Miserable weather didn’t stop motorcyclists at the Colorado Ride for Kids® from raising $46,801 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) yesterday. High winds, heavy rain and hail met more than 125 riders and supporters as they gathered at the Jefferson County Human Services Building in Golden. Event planners quickly mapped a new route when the weather forced several road closures. Despite the challenging conditions, riders enjoyed a safe, police-escorted tour with sweeping mountain views. When they returned for the Celebration of Life program, six local brain tumor survivors spoke up to thank them for their support. These children and young adults included first-time riders James, Colin and Dylan, a PBTF scholarship recipient, as well as returning stars Patricia, Ben and Spencer. Kids with brain tumors struggle with more than medical problems, said Dr. Nicholas Foreman, director of pediatric neuro-oncology at Children’s Hospital in Denver. “In 25 years I’ve seen great triumphs and great failures. For the future, the challenge is improving their quality of life.” Many Colorado motorcyclists are dedicated to helping the PBTF meet that challenge. The event’s leading fundraisers were: * Individual: Pam McCombs, $9,057 * Club/Chapter: GWRRA CO-L, $12,496 * Motorcycle Business: Apex Sports, $9,655 Hardworking volunteers are the heart of every successful Ride for Kids®, and we thank Pat and Dave Andrews and Linda Shelley for organizing the seventh annual Colorado event. About the PBTF Ride for Kids® The national Ride for Kids® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) promote childhood brain tumor research and provide family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. The 2010 Ride for Kids® season continues on July 11 with an event in South Bend, Ind. For more information, go to http://www.rideforkids.org/ or call 800-253-6530.