Buckminn's Harley-Davidson Announces 18th Annual Rusty's Ride (UPDATED)

Saturday, September 12th, 2009. Proceeds will bring holiday joy to needy kids in memory of Buckminn's employee Russell "Rusty' Shearer.

**UPDATED 9/9/09**

ELIZABETH STUDEBAKER
Greene County Dailies Feature Writer

Because of today’s economy and unemployment, there’s more riding on the success of the 18th Annual Rusty’s Ride than ever before!  Proceeds from the Ride on Saturday, Sept. 12, sponsored by Harley-Davidson and Xenia H.O.G. #3938, benefit the Holiday Project at Greene County Combined Health District.  The scenic 70-mile ride that begins and ends at Buckminn’s, 1213 Cincinnati Ave. (Route 42 south), Xenia, is held in memory of Rusty Shearer.

The legacy of the exceptional 21-year old  graduate of Beavercreek High School and mechanic at Buckminn’s, lives on through the annual fundraiser which, since its inception in 1992,  has provided more than $110,000 to fund the Holiday Project.  The GCCHD already is receiving calls for assistance for the children this year.  The money keeps the GCCHD Holiday Project well-stocked.

In 2008, Rusty’s Ride assisted 954 families and over the years, more than 14,800 families have received assistance.  In early December, the Holiday Project opens its doors and for three weeks distributes new items for Greene County families.

Registration for the Ride begins at 11 a.m. and the last bike out will be at 1 p.m.  The fee, same as the last few years, is $20 for the rider and $5 for passenger.  All makes of bikes are welcome.

On the return to Buckminn’s, there’ll be fun and games, DJ music by DJ Discipline, and a hog roast and fixin’s by Little Miami River Catering  starting at 2:30 p.m.  Snacks will be available before the ride.  Door prizes – cash prizes – a mini-auction of “cool biker stuff” and raffle of a quilt created by Xenia Ladies of Harley are planned.  Tickets for the quilt raffle are available at Buckminn’s.

Any other businesses, groups and individuals interested in making a donation (financial or a door prize) can call Connie Smith, Buckminn’s co-owner, at (937) 376-3344, ext. 19.  To learn more about Buckminn’s log onto www.buckminns.com.

As his friends, his teachers and his employers recall, Rusty Shearer had a special presence: attitude of friendliness.  He “lived and breathed Harley.”  At age 16, he informed his mother he would work at Buckminn’s.  In 1989, he attended the Mechanics Motorcycle Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.  In 1991, he got a job at Buckminn’s and it seemed his dreams and goals were to become reality.  On July 21, 1991 Rusty was coming home from a late night when a deer jumped out from the brush.  There were no survivors.

People who knew the young man recall how concerned he was about the “biker image.” Rusty’s Ride helps show people what bikers really are:  freedom loving, good people, riding good machines for a good cause.  Rusty’s Ride helps children have what fate threatens to take from them:  Christmas memories, joy and laughter.  Rusty Shearer would approve and be proud to have his name associated with this great event!

The Greene County Combined Health District is very grateful for the wonderful support the annual Holiday Project receives from Rusty’s Ride.  Because of the generosity of many, there are smiles on the faces of thousands of happy families.

Click here to see the flyer. Leaving from and returning to Buckminn’s Harley-Davidson, 1213 Cincinnati Avenue (Route 42), Xenia, OH
Registration begins at 11 a.m. Last bike out 1 p.m.
Same fee as last few years: just $20.00 for rider + $5.00 for passenger.
All makes of bikes welcome. No alcohol. No weapons.
* Free Rusty's Ride bandana to first 150 registered riders
* Scenic 70-mile ride takes you back to Buckminn's for fun & games!
* DJ music for all tastes by DJ Discipline
* Hog roast & fixin's by Little Miami River Catering. Begins at 2:30. Included.
* Snacks available before the ride. Desserts by Xenia HOG after lunch.
* Door prizes -- $$$ Cash prizes $$$ -- Mini-auction of cool biker stuff!
* Raffle of beautiful quilt set created by the Xenia Ladies of Harley
(Raffle tickets available at ride and now at Buckminn's, where quilt can be viewed.)
For more info, call Buckminn's 937-376-3344, ext. 19. www.buckminns.com
Presented by Xenia H.O.G. Chapter #3938
Sponsored by Buckminn’s Harley-Davidson
To provide Christmas gifts for children served
by the Greene County Combined Health District.
Click here to see the flyer.