They are excited to be able to help local cancer victims directly, immediately and in a very real way. To be able to help local cancer victims and their families is awesome, as this was the goal of forming this new non-profit group.
A total of about $10,000 was raised from the 2011 run. The proceeds will go to cancer research and local cancer victims, Lifesource and the Humane Society of Albert Lea, as Gordon loved animals.
The 2011 event started with a breakfast Saturday morning, July 9th, at Applebees in Albert Lea..
This year’s Matt Felt Dillon Gordon Run T-shirts were dill green in color, with the "route" for the run printed on the back. Those who purchased a shirt were also given a Lifesource green arm band. New this year were Matt Felt Dillon Gordon Memorial Bike Run bandanas, available for purchase in the colors of red, black and white.
Registration began at 10 a.m. in the Applebees parking lot; the motorcycle run began at 11 a.m. Vintage cars and bikes were welcomed to participate in the run, and this year they also had a small bus, loaded with supporters.
Participation was $10 for the ride. Twenty dollars was paid from those who planned to join the group at Harmony Park for the post-run party. Thirty dollars was given for those who participated in the ride, enjoyed the hog roast and entertainment, and camped at the park overnight. Entertainment at Harmony Park, which got underway at 7 on Saturday night, included the All BS and Bad Monkey bands.
The first stop on the 2011 run was The Bend in the Road at Manchester. Then they went on to Hunters Bar in Myrtle; The Windrift, near Todd Park in Austin; the BP Cue Company in Blooming Prairie; Geneva Bar & Grill; and ended at Harmony Park.
An estimated 190 motorcycles and 250 drivers/riders took part in the 115-mile run. Participants came from Albert Lea, Austin, Blooming Prairie, Clarks Grove, Ellendale, Geneva, New Richland, Owatonna and Sargent.
Familiar faces included Sandy and Doug Felt, and Terry and Diane Gordon, Matt and Dillon’s parents; Richard Grunwald, Alison Grunwald, Brody Grunwald, Lisa Lembke, "Mama Bear" - DeeAnn Randall, Jake Jensen, Andy Jensen, David Thompson, Tad Cornelius, Jim and Nancy Cornelius, Rodney Peterson, Tim and Jolene Sorenson, Cody Lembke, Jana Boverhuis, Todd Stadheim, Troy Hagen, Cody Christensen, Tony Muri, Alyssa Haried, Chris Kadlec, Charlie Hanson, Andy Wenzel, Tony Muri, Will Utpadel, Tim Stollard, Alex Routh, Dustin Wayne, Dale and Shellie Miller, Fred Vokoun, Cali Davis, Travis and Stacy Simon, Cheryl Howell, Dan Schmidt, Justin Hove, Lonny "Doc" Misgen, "Bubbles" - John Wittmer, Nate Kuiper, Holly Low, Neal Underdahl, Gina Atchison, and Caleb and Erin Christensen.
Several riders came from farther distances, including a couple of Matt's relatives. Sandy Felt’s brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Donna Dokken, came from Cannon City, Colorado; and Doug’s brother-in-law, Mike McFann, and niece, Kelly, from Alexandria.
Though most of the motorcycles were Harley Davidson, there was room for some BMWs, Polaris Victories and Hondas. The oldest machine was once again the 1987 Harley owned by Terry Gordon.
There were also a few special vintage cars that carried supporters of the event on the run as well. Richard Grunwald was not able to ride his bike, as he had recently broken his ankle. So he completed the run in a 1968 blue Cutlass convertible.
Supporters of the event were able to purchase $5 raffle tickets. Those purchasing tickets to participate in the motorcycle run were also entered into a drawing. Prize winners were drawn and announced late Saturday afternoon by Jason Tiescotter at Geneva Bar & Grill, before the bikers headed south to Harmony Park.
The grand prizes included: a Mark Kness limited edition print; a canoe-shaped shelf unit; 3 Harley Davidson fire rings; two Harley Davidson tire mirrors; a lighthouse yard ornament; a handcrafted Harley Davidson quilt; a 4 by 5 hand-crafted oak table, which included the Harley Davidson insignia; and many more unique prizes.
Tony Muri was the recipient of the Mark Kness print. Jim Cornelius was the winner of the Harley Davidson fire ring made by Brody Grunwald and donated from Pro Manufacturing. DeeAnn Randall was very pleased to be able to take the Harley Davidson Quilt home with her.
Caleb and Erin Christensen were the chefs for the barbequed pulled pork sandwiches served at Harmony Park. Acme Bail Bonds LLC of Austin - Roe Naylor, donated the hog, processed by Geneva Meats.
Lance Engebretson served as treasurer for this year’s event. Matt's sister, Sarah Felt, along with Mandy Muri helped take tickets at the gate at Harmony Park. Geneva Bar & Grill set up shop at Harmony Park.
