Schaitberger to Unveil Custom “Peacemaker” Bike at 2006 Ride for Life

March 23, 2006 - IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger will unveil a special “Peacemaker” motorcycle at the 2006 Ride for Life in honor of the late Mattie Stepanek, MDA National Goodwill Ambassador and IAFF hero. Mattie died in June 2004 from a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. The one-of-a-kind custom Peacemaker bike was inspired from his legacy of courage and inspiration that continues to motivate IAFF members.

“Mattie’s battle to survive and his will to defeat Muscular Dystrophy made him an exceptional friend of the IAFF,” says President Schaitberger. “His life made us proud, and we honor his vision of hope and peace with this special bike.”

The inspiration for the custom Peacemaker motorcycle is the result of the special relationship between Mattie and General President Schaitberger. Cleveland, TN Local 3748 fire fighter and Mattie admirer Dennis Carroll communicated the history of this special bond to his friend, Lynn Jones, owner of Lynnco Custom Cycles, who immediately created the unique Peacemaker bike to spread Mattie’s message of hope and peace.

The motorcycle, which features intricate details reflective of Mattie’s Heartsongs poetry and his love of writing, began its journey across the country in February at the Heartsongs Gala in Washington, DC to foster awareness for Mattie’s message and draw support for the MDA Mattie Fund for Research and treatment and cures for childhood neuromuscular diseases. The Peacemaker motorcycle will be auctioned at the end of 2006.

The Ride for Life, which takes place in southeastern Pennsylvania May 6-7, 2006, raised nearly $800,000 last year. More than 2,000 bikers, including fire fighters, are expected to participate this year.

For more information about the bike, visit www.peacemakerbike.com

The Ride for Life schedule is as follows:

Saturday, May 6: A full day of activities is planned at the East Penn manufacturing plant in Lyon Station, Pennsylvania. Attractions include a bike show, field events, live entertainment, the Harley-Davidson demo fleet, silent auction, plant tours and more. In addition, all participants are invited to a Rider Appreciation Party at the Reading Sheraton Hotel.

Sunday, May 7: Hundreds of riders will join the Research Thunder Parade as they ride from the grounds of East Penn manufacturing to Dorney Park in Allentown. Participants will also enjoy park rides and a lunch buffet.

For more information, visit www.ridewithus.org or contact Martin Brans or Joyce Cox at (215) 692-1781.