Oct. 20: Harvest Moon Motorcycle Race

Posted 10.10.12

Story by LEAH SHAPIRO | Photo by C.L. KUNST

Attention motorcyclists in Western North Carolina! On October 20, a 100-mile ride to benefit Full Moon Farm Wolfdog sanctuary takes place through the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Hosted by Harley-Davidson of Asheville, this 3-4 hour joy ride benefits the initiatives of Full Moon Farm.

The 17-acre Full Moon Farm Wolfdog Sanctuary in Black Mountain is dedicated to the care of and compassion toward wolfdogs, which are animals that have a pure wolf ancestor within the last five generations. Full Moon Farm is a 501(c)(3) organization that shelters and nurtures abused, neglected, or refused wolfdogs. Rescued wolfdogs come from animal control agencies, closed breeding situations, and owners in crisis. Each animal is evaluated upon intake and given the resources to grow and live to his full potential. River, the sanctuary’s “Ambassadog,” makes an appearance in the afternoon of the race and for parts of the evening.

"The volunteers and leadership of Full Moon Farm look forward to working with Harley Davidson of Asheville on this exciting event and appreciate their support in helping us provide a safe, caring environment to the more than 70 resident wolfdogs in our care," says Donna Wiedrich, a volunteer and board member for Full Moon farm. "Without the support of the community and our volunteers, we would not exist."

Pre-registration (online or by mail) is preferred at $15 per bike. “Day of” registration is $20 per bike. Check-in runs from noon to 2:00 p.m., with the race beginning at 2:00 p.m.

This Harvest Moon Motorcycle Ride is the first fundraiser of its “poker run” type that Full Moon Farm has organized. “It's an honor to work with the community in so many ways,” explains Brad Lovejoy of Harley-Davidson, “We, here at Harley-Davidson of Asheville, know that riding is about more than motorcycles - it's about community and freedom. To us, wolfdogs are a reminder of the freedom that some of us still enjoy. Wolfdogs, like black sheep and bikers, need love, shelter, and care.  Our whole staff is proud to support the Full Moon Farm.” Brochures, a donation jar, and educational materials are available at Harley-Davidson, the registration place and starting point for the ride.

Checkpoints include stops in Biltmore Square Mall, Brevard, and Hendersonville. Prizes are determined at each checkpoint and include movie passes, coupons for a fall pumpkin patch, and restaurant gift cards, among others. A map of the checkpoints can be found online.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., there will be a celebration at the Straightaway Cafe and Pub in Black Mountain, the last stop on the ride, complete with food, wine, beer, games, and live music.

For more information on the event, visit the facebook page at facebook.com/events/369224646485809/?notif_t=plan_user_joined. Harley-Davidson of Asheville is located at 20 Patton Cove Road in Swannanoa. To learn more about Full Moon Farm as well as pre-registration for this event, visit online at fullmoonfarm.org.