Cigar Run to benefit the Armstead-Barnhill Sickle Cell Foundation
Some say the good ol’ days of the DMV bike set is a thing of the past, being a distant, nostalgic memory. If you’re of that mindset, then you missed one helluva galvanizing ride, the Cigar Run to benefit the Armstead-Barnhill Foundation for Sickle Cell Anemia research.
Like most rides, this was a call for unity and support. But unlike others, the Cigar Run also promoted and supported local business with registration and kick-stands-up from Harley-Davidson of Washington on to Aphelion Cigar Lounge in Crofton, Maryland, then paying a visit to Street Game Performance in Waldorf, Maryland with the final destination of Cigars 210 in Accokeek, Maryland.
Although ominous clouds lurked overhead with the threat of rain that morning, the spirit of the day’s ride still couldn’t be dampened as evidenced by the volume of the more than 100 bikes that filled the parking lot of Harley-Davidson of Washington with riders ready to roll out with support. The pack of riders continued to increase in numbers with each stop until they thundered into the final destination Cigars 210 like a V-Twin and sportbike powered storm.
The Armstead-Barnhill Foundation for Sickle Cell was formed to help raise awareness for this debilitating disease of which there is no cure with 100% of all donations going directly towards funding research at Johns Hopkins Center for Sickle Cell Research and other leading Sickle Cell researchers, including Howard University. Representing the Foundation was Brian Armstead who shared his personal history with Sickle Cell Anemia and the painful memory of the passing of his sister with a moving expression of gratitude and appreciation for the support provided by the motorcycle community consisting of independent riders and several motorcycle clubs including, but not limited to Kingdom Knights, Platinum Rollers, Sons of Black Caesar, East Coast Busa’s, Platinum Dreams, MD Hill Riders, and MD Rebels Daughter chapter.
The community pulled together and raised $1,100 for the foundation in a single day with a check presented by Doc of Sons of Solomon MC, Bumpy of Deuces Wild MC and Kraig Mak of Ruthless Riderz MC. During the presentation Kraig spoke with pride seeing the turn-out and support from the DMV community and Doc was quick to recognize and point out the complete support of all beyond the Sons of Solomon’s history with the foundation.
Afterwards there was a strong sense of pride and joy among those able to participate signaling a revised energy and days ahead.
For more information on the Armstead-Barnhill Foundation for Sickle Cell visit curesicklecell.com and for additional coverage check out 2 Wheel Life Radio.
Much appreciation to Jennifer Sims for the added photo support!
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