MDA Poker Run

Neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy and Lou Gherig's disease affect more than a million Americans.

On Sunday motorcycle riders hopped on their hogs to try and make these diseases history. 

Riders want the roar of their engines to drown out muscular dystrophy.  The Erie County Harley Owners Group, or HOG, is raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association with their annual poker run ride through Northwestern Pennsylvania. 

"This is our 15th annual ride where we've sponsored for MDA, and each year it gets a little larger," said Dan Danowski, assistant director of Erie County HOG.  "We're hoping for 1,000 bikes this year."

"It's such a positive opportunity to work with an organization that's as meaningful as MDA," agreed fellow rider and Erie County HOG Head of Publicity and Communication Marilyn Gilreath.

Riders paid a $10 registration fee.  That money goes to help people like MDA Ambassador Jack Armbruster.  He says he's excited to see all the bikes, but he's more excited that hundreds of bikers came out to help people just like him.

"It feels good to raise (awareness for) the cause and raise all the money," Armbruster said. 

The event is about more than just riders showing off their bikes.  In the past five years the HOG riders have raised $35,000 for the MDA.  This year they hope to raise $10,000. 

"It's amazing, actually.  I don't know how much, but I know it's in the millions by the end of the year that they donate to MDA through all the HOG groups around the country," said Erie County HOG Director Lee Braswell. 

Poker run rides also showcase the motorcycle lifestyle.  Sunday's poker run stops at four locations in the Erie area and ends in North East.