VALPARAISO | Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from throughout Northwest Indiana will gather starting at 7 a.m. Aug. 25 for the 27th annual ABATE Region 2 Ride for MDA at the Porter County Fairgrounds.

The escorted parade will travel a 70-mile route, leaving the fairgrounds at 11 a.m. Riders return to the fairgrounds for an afternoon of food, fun, vendors, field events and bike shows.

The motorcycle extravaganza is open to the public. All motorcycle types and brands are welcome. Admission is a donation of at least $25, which includes a T-shirt, ride pin (while supplies last), live music, field events, bike show, vendors and prizes, according to a news release.

For every $100 collected in donations, participates receive a chance to win a 2008 Harley Davidson FXD Super Glide. Anyone raising $500 will receive an MDA embossed "hoodie."

ABATE will sponsor a concert after the ride featuring local bands High Noon, Camel Toes, Under the Influence and TBA Band.

Indiana Region 2 is made up of ABATE members form Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke, Jasper, Newton and Pulaski counties. The motorcycle rights and safety organization believes in the "freedom of the road and achieving the safest motorcycling conditions in Indiana," according to the release.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a local and national health agency seeking treatments and cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. Along with research, the association provides summer camp, support groups, leg braces, clinics and wheelchair assistance for free to clients.

The "parade of bikes" is made possible through sponsors and help from the Hobart, Portage, Valparaiso police departments; Porter County and Lake County sheriff's departments, Valparaiso Fire Department, Northwest Indiana Sons of Thunder Christian Motorcycle Association and American Veteran Motorcycle Riders Association.

- For The Times