VIRGINIA BEACH - Motorcycle enthusiasts at Knuckleheads Roadhouse are all revved up to help those who help us -- first responders who serve and protect and keep us safe.
They're using the 14th Annual Virginia Beach Bike Classic to raise money for "Vigilant Watch", a non-profit group that raises money for first responders and their families during times of great distress. It was started by Joe Long and Wayne Sandlin, two long-time firefighters.
"When one of our first responders need help through catastrophic illness or injury, it normally takes forever for paperwork and things like that to get done," Sandlin said. "We're going to be there for our first responders."
Throughout the years, the Virginia Beach Bike Classic has raised money for various causes, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation to fight breast cancer. This year, first responders are on the mind of the creator of the "Classic", JR Riley, owner of Knuckleheads Roadhouse in Virginia Beach.
"I was always taught to give back to my community," Riley said. "I've been doing it (the bike classic) for 14 years now, raised over a half million dollars. I hope I'm making a difference, I'll keep trying until I do."
"JR has a heart the size of Virginia," Sandlin said. "He's a blessing to us and the community."
Proceeds raised will help Vigilant Watch keep its work going here in Hampton Roads. They've helped police officers battle cancer; they raised money to help a local officer who's wife died in child birth."
"Whatever their needs are we just try to provide a source of services of income that can help them out," said Long.
The Virginia Beach Bike Classic includes music by live bands and country music star Bucky Covington. It also includes more than 100 vendors. It's Friday - Sunday at the North Landing Beach Campground at 161 Princess Anne Road.
For more information, head to the Bike Classic Website.
