Bikes outlast storms at ex-Bear's fundraiser

Kathleen Marquette (left) and Joe Buchanan (right) ride off on their motorcycle after attending the festivities at D.C. Cobbs in downtown Woodstock, Ill. after the third annual Ruben Brown Motorcycle Run that benefits the Salvation Army. "Even though we got rained on during the run it was well worth it because it was for charity," said Buchanan. (Eddie Quinones photo)

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WOODSTOCK – What did the Ruben Brown Motorcycle Run feel like Sunday morning?

Next time you're in a car wash, roll down your window and stick your head out. It was like that, bikers said, but a little more wet.

"It was a fun ride, actually," said Dave Rebak of Montgomery, one of 22 bikers who completed the 125-mile journey through storms that pounded northwestern McHenry County and southern Wisconsin."You got a little wet. There's about a gallon of water in my boots. At one point I thought I was going to fly off and see Toto."

Torrential rain dampened the third annual charity motorcycle run sponsored by former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Ruben Brown, a nine-time Pro Bowler and bike aficionado. Bikers who braved the storms rode from Woodstock Harley-Davidson toward Harvard and into Elkhorn, Wis., before looping back toward Galt Airport in Greenwood and D.C. Cobb's on the Woodstock Square.

The event raised money for The Salvation Army. Donations were down because of the weather, organizers said, but those interested can continue to donate or bid for prizes at www.rubensrun.com.

The event has raised about $40,000 for The Salvation Army in the past two years, said Ashley Lambert, one of the organizers. Brown also sponsors a motorcycle run in Buffalo, N.Y., which is in its eighth year.

Many athletes start their own charity foundations, Brown said, but he wanted to help the group that gave him so many opportunities. He said he went to The Salvation Army for its after-school programs and sports programs as a child in Virginia.

"I already knew an organization that existed that did the stuff that I wanted to do for the community," said Brown, a free agent who hopes to sign with an NFL team this summer and play for two more seasons."I'm a product of The Salvation Army."

The cause was enough reason to conquer the storm clouds for bikers such as Brian Diederich, Chris Mueller, Matt Lill, Daniel Baus and April Estrada.

As the sun returned Sunday afternoon, Rose Carbonara of Crystal Lake knew just how to dry off her pants.

"Keep riding," she said."Let the wind dry them out."

How to help

Rain dampened Sunday's Ruben Brown Motorcycle Run through McHenry County and southern Wisconsin, but people can continue to help The Salvation Army by visiting www.rubensrun.com.