GREENFIELD — When Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis agreed to partner with FUSE (Families United for Support and Encouragement) for its annual Cruisin’ for FUSE Motorcycle Ride, it was surely a match made in “hog-heaven.”
The connection was made when David and Candy Conaway, two motorcycle buffs who also happen to be parents involved with FUSE, realized this year’s event happened to fall on the same date as the grand opening of the new location of Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis.
David Conaway contacted his friends — David and Donna Dellen — and owners of the motorcycle dealership and asked them if the group could end its ride there.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
“They said, ’Oh, heck, yeah! The more the merrier!’” Conaway said.
On June 9, the sixth annual ride will leave from the FUSE parking lot, 1113 W. Main St. The departure time, or “kickstands up” as the riders say, will be at 10 a.m. to a send-off from the Cruisin’ Kids Crew, the children and young adults who receive services from FUSE.
“They hold up signs and clap,” explained Sara Cummins, Development Director for FUSE. “The riders really appreciate it, and the kids appreciate the riders.”
The caravan of motorcycles will first head south down Franklin Street to Davis Road, over to Morristown Pike and up County Road 600E before turning west on County Road 1000N to arrive at Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis, 12400 Reynolds Drive in Fishers.
The motorcycle dealership recently relocated to Fishers and is celebrating its grand opening in the new location. Festivities should be in full swing when the riders arrive around noon.
The dealership’s open house will feature live music throughout the day. Indianapolis band Midnight Smith will play from noon until 1:30 p.m.; cover band Zanna-Doo! will play from 2 to 5 p.m.; and Pandora’s Box, the Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute band will play from 6 to 8 p.m. Food trucks will be on hand for snacks, lunches or dinner.
But the event is for non-riders, too, Cummins said.
“Even if you don’t ride, you have a way to support FUSE by going to the grand opening and bidding on silent auction items,” Cummins said.
A quilt stitched together from old Harley-Davidson T-shirts from various dealerships has been donated for the silent auction, along with a restored cedar chest and a collection of Harley-Davidson merchandise. The silent auction will be set up at the dealership for participants to bid on the items.
As one of three major fundraisers hosted each year by FUSE, the Cruisin’ for FUSE Charity Motorcycle Ride was the idea of David and Candy Conaway, who have continued to organize the event since its inception.
As parents involved with FUSE, the Conaways wanted to give back by creating a fundraiser for the group. Since they were motorcycle riders, they suggested a charity motorcycle ride.
“A lot of people don’t understand what they do,” Candy Conaway said of FUSE, “but when you’re a special needs parent, you need them as a resource to help your child.”
With a mission to empower families and individuals with disabilities and mental health needs by providing information, training, support and encouragement, FUSE helps to connect parents to much-needed services for their children.
It’s not too late to participate. To be guaranteed a T-shirt, however, riders must pre-register by June 1 at fuseinc.org/cruisin-for-fuse-june-9th/. Registration is $25 for riders and $10 for passengers. Riders can also register on site starting at 9 a.m.
Cummins is hoping for a good turn out. Past rides have drawn as many as 50 bikes.
“It varies every year,” she said. “We’re at the weather’s mercy.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you go” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
It’s not too late to participate.
Register by June 1 at fuseinc.org/cruisin-for-fuse-june-9th/ to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Registration is $25 for riders and $10 for passengers. Riders can also register on site at the FUSE parking lot at 1113 W. Main St. starting at 9 a.m.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
