06/19/07 Riding for the Benefit

Riding for the benefit. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. Motorcyclists and wine lovers, a new signature event happens next month. It's the first Annual Motor de Vine, July 28. Scott Pontin of Pontin del Roza Winery explains where the idea came from. PONTIN: Well it's something I've been toying around with. I have a lot of friends in the industry that have not just Harley's but there's other bikes as well; BMW's, Ducati's and things like that and they've always asked, well let's go ride the vineyards once in a while. So I called another fellow rider here locally, Bill den Hoed and called him and said let's put this ride together and make it a fundraiser for the Clore Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser. A number of companies have come on board as sponsors and according to Pontin, a number of riders are already signed up. PONTIN: Well I'm up to about 30 some right now I think just roughly and we're hoping to get like 100 to 200. The ride will begin in Prosser and wind its way through wine country. They plan on a lunch stop at Columbia Crest Winery before continuing on with several stops to sample various wines. PONTIN: Then head back into Prosser to Desert Wind for a barbeque, a real quick auction and music and things like that&dancing if they want to. Bill and I did it last Friday. It's about a 200 plus mile trip all the way around. You must be 21 years to ride and they would like to know what kind of motorcycle you ride. If you'd like more information on the ride email Scott at pontindelroza@msn.com or call the Clore Center at 509-786-8428 . That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.