Cranford Elks Rev Up Motorcycles For Charity

It could have been a line out of a classic rock song.

"I like the wind in my face. And just being there, on the road," said Joseph Sprecht, an avid motorcycle rider who's roared along highways for more than 35 years.

His wife Mary Sprecht also started riding motorcycles early – at age 16 in motorcross competitions, soaring over jumps and moguls.

"It's very fun when you're young, but when you get older it's a little hard," she said of the muscle workout. She continues to ride nowadays – just doesn't barrel over jumps like she used to.

Sharing this hobby with her husband means they ride a lot together – especially since their children are now grown."We have time to spend with each other, which is great," she added.

The Sprechts were one of around 600 bikers embarking on the Miracle Run yesterday, an event organized and hosted by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. Not only did these bikers want an excuse to go riding, but also to help support a good cause.

The event is a fundraiser for the Elks Moore Camp, a program for handicapped children. Created and run by the Elks, the program offers a traditional summer camp experience that is also fully wheelchair accessible.

Participants massed at Cranford Lodge 2006, then took off on motorcycles at noon on a thirty-minute ride to the Old Bridge Lodge 2229.

After completing the ride, a barbecue stand, motorcycle helmet vendors, live music, a Harley Davidson motorcycle raffle and a tug-of-war contest greeted participants at the Old Bridge location.

Cranford Lodge won the men's tug-of-war championship, and along with it, the rights to take home a massive Elk traditional trophy. Winners keep the large trophy up until next year's Miracle Run, when it's handed over to whoever takes the title.

"It goes to the lodge for a year then it comes back here," Elk event organizer Steve Cooke said.

Also enjoying the festivities, some of the Elk Moore Camp participants and their families were present at the Miracle Run's termination point in Old Bridge, including Emily Boehmer, who has cerebral palsy. Her mother Ursula Boehmer said she's a big supporter of Camp Elk Moore, as everything there is built for her child's needs, including a heated wheelchair-accessible pool. 

"It's really fabulous for our kids," she said.

Cranford Elks member John Vicci created and organized the now-annual Miracle Run in 1999. Since then, the event has raised over a million dollars. Judging from the number of registrants, Vicci estimates the group raised over $150,000 this year.

"I wanted to do something that I love to help others. We're doing this for the community," he said.