CONTACT: Jay Purdy (717) 787-7895

HARRISBURG, September 17--State Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, today said he expects upwards of 1,000 Pennsylvania motorcyclists to participate Saturday in the Harrisburg to Gettysburg Pennsylvania chapter of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education ride to raise funds for his Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project and the historic Daniel Lady Farm in Gettysburg.

Readshaw said A.B.A.T.E. has asked participants to attach American flags to their motorcycles and wear patriotic clothing and decorations in support of the nation's fight against terrorism. Readshaw is raising funds for perpetual care trusts to provide for future maintenance and repair needs of the 146 Pennsylvania regimental monuments and markers on the Gettysburg battlefield.

In addition to pledges from A.B.A.T.E. chapters and supporting businesses, each participant in the Saturday ride will contribute a registration fee of $10 to the preservation cause.

Many members of A.B.A.T.E. are veterans of the Vietnam War. "With the nation gearing up to punish the terrorist organizations behind the killing last week of thousands of Americans, the significance of the ride has increased tenfold," said Readshaw. "Our goal is to preserve the monuments to the Pennsylvanians who responded to the epic crisis of their era, the Civil War.

"Through their bravery and sacrifice, the America we defend today resulted. We cannot forget their commitment, just as we will not want future generations to forget the victims and heroes of last week's horrendous acts of terrorism."

Readshaw said he welcomes the participation of state Rep. Teresa Forcier, R-Crawford, who will ride her motorcycle in the Saturday rally.

"It's yet another indication of the nonpartisan nature we have maintained all along in the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project," said Readshaw. "Just as all Americans are responding in solidarity to the threat of terrorism, Pennsylvanians of all political persuasions are active in the work to preserve the monuments to an earlier generation of Commonwealth heroes."

Readshaw also will mount a machine for the trek to Gettysburg, though it will take a bit of divine intervention to make sure he arrives there safely. The Rev. Dr. David R. Landis, motorcyclist and pastor of the Word of Grace Ministries on Progress Avenue in Harrisburg, has invited the representative to ride as his passenger.

Various A.B.A.T.E. chapters across the Commonwealth, and a number of businesses, including Harley-Davidson, have already pledged nearly $5,000 to the ride.

Readshaw emphasized that the event is open to all motorcyclists. Registration will be open to the force's departments for Gettysburg. Each registered participant will receive a Readshaw's Raiders T-shirt. Registration will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veteran's Memorial Fountain on Commonwealth Avenue behind the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. The procession will roar to life at 1 p.m. The approximately one-hour journey will end at the Daniel Lady Farm on Hanover Road in Gettysburg for a ceremony and lunch of hot dogs and sodas.

Registration forms are available at numerous motorcycle dealerships across the state.