Fighting Breast Cancer On The Road: 2013 Ride Across Maryland Will End At Blob's Park
JESSUP, Md. (WJZ)—It's almost time for Dick Gelfman's annual Ride Across Maryland. In 12 years the event has raised more than $2 million in the fight breast cancer.
Ron Matz reports this time the motorcycle ride is getting a big makeover in its 13th year.
It's time for Dick Gelfman's Ride Across Maryland. This year's ride will be a one day event, ending with a daylong concert at Blob's Park in Jessup.
"We wanted to do something a little different. We've been going to Wisp for four years. We did Ocean City for eight years, and now we're going to do local. We're still having the ride, taking routes around Maryland for about two hours and then we all end up at Blob's Park in Anne Arundel County," said Dick Gelfman, Ride Across Maryland.
There will be music all day, and riders will still have a chance to do what they love.
"A lot of people said 'I don't ride a motorcycle, but I'd like to support the event,' so we decided to put on a concert. It will still attract our rider friends but will allow a lot of people who have never seen a motorcycle to come to Blob's Park and see our concert," Gelfman said.
The park is glad to help.
"It's a feel good event. If we can use Blob's Park to help Dick make some money that's what it's all about," said Max Eggerl, owner of Blob's Park. "I've worked with Dick from the beginning,13 years. We want everybody to come out, pitch in and get some money for Dick and raise money for the breast cancer foundation. We'll all have a good time."
Eggerl says the park has a rich history.
"Blob's Park was opened in 1933. It was opened by my great uncle Max Blob. The stories are he did a little bootlegging during prohibition and when prohibition ended he got a beer and wine license. He opened the clubhouse to the public, and it's just grown from there," Eggerl said.
A Puma scooter will be raffled off at the big event.
"The tickets will be $5. It gets 101 miles per gallon. You can get parts for it in three to four days. It's a quality scooter. It sells for about $1,400," explained John Lumadue, Used Bike Emporium in Hanover, Md.
And in year 13, the commitment among those who ride hasn't changed.
"By buying tickets you support the Ride Across Maryland. That's the whole idea. We have great groups, including Pasadena, Collect All 5 and other groups, so come and have a great day there. Listen to the music and you support fighting breast cancer," Gelfman said. "It will be family oriented. We'll have a lot of vendors and a lot of things for the kids to do. We've sort of opened it up to the whole family not just those that ride motorcycles."
WJZ is a proud sponsor of Dick Gelfman's Ride Across Maryland. For more information, click here.
