CONTACT: Jay Purdy (717) 787-7895

HARRISBURG, August 6--State Rep. Harry “Uneasy Rider” Readshaw, D-Allegheny, is again teaming up with the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education for a motorcycle ride from Harrisburg to Gettysburg to benefit the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project and the historical Daniel Lady Farm.

This year’s ride will depart from Commonwealth Avenue behind the Capitol at 1 pm, Saturday, September 7. Last year, Readshaw, riding as a passenger, led 265 motorcyclists in the procession that raised approximately $8,000. The procession, which occurred less than two weeks after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, resulted in what Readshaw referred to as “a flowing river of red, white and blue,” as riders attached American flags to their bikes.

A.B.A.T.E. is asking that participants, whether an A.B.A.T.E. member or not, make a $10 donation to join in the cavalcade. A.B.A.T.E. also is challenging its members, local chapters and other motorcyclist organizations to raise additional funds before the ride. Awards will be presented to the individuals and groups that bring in the largest donations. For their $10 individual donation, participants will receive a Readshaw’s Raiders t-shirt.

Sign-up for the ride will begin at 11 a.m. The ride will conclude at Battlefield Harley-Davison on Route 30 east of Gettysburg, where participants will be treated to hot dogs and sodas, and awards for fund raising will be presented. Half of the proceeds from the race will go to the preservation of the 146 regimental monuments and markets honoring Pennsylvanians who fought at Gettysburg. The other half of the funds will be used by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association toward the mortgage on the Daniel Lady Farm, which the GBPA is restoring to its 1863 appearance.

“There could hardly be a better teaming up of supporters for the Gettysburg monuments and the Daniel Lady Farm than A.B.A.T.E. and Battlefield Harley-Davidson,” Readshaw said. “We know they’re proud of their town and happy to see bikers take an active role in recognizing and preserving the irreplaceable heritage of Gettysburg.”

During the Battle of Gettysburg, the house and nearby barn were used as headquarters by units of the Confederate Cavalry and as field hospitals for the wounded and dying. Confederate artillery fired on Union troops from emplacements on the farm. The house still bears the scars of Union return fire. In addition, troops from both sides skirmished in the fields during the early hours of the battle before the Union troops withdrew to Cemetery Hill.

People who want more information about the ride or who want to register should call A.B.A.T.E at 717-234-3777 or Readshaw’s Harrisburg office at 717-783-0411.