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Updated June 16th, 2009 Thank you to all who attended the 13th Annual Rumble to the Summit. People turned out in record numbers to enjoy Friday night's festivities at the Clovis Rodeo grounds. Spectators enjoyed the beautiful weather, live music, fire dancers, vendors, bike show and BBQ. Saturday morning Rumble participants returned to the rodeo grounds and joined American Thunder host Colby Donaldson for breakfast prior to riding off on their Lucky 13 Cash run. Even a few hours of unfavorable weather conditions couldn't stop our mission of raising money to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Rumble to the Summit has evolved over the years into one of the largest motorcycle events in the Central Valley. In keeping with the standard practice of any motorcycle rally, i.e. the Laughlin River Run, the Love Ride, Sturgis, Street Vibrations and Spring Street Vibrations, we committed to having our event and, come rain or shine, we followed through with our event. Unfortunately, we have been notified that misinformation was surfacing from various sources not affiliated with Make-A-Wish, when riders were seeking cover in the Shaver Lake area. Riders were told that Rumble was cancelled and it was reported that participants were being turned away at Sierra Summit and that the CHP had closed the road. In order to set the record straight, we would like to inform all our participants that Make-A-Wish DID NOT cancel the event at Sierra Summit. The Make-A-Wish office contacted the Fresno County Sheriffs Department and the California Highway Patrol and were told by CHP representative, Tim Santoro, that only extreme weather conditions (i.e. potential flooding, mud slide, etc.) would give cause for closing or blocking a road. Rain and nominal hail don’t qualify. The CHP/Sheriff's Department informed us they DID NOT block or close any roads going up Hwy 168 to Sierra Summit. Some riders asked officers if there was rain going up the hill and they answered “yes”, but they say they did not tell people to turn around or not proceed, they simply gave information about the conditions. Tents provided plenty of cover from the rain and the North American Wrestlers braved the conditions as they "Rumbled in the Rain" and gave participants some much needed entertainment while waiting out the storm. Championship barbecuers, QN4U, not only provided a great lunch, but also pulled their trailer over to the tents and it was utlilized as a great warming station. Over 500 riders managed to come to the Summit and enjoy the festivities. Both raffles took place as scheduled. American Thunder host Colby Donaldson, who rode his bike to the Summit, pulled the winning ticket for the Ron Simms custom chopper. Frank Shankwitz, founder of Make-A-Wish, who also rode to the Summit, pulled the winning tickets for the cash prizes. When asked how he felt about the weather conditions, Mr. Shankwitz replied "what other ride can you attend and enjoy all four seasons in the same day". Another Rumble participant summed it up well, "I ride to support the children of Make-A-Wish. Your kids deal with illness and the effects of treatment on a daily basis and for that I'd gladly ride in the rain". Please keep checking this website for current photos and further updates as they become available. |
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