ALMA, Mich. (WJRT) – Over 100 motorcycle riders, including stars like NASCAR’s Kyle Petty stopped in Alma Saturday as part of the 29th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America.
The bikers arrived at the Alma EZ Mart around 1:15 p.m. and departed by 2:45 p.m. on their 1,400 mile journey from Michigan to Virginia.
The ride is known for raising funds and awareness for Victory Junction, a camp providing life-changing experiences for children with chronic medical illnesses. Victory Junction has been the ride’s primary beneficiary since it was established by Petty and his family in 2004 in honor of his late son, Adam.
“It’s special for the kids to come to camp,” Petty said. “It’s special for the families because they get an opportunity. It’s special for us because we feel like we’ve done something to help somebody else, so I think when you look at it, it’s everybody wins!”
Since its inception in 1995, the ride has logged nearly 13.1 million motorcycle miles and raised more than $22 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.
“It means a lot cause we see a lot of kids from this area, a lot of kids that come from Michigan to camp and it’s important for us to come through here,” Petty said.