By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – When speaking about motorcycles, “Harley” is usually a shortened form of “Harley-Davidson,” one of the most popular motorcycle manufacturers in the nation, and another nickname for the two-wheeled cruisers is “hog.” But when speaking of the Harley for Horses motorcycle run, which benefits the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center, the Harley in question is a real life hog.

Donated to the center over 11 years ago, Harley presented Executive Director Anita Hefler with a unique problem. The farm was not set up to house pigs, and any money used toward caring for the animal would take away from funding for the GNOTRC’s original mission — to promote the well-being of children and adults with disabilities through horse-assisted activities. Furthermore, promises from Harley’s original owner to help pay for food for the animal went unfulfilled.

Hefler, though, decided the best way to address the problem was to “turn lemons into lemonade.” Thus, the Harley for Horses benefit was born. And just like its namesake, the event gets a little larger every year.

This, the 11th year of the ride, saw 132 bikes take part in the 140-mile trek, which winds its way through six parishes. In all, about 200 people took part in this year’s event.

The ride started at the St. John Civic Center in LaPlace and ended at the St. Rose Travel Center, where riders were treated to a show from the Red Fish Blues Band. Along the way, the group stopped at Fred’s on the River in Port Vincent for lunch.

“It was awesome. An absolutely amazing ride,” said Hefler. “It’s such a sight to see all these headlights.”

According to Hefler, the procession of motorcycles was so long it was impossible to see from one end of it to the other, and the only way the group was able to stay together was with the assistance of police escorts.

Like every year, this year’s ride saw an influx of new riders, most of whom said they plan to return next year. The ride managed to raise about $5,800 for the riding center.

As in years past, motorcycle groups such as A.B.A.T.E. and HOG helped in the organization and promotion of the event, which takes place on the same weekend every year.

“We can’t pull something like this off by ourselves,” said Hefler.

As for the ride’s namesake, Harley is 12 years old this year, and Hefler expects the pig to be around for quite a few more.

“Harley will be around for a long time,” she said. And if this year’s crowd is any indication, so will the riding center and the good work it does.