Participants in the Jack Aces Riding Club and Cullman Elks Lodge fourth annual charity ride pose for a photo at the Cullman Elks Lodge. (Christy Perry for The Tribune)
CULLMAN – The Jack Aces Riding Club and the Cullman Elks Lodge hosted the 4th annual charity ride for Christmas Love, Inc. Saturday. The Christmas in July ride raised more than $600 and brought in many new toys for Cullman area children.
Jack Aces President, Derrick Barton, made the decision to move the date of the ride to appeal to more riders.
He explained, “Our last charity ride was in late November last year. It was 30 degrees and being cold can take the enjoyment out of a ride.”
The festivities began with a biscuits, doughnuts and coffee prior to the three-hour ride. The 30+ registered riders left the Cullman Elks Lodge at 10 a.m. The route took them through the Bankhead National Forest, Moulton, Hartselle and Arab and looped back to the lodge.
Charlotte James of Garden City rode her Victory Gunner with customized lime green and pink paint that she did herself.
She said, “I ride to work and back on my bike every day, hot or cold. I just love it.”
The Elks were busy preparing lunch during the ride. Dale Ball and Lynn Jones had hot dogs, hamburgers and all the fixings ready when the riders returned.
“I just love these guys. They are so fun and would do anything to help you or anyone. The Elks and Jack Aces always have a fun time,” smiled Ball.
Based on the laughter as the riders returned, the riders had a great time. Everyone The Tribune spoke with enjoyed the ride despite the cool and cloudy morning turning into a hot and humid afternoon.
Greg and Sarah McFern agreed, “It got hot quickly, but it was a great.”
After lunch, an impromptu cornhole tournament raised additional money for Christmas Love, Inc. with an oil change kit going to the winner.
Tina Harden and Brianna Collett, or the “Candy Aces,” were pleased with the turnout.
Collett explained, “We are all family. Our love of riding brought us all together and we get to do what we love, with the people we love, and give back to our community.”
Jack Aces will be hosting its fourth annual Bike and Car Show on Aug.11 across from Moe’s Original BBQ downtown, with proceeds going to the Cullman Shop with a Cop Foundation.
For more information on Jack Aces and the Bike and Car Show, click here.
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