On wheels, collecting meals

Benevolent bikers are challenging area establishments to step up their community support and collect at least 900 pounds of food for the "900 Pound Food Drive Challenge."

The food drive is taking place at several locations this week and the donations will be collected and weighed Friday with a "thank you" motorcycle ride and celebration event Saturday.

"After reading the article in The Coeur d'Alene Press, we felt that someone should do something," said event co-organizer Russel Brown. "Who better to get things done than a bunch of bikers?"

Brown is referring to the July 31 article, "Help! Food bank shelves are empty," when it was reported that the Food Bank at the Community Action Partnership was extremely low on food and actively seeking donations.

The "900 Pound Food Drive Challenge," organized by Brown, Cruisers Bar and Grill owner Justin Veo and Curley's Hauser Junction owner Tanya Murray, will benefit food banks in Coeur d'Alene and surrounding communities. Brown said they are hoping the businesses will collect at least 900 pounds each.

"The biker community, especially in North Idaho, is very giving," Brown said. "They're everyday people. They live right next door to you."

Items needed for the drive are non-perishable goods, such as cereals, pastas, canned meats, peanut butter, sleeved crackers, boxed dinners, dry goods and large canned family meals.

Donations can be made at Cruisers, Curley's, Razzle's Bar and Grill in Hayden and CJ's in Rathdrum as well as Joe's Hole, the White Horse Saloon and the Linger Longer Lounge in Spirit Lake.

Registration for Saturday's ride is free and begins at 10:30 a.m. with "kickstands up" at 11 a.m. Bikers will start at Cruisers, 6105 W. Seltice Way in Post Falls, and ride to the drop-off locations to say "thanks."

"The establishments that we're going to be riding to, they always open up their doors, their hearts and their wallets," Brown said. "If it wasn't for these establishments, the community wouldn't know about this event."

The ride will end at Curley's where the business that brought in the most food will be rewarded. Curley's will also have live music as 50/50 raffle prizes are drawn. Prizes include gift certificates from Darkside Ink Tattoo and Piercing and Serenity Salon and Spa in Post Falls as well as fishing gear from Cabela's.