ABATE holds its second benefit for disabled animals

Revving engines and helping others was the goal on Saturday as bikers from all over the county came together to aid handicapped pets.

Riding for a cause, the Dixie Thunder of Aiken ABATE of South Carolina association held its second Crippled Critter Benefit Pawker Run on Saturday. Nearly 40 motorcyclists participated, along with a few cars.

The Pawker Run was established a year ago by a local Dixie Thunder member as a means of helping Handipets, a privately operated group that helps animals in need. Many of the pets are disabled, and all have been rescued.

"With the help of Dixie Thunder, we have a large kennel area with a cat-resistant top, and pets have access to living areas and outside area at all times, and, of course, they brought food for the pets," said Becky Raymond, founder of Handipets.

Riders hit the roadways between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday in support of the organization. Leaving from Hozes and making stops at the Edgefield Billiard Parlor, Johnston Sports Club, Cork & Bull, Infield Bar & Grill, the group ended at the Iron Horse Bar & Grill where several animals were on hand to express their thanks.

"Dixie Thunder holds four or five rides a year to support local charities, with two for Helping Hands," said Rick Cooper, Dixie Thunder chapter coordinator. "We have many members who are active with animal rights groups, and we hope to raise about $1,000 to help."

While the group actively helps the community, the primary concern is legislative awareness.

"We keep up with legislative issues on a local, state and federal level," he said. "We have at least one member, if not more, at every County Council meeting so we can keep up with what's going on."

The main concern for the group is to ensure bikers continue to have the right to make their own decisions. The association is actively involved in supporting bills to protect their rights.

"We have many members who are non-bikers and are members because they support our rights to make individual choices," said Cooper.

Membership in Dixie Thunder of Aiken is always open.

"We have in excess of 150 members and are accepting new members. You don't have to be a biker to be a member, just support the freedom of choice for riders," said Cooper.

The association meets twice a month on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at 323 Day Road and on the fourth Sunday at 1 p.m. at Hoze's Club/Bar on Clearwater/Belevedere Road in North Augusta.