Posted: October 7, 2008, 6 p.m. EDT
Photos Courtesy of Marylou Zarbock
Ten motorcyclists toured the back roads of San Diego during a ride that raised funds for the California Domestic Ferret Educational Alliance. |
Hitch signs like the one seen here were for sale at the event. Click image to enlarge. |
One man rode in from 240 miles away, and many others came from 80 to 90 miles away. What drew them to travel such distances? The 1st Annual Ferret Legalization Ride, presented by OC Ferrets and the San Diego chapter of Ferrets Anonymous. The event is a fundraiser that benefits the California Domestic Ferret Educational Alliance.
The roar of engines echoed down the street as eight motorcycles brought 10 riders to Kennedy Park in El Cajon to wrap up the ride. It took place on September 27, 2008. Although the temperature pushed over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, ride participants paid $15 each and set out from Harley-Davidson El Cajon a little after 11:30 a.m. for a 100-mile ride on the back roads outside of San Diego. Non-riders gathered at Kennedy Park around 1 p.m. awaiting the riders’ arrival. A $10 fee made them part of the party. While waiting, people bid on silent auction items, purchased ride patches and other items, enjoyed music provided by Pablo, the DJ, and socialized.
Photos Courtesy of Marylou Zarbock
It was the first-ever motorcycle ride for some, including Dee and Wally. |
A student from a local broadcast college stopped by to interview organizers and attendees of the event. |
During the wait for the riders, passersby who spotted the www.LegalizeFerrets.org banner stopped to find out what the gathering was all about. One woman said she owned ferrets before and wanted to support the cause.
Riders made three stops along the route, not just for rest, but because this was a poker ride. Each rider received five playing cards throughout the day — one before the ride began, one at each stop and one at the end of the ride. The person who ended up with the highest poker hand at the end of the ride from their collection of cards won a prize.
By about 2 p.m., Ed J. fired up the grill. Soon, those gathered at the park chowed down on a selection that included hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey burgers, baked beans, tomatoes, lettuce, corn on the cob, watermelon and brownies. It was a feast.
At almost exactly 3 p.m., the motorcycle riders arrived. For participants Wally and Dee, it was their first group motorcycle ride of any kind. They heard about the event through their veterinarian and also a flyer that was mailed out by Ferrets Anonymous. “It was more than what I expected — very enjoyable, very pleasant,” Dee said. She’s ridden motorcycles all her life, while Wally is relatively new to the sport.
Jarrett the plush ferret was sent from an enthusiast in Iowa who couldn't participate in the ride in person. Jarrett rode with Lance M., president of Ferrets Anonymous. |
John, the rider who came from more than 200 miles away, said he enjoyed the ride and saw a lot of country. “I met a lot of nice people with whom we had something in common — ferrets.” He said he will do it again next year.
Lance M., president of Ferrets Anonymous, said he hopes for an even better turnout in 2009.