Charity Ride After Biketoberfest Founder’s Death an Emotional Journey

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 19, 2009

This East Volusia News article describes a recent motorcycle ride for charity in honor of Bruce Rossmeyer, the founder of Biketoberfest. Over 1200 motorcyclists and passengers took part in the ride through Deland on October 11 in the 15th annual Daytona Harley-Davidson Ride for Children. The annual event raises money for Camp Boggy Creek, which has helped more than 40,000 children struggling with chronic or life-threatening diseases and their families since the facility opened in 1996. Mr. Rossmeyer was one of the founders of the annual ride and Camp Boggy Creek. He was also one of the driving forces behind Biketoberfest—a very popular annual event in Daytona and surrounding communities. He also owned several successful Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships.

Many of Rossmeyer’s family members rode at the front of the motorcade of motorcycles, and his daughter Mandy Rossmeyer Campbell noticed a woman standing on the side of U.S. 92 with a handmade sign with an angel’s halo and Bruce Rossmeyer’s name.

“That was special,” she said after arriving at Camp Boggy Creek on an emotional ride that paid tribute to Rossmeyer and raised money for one of his favorite charities. The popular local businessman died in a motorcycle accident on July 30, 2009, in Wyoming. Mandy Rossmeyer Campbell, her brother and three sisters took their father’s traditional place in leading the annual charity ride.

One girl who had been a patient at Camp Boggy Creek and benefitted from their care, a 12-year-old from Port Orange, handed out glasses of cold lemonade to the arriving bikers and later publicly thanked the Rossmeyer family from a stage for their support of the camp. Bikers and passengers who participated in the annual ride donated between $50 and $200 each to ride, enjoy each other’s company and raise money for a good cause.

“These kids go through so much, it’s incredible,” said one rider who participated in the Boggy Creek ride for the first time this year. He and his passenger said they’re already looking forward to riding again in 2010.

“It’s a blast,” the rider said as he also paused to remember Rossmeyer for whom he had done some landscaping work. “He was a big-hearted guy.”

The previous charity rides had raised $3.8 million for the camp and organizers hoped this year’s ride and related events would bring in at least $200,000 for the facility. Beginning with next year’s charity ride, the event will be renamed the Bruce Rossmeyer Ride for Children.

Florida motorcycle accidents claim hundreds of lives every year and many more riders suffer debilitating injuries. If you or someone you care for has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, Orlando motorcycle accident attorney James O. Cunningham may be able to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer James O. Cunningham today to schedule a free consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.