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Harleys, Hondas and Heroes.  All were gathered Thursday evening for the Second Annual Support our Troops ride from Bikersfield Leather and Accessories at 2622 Fairhaven Road to Chuy's on Rosedale Highway.  The reason?  To support our troops who defend our liberties daily.

"I want the same freedoms for my children and grandchildren that I had," said Sgt. Tonna Mullens.  Tomorrow marks her twentieth anniversary serving our country.  She came back from Iraq last year.  "It was a great tour, I have no regrets." 

When asked why she joined the service five years ago, Spc. LeeAnna Tameny said, "My father was in the military, and I felt it was my calling.  I'm just a patriotic person."  Tameny served in Kuwait.

Watching the motorcycles drive in, several of them with American flags attached to their bikes, one couldn't help getting a chill thinking about the day that the world stood still seven years ago. 

The band Really Big Midgets played a variety of music, keeping the crowd entertained, soldiers showed several military vehicles to interested people, some bikers stood and admired other bikes. 

One bike that really stood out was owned by Jim and Bonnie Padgett of Bakersfield.  It was a Russian Military Bike, Ural.  It was painted camouflage and had a side car and two seats that looked like seats from a beach cruiser bicycle. 

At the time of this post it is unsure how many people showed up for this event, but I will be conducting an interview tomorrow with the man who set all this up and will likely update this post.

The next run will be the Returning Heroes Poker Run II on Saturday, September 20, 2008.  Registration starts at 9:00 am at Bikersfield Leather and Accessories, 2622 Fairhaven Road (behind Budget Bolt off Rosedale Highway).  Run ends at Ethel's Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway.

Cost: $20 for Rider, $15 for Passenger and additional hands

There will be live music, a 50/50 raffle, raffle prizes, biker games, food (Beefy Boys BBQ) and drinks, 2008 Soldier Babe contest, and a vintage and modern military vehicle display.

All proceeds will be used to support our soldiers and their families.  For more information on supporting this even or what you can do to assist our soldiers, go to www.ridefreeus.com.