NON-STOP NICK

Claudias Run For Life
Feb. 05, 2006 • Vallejo, CA

"Help for a Friend"

Claudia Oniski has cancer. She also has a great group of friends who gathered this Super Bowl Sunday to raise money and to show support for her courageous battle against lung and bone cancer.

Claudia has been the receptionist at Harley-Davidson/Buell of Vallejo for the past 7 years, and in that time span has met tons of people, whether greeting them at the dealership or manning the phones. As word got out that cancer was interrupting her life, a benefit was planned to offset some of the medical expenses. Over 200 people arrived on a clear, crisp morning that was perfect for riding, and even though it is still technically winter, we could not have been given a better day.

Members Vallejo H.O.G. handled the traffic control, and upon arrival, I was shown where to park across from Vallejo H/D-Buell, even before I saw the dealership. Plenty of coffee and donuts were to be found all over the dealership and registration was a breeze. Some groups had pre-registered at other dealers including Michaels Harley-Davidson, Golden Gate Harley-Davidson and McGuires Harley-Davidson.

Claudia arrived looking great with a new hairdo, it took quite a while before I had a chance to introduce myself and talk to her about this event. She was clearly overwhelmed by all of the attention; even as we spoke people came by to say hi and to give her a hug. I asked who she wanted to thank for this and she got misty eyed, looked off into the distance and then simply said "everybody, twice". She said she never thought that her work had touched so many people, who in turn showed up today to give her support and love. Sally Schneider later told me that she has received support and well wishes from people all over America, including Idaho, New Jersey, Texas and Montana. Claudia even received a call of support from Nice, Italy. People came from as far as Idaho to be here for this special event.

Vallejo H.OG. Road Captains handle the different groups of riders who went out for a 114-mile loop that took us West on Highway 37 up through Novato and then west to Pt Reyes Station. Turning North on Highway 1 we traveled along Tomales Bay and looped back inland through Chileno Valley, Hicks Valley, with stops twice at The Cheese Factory for pit stops and another free raffle ticket. I got a kick out of the tourist’s from Japan that were thrilled at the sight of the Harley’s rolling in for a visit. Leaving The Cheese Factory we rolled East through Lucas Valley and back to Character’s Saloon in Vallejo.

Hats off to the Character’s Saloon staff who did a wonderful job of handling the feeding of the 200 people who were treated to a great spread of foods to accompany the BBQ steak. We had green salad, macaroni & potato salads, layered bean dip & chips, spinach dip, corn on the cob, bread and ranch beans. Although the patio at Character’s always seemed to be full, I never saw more than 7 people waiting in line for grub. That’s a great feat in itself.

Sally Schneider and Dallas Freed of the Vallejo H.O.G. Group did a fantastic job in organizing this event in less than two months. They had unbelievable help from so many companies and individuals who are touched by the battle that Claudia is fighting. Donations and raffle prices came in from the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce, Mocha, Tami & T of Renegade Classics of Vallejo, Tom’s Cycle Works, West County Cycles of El Sobrante, Napa Valley Classics, Michaels Harley-Davidson, Randy Smith donated some beautiful earrings, Thom & Honore’ McIlhattan of Vallejo Harley-Davidson/ Buell donated the grand prize a $300 gift certificate. The fifty-fifty raffle raised a total of $486.

Riding home to Santa Rosa, ending a 232 mile day, I kept thinking about how this was another great example of the motorcycling community helping out another one of their own, and I was glad I attended.

Non-Stop Nick

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