BUTLER TWP--What looked like a tough gang of bikers tooling around the northern part of the county on Saturday was really a demonstration of support for local cancer patients.

Riders participating in the 12th annual Riding for the Cure fundraiser Saturday rolled into a wet parking lot at the ride’s initial gathering place, the 11th Frame on Fairground Hill Road, after storms and torrential downpours cleared out.

The hot sun that followed dried things up pretty quickly, and by 11 a.m., 77 bikes stood at the ready to accommodate their riders.

“Kickstands up,” or the time when participants fire up their bikes and kick off the ride, was pushed back from 11 to 11:30 a.m. due to the storms.

Bikers registered, received their Riding for the Cure T-shirts, ate breakfast or just mingled before hopping on their bikes for the scenic ride that included four stops throughout and surrounding northern Butler County.

The event ended at the Beer Garden in Washington Township, which included a dinner, raffle baskets, a DJ, and the showing of the annual video in which cancer patients thank the riders.

Deb Bell said she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 at age 35.

Food, child care for her then 4-year-old, traveling to treatments, and other expenses not covered by insurance were a huge financial burden for she and her husband even though both had good jobs.

“The cost above and beyond insurance is something people don’t know about,” Bell said. “It depletes everything you have.”

She said a special swim suit designed to accommodate her mastectomy was $160, and that’s just one example.

“If you want to continue to live your life, there are so many expenses,” Bell said.

In a discussion with her best friend, Lynda Kerr, she wondered aloud what people do who don’t have the extra money for everything needed after a cancer diagnosis.

“She said ‘What do you think about doing a ride just to help people with cancer?’” Bell said. “And that’s how Riding for the Cure was born.”

Despite the name, all moneys raised by the group go to the Butler Health System Foundation.

Those with cancer who need help contact the foundation, and the distributions are ultimately approved by the Riding for the Cure board of directors.

Kerr said instead of one or two lump sum distributions, Riding for the Cure likes to see the money spread out so as many cancer patients as possible can receive help.

She said the most requested items are wigs and hair halos by those whose treatments have caused hair loss.

“It’s all about feeling as normal as possible,” Bell said.

So far, Riding for the Cure has raised more than $415,000 for cancer patients in Butler County.

“The first year, we raised $6,500 and we thought we had conquered the world,” Bell said.

Josh Barto, road captain for Riding for the Cure, lead the ride and oversaw “blockers,” or the riders who blocked intersections so the throng of motorcycles could pass through together.

He said Butler Township Fire District, Lick Hill, Chicora and East Brady volunteer fire departments, and the Butler County Sheriff’s Department assisted in guiding riders safely on their journey.

Barto said he dedicates himself to Riding for the Cure because the money raised helps local folks who have cancer.

He wished he could thank every single person who came out to support the event on Saturday.

“Bikers are very generous,” Barto said. “We like to give and we love to ride.”

Emily Heitzer, of Connoquenessing Township, has piloted her 1995 Harley-Davidson Sportster in all 12 Riding for the Cure fundraisers.

“Bikers are caring, peaceful, friendly people,” Heitzer said. “They are there for you. There’s a camaraderie.”

Heitzer has been riding for 40 years.

“It’s my passion,” she said.

One participant who stood out and caused everyone to chuckle was Tom Brenneman of Muddy Creek Township.

Brenneman wore a bright pink bra with black tassels over his denim shirt to raise awareness for breast cancer.

“Everyone takes my picture,” he said.

Eugene Walker, of Clinton Township, brought his favorite passenger, Max, a havanese dog that sported bright yellow goggles and a tiny helmet Walker’s sister found on the internet.

Walker toted Max around the 11th Frame in a carrier, with the dog at his belly.

“He loves it,” Walker said of Max’s affinity for riding in the carrier while aboard his master’s Can Am Spyder. “As soon as I get his carrier out or get the bike started, he’s ready to ride.”

He said Max parks himself in front of the bike’s front tire so Walker cannot leave without him.

“If I leave him at home, he tears the house apart,” Walker said.

Walker carries water and a dish, as well as a leash so he can let Max out of the carrier at stops.

“If we’re on the interstate and people pass us, they slow up to look,” Walker said. “Some people take pictures.”

Bill Best and Rose Brunner, both of Franklin Township, have been on a handful of Riding for the Cure rides.

Rose’s mother had breast cancer and Bill’s sister has cancer.

In addition to supporting a cause that has impacted them, the couple enjoys the company.

“They are nice people,” Rose said of the bikers who participate in the ride. “We always meet new people.”

Sheriff Mike Slupe sat near the exit at the 11th Frame, waiting to lead the bikes out and get them safely on their way.

“We’ve escorted this ride pretty much every year that Lynda has had it,” Slupe said. “We all know somebody who has been affected by cancer.”

Asked why he personally escorts the bikes instead of assigning one of his dozens of deputies to perform the Saturday task, Slupe answers honestly.

“It’s one of those charities that touches your heart, and when it does that, I can’t say no,” he said.

He summed up the thoughts of those who benefit from Riding for the Cure as well as its organizers.

“They are great individuals,” Slupe said of the riders. “For them to take part in something like this tells you what they are like.”