Governor Daniels rides motorcycle across state for National Guard Relief Fund

Open skies and warm pavement greeted Governor Mitch Daniels and about 800 of his closest friends for a midday motorcycle ride through central-southern Indiana.

Friday’s ride marked the eighth annual Ride with the Governor, which dually promotes motorcycle awareness and safety and raises funds for the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund. It also marked Daniels’ last time in the event as governor.

The annual ride is a collaboration between the governor and the non-profit organization American Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Indiana. ABATE, just like the ride, Daniels led more than 800 motorcyclists from the Indiana Statehouse, down through Shakamak State Park in Jasonville before ending in French Lick.

Marc Falsetti, editor of ABATE newsletter Hoosier Motorcyclist, said this year’s turnout was bigger than ever before, as were early numbers on the donation total for the National Guard, which he estimated may have reached near $10,000, up from the average $7,000 to $8,000 range.

“It’s an opportunity to spend some time with the governor in a social setting that’s not really a political event,” Falsetti said.  “It’s an event just to ride around and admire each others’ bikes. The governor is a very social person and it’s a unique opportunity to spend some time with him.”

The governor has long had a passion for riding motorcycles. He’s rode them for more than 30 years, and occasionally rides his motorcycle to work at the statehouse, Daniels’ Deputy Press Secretary Jake Oakman said.

“It’s not shocking to see him stop by the statehouse and see him in jeans and t-shirt, and he does ride his motorcycle to work, weather permitting,” Oakman said.

The route of the ride changes from year to year, with Daniels requesting specific towns or areas to ride through. ABATE carefully plans the route, taking into consideration accessibility to rest stops and fueling stations.

“We come up with a route that is enjoyable to ride on two wheels that is scenic, but that can accommodate hundreds of vehicles,” Falsetti said. “There’s quite a logistic issue because we have to communicate with state police. And, of course, keep a handle on all those people. There’s quite a project involved with moving all those motorcycles.”

Southern Indiana is a particular favorite riding destination for the governor. 

“Indiana is just an absolutely great state for riding,” Daniels wrote on a special page dedicated to motorcycle riding on his official website. “I really love the southern part of the state; we have a few more hills there and just an endless variety of back roads and country roads. It’s just beautiful.”

A larger contingent of law enforcement personnel, including National Guard and Patriot Guard members, was on the ride this year to handle the larger crowd. With that kind of company, Oakman said the governor’s safety wasn’t a huge worry.

“The whole thing is escorted by state troopers, but the governor has been riding for many years, so he’s pretty familiar with safety on the bike,” Oakman said.

After seven years, the event has raised more than $30,000. That kind of fundraising impresses Oakman, as the event is free for all participants. Any money raised is given out of the goodness of rider’s hearts.

“This was dubbed the last ride, because it’s the last ride he’ll make as governor,” Oakman said. “Just seeing how much it’s grown, even from last year to this year, is amazing, and the money raised is pretty impressive.”