Riders brave New Year's chill for good cause

Tradition, thrills and a hot bowl of chili, By John Church Ogdensburg — Sixty-one motorcycle riders braved the cold and wind on New Year’s Day to raise money to benefit the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. The early morning temperature was about 10 degrees. “I am amazed at the number of riders,” said Julia Quinlan, co-founder of the Quinlan Hospice. The crowd started to assemble at the Ogdensburg Firehouse at 9 a.m. in preparation for the 11 a.m. start of the ride. Registration ran smoothly and volunteers selling 50/50 tickets were busy. The riders departed on time leaving about 80 non-riders warm and cozy in the firehouse. Back at the firehouse While busy over the large pot on the stove, chef Dan Scheuer of Ogdensburg revealed the ingredients of his famous chili. “One hundred pounds of meat, 15 pounds of onions, 14 pounds of green peppers, 12 pounds of red peppers, 14 No. 10 cans of tomatoes, and 12 No. 10 cans of kidney beans,” said Scheuer. With the ride taking about an hour, the kitchen crew started cooking the first batch of 350 hot dogs, buttering rolls to accompany the chili and then tapped a keg of soda to satisfy the returning riders. There was some concern about black ice, loose grit and salt on the road and about snow that may have drifted because of the strong overnight winds. But, returning riders did not report any ice and said the roads were generally good. “There was one stretch of road in front of Sussex County Community College that had some snow cover,” said Rick Rojas of Ogdensburg. Riders Linda Rupell of Long Valley and Rita Rooney of Columbia wore their trademark helmet decorations. They had covered their helmets to look like party hats with tinsel, streamers and the new year’s number: 2009. They kept the decorations on with Velcro. Passing the chicken Every year an award of a rubber chicken is given to the group bringing the most members to the ride. The Bergen NJ Chapter of the Harley Owner’s Group, the Bergen City Hogs, earned the chicken this year. It was decided that since the group won five years in a row they could keep the prized poultry permanently but had to bring a new trophy to be awarded next year. By the numbers 61 riders 28 mile route 1 hour estimated time 6 different law enforcement agencies did escort duty Ogdensburg PD Sparta PD Andover PD Newton PD NJ State Police Sussex County Sheriff’s Department 32 gallons of “Dan’s” Chili required: 100 pounds of meat 15 pounds of onions 14 pounds green peppers 12 pounds of red peppers 14 #10 cans of tomatoes 12 #10 cans of kidney beans