thunder of Aiken ABATE of South Carolina
association held its second Crippled Critter Benefit Pawker Run on
Saturday. Nearly 40 motorcyclists participated, along with a few cars.

The Pawker Run was established a year ago by a local Dixie Thunder
member as a means of helping Handipets, a privately operated group that
helps animals in need. Many of the pets are disabled, and all have been
rescued.

“With the help of Dixie Thunder, we have a large kennel area with a
cat-resistant top, and pets have access to living areas and outside
area at all times, and, of course, they brought food for the pets,”
said Becky Raymond, founder of Handipets.

Riders hit the roadways between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday in
support of the organization. Leaving from Hozes and making stops at the
Edgefield Billiard Parlor, Johnston Sports Club, Cork & Bull,
Infield Bar & Grill, the group ended at the Iron Horse Bar &
Grill where several animals were on hand to express their thanks.

“Dixie Thunder holds four or five rides a year to support local
charities, with two for Helping Hands,” said Rick Cooper, Dixie Thunder
chapter coordinator. “We have many members who are active with animal
rights groups, and we hope to raise about $1,000 to help.”

While the group actively helps the community, the primary concern is legislative awareness.

“We keep up with legislative issues on a local, state and federal
level,” he said. “We have at least one member, if not more, at every
County Council meeting so we can keep up with what’s going on.”

The main concern for the group is to ensure bikers continue to have the
right to make their own decisions. The association is actively involved
in supporting bills to protect their rights.

“We have many members who are non-bikers and are members because they
support our rights to make individual choices,” said Cooper.

Membership in Dixie Thunder of Aiken is always open.

“We have in excess of 150 members and are accepting new members. You
don’t have to be a biker to be a member, just support the freedom of
choice for riders,” said Cooper.

The association meets twice a month on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at
323 Day Road and on the fourth Sunday at 1 p.m. at Hoze’s Club/Bar on
Clearwater/Belevedere Road in North Augusta.

Original Article from the Aiken Standard: http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/1116Motor