Motorcycle benefit to help cancer victim

By Scott Nicholson

A Saturday motorcycle ride to benefit a young cancer victim covered 51 miles and raised thousands of dollars, as well as hope.

Alan Marsh, preacher at Valle Crucis Methodist Church, helped organize the ride for Isaacs, a teenager who has leukemia. The riders left Valle Crucis, crossed Mast Gap and Old U.S. 421 to Tennessee and then back through Trade to Creston, following Three Top Road and Railroad Grade Road along the New River. The riders went from Brownwood to U.S. 421 to Hollar & Greene Trucking Company in Boone. The ride was capped off with music and donated food. The ride raised more than $20,000, with more money still coming in. The organizers thanked the Cove Creek, Zionville and Todd volunteer fire departments for assisting in the event’s safety.

“It’s so amazing to me how the people were all out waving to show their support,” said Jeff Winebarger, one of the riders. “Everybody was standing on their porch in Valle Crucis all the way to Tennessee.”

Mack Brown Chevrolet donated a convertible for Isaacs to lead the ride during the final mile. There were 132 riders registered for the event. Checks payable to “Valle Crucis UNC” and marked “For Erin” can be sent to P.O. Box 643, Valle Crucis,