Bikers rallying for breast cancer research

A local motorcycle organization is hosting a spaghetti dinner and party this weekend to help raise money for breast cancer research.

Valley ABATE is hosting the event in Palmer this Sunday. From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the road outside the 49er Diner will be closed to cars -- but open to those on two-wheeled vehicles as bikers gather for a good cause.

"It's pretty neat. All of the money we raise goes to the Susan Komen Foundation for breast cancer research," said organizer Shane Lee.

The spaghetti dinner is $10. At 4 p.m., Klondike Mike's is hosting a party that includes doors prizes, a band and fun. The party starts at 4 p.m.

The money raised helps the Pony Express event, which Barb Tillman (see related story) takes part in every other year. The event is an international effort to help raise money for the Komen Foundation and features an organized ride in the Lower 48 in odd-numbered years. The next ride is in 2005, but the Valley ABATE event is the kickoff for Alaska fund-raising efforts.

"I was looking around for something I could do to payback for all the good years I've had motorcycling, and this was it," Tillman said. "I got started with the first ride in 1996 and have been on every ride."

The Pony Express began in 1996 and ran again in 1998 and 2000. Due to Sept. 11, 2001, the next ride didn't take place until 2003.

The four rides have raised more than $2 million for the Komen Foundation. Tillman said that while the money doesn't stay directly in Alaska, it's something Alaskans should get behind.

"You know, we have trouble raising the money because people would like to see it stay in Alaska, but there isn't any research up here," Tillman said. "But breast cancer is everywhere. The research they are coming up with will directly help Alaskans in the long run."

Riders must raise at least $2,000 to participate. Tillman said that is the first goal for every ride -- and once she reaches that level, she tries to raise even more money. She said for the four rides, she's raised more than $20,000.

"I've always been a giver and not a taker," she said. "It's something to give back to the community."

Tillman said the Valley ABATE event is another sign that the motorcycle community is caring, which may shatter stereotypes some nonbikers may have.

"When I first started, I said that if I could get the Hell's Angles -- the Hell's Angels -- to help me, it would be a success," Tillman said with a laugh. "And you know what? Last year they did it. Every organization has been good -- the ABATE organizations, the Vietnam Veterans, everybody."

If people would like to donate money to the Komen Foundation through the Pony Express program, they can mail checks (made payable to the Komen Foundation) to P.O. Box 770954, Eagle River, AK, 99577. By mailing checks to that address, the money counts toward Tillman's fund-raising goal. The money is then turned over to the Komen Foundation.

"It's a really, really good program," Tillman said. "I'd like to see a lot more Alaskans get involved with it."