Published: June 14, 2009 08:48 pm      

Bikers Against Child Abuse sponsor ride

DUNCAN — In less than an hour’s time period nearly 30 people signed their names, got on their motorcycles and headed out for a 120 mile ride across southwestern Oklahoma.

Their purpose is to ride for children, specifically those children who are abused or who have been abused.

All the funds gained from the ride and subsequent activities will be used by the local Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) chapter to help in their efforts to fight child abuse, in all its forms.

Saturday’s ride started at the Nitz To Remember shop in Duncan south of Main Street. From there, bikers headed north to Rush Springs, then west to Elgin, then south to Lawton and then back to Duncan.

“If it’s too short of a ride, people won’t feel like they got their money’s worth,” said Lucky Dog, which is a bike name to protect his identity. Lucky Dog is the vice-president of the local chapter.

At each point along the route, bikers threw five dice and tallied up their scores. Prizes were awarded based on several categories, including highest score.

“A lot of people think we’re bikers and that we’re a gang,” Lucky Dog said. “We’re not. We’re an organization that protects kids. We just happen to also like bikes. We all enjoy doing this.”

The ride was open to the public Saturday. After the bikers finished up, they had hot dogs, socialized and received prizes.

BACA provides protection to any child who feels threatened or in danger. They will provide security at a courthouse for any court date the child must attend as well as other services.

“We want them to know they’re not alone, especially if they are threatened,” he said.

A special first responder group composed of veteran BACA riders, called the Raptors, will go anywhere to provide protection, if the local chapter can’t get to a place right away.

“Many of us have families and work,” Lucky Dog said. “If we can’t get off, the Raptors will get there first.”

There are 16 chapters in Oklahoma, each covering about a 60 mile radius, except for Duncan’s chapter because they also cover most, if not all, of southwest Oklahoma.

“We’ve even covered some of Texas before,” Lucky Dog said.