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Music Joins The Ride Across Maryland Fight Against Breast Cancer

COLUMBIA, Md.(WJZ) — In its first 12 years, Dick Gelfman's Ride Across Maryland has raised nearly $2.5 million in the fight against breast cancer. Saturday's 13th year brings the ride and something new.

Ron Matz has more on the motorcycles, the money and the music.

Crack the Sky is one of eight bands entertaining at Blob's Park at the breast cancer awareness music festival.

"It's a great event. It's a great cause and a great day of music," said Dave Demarco ,of the band Crack the Sky.

"We had so many people come up to us all the time saying 'I really want to support the fight against breast cancer, but I don't ride a motorcycle. I don't even ride a little scooter. I don't even get on a bicycle. How can I do it?' So we decided to come up with a music festival," Gelfman said.

That's right. Gelfman made music part of his already successful Ride Across Maryland.

"It allows people to buy tickets, come and see great bands. We have groups like The Reagan Years, Crack the Sky, Kix.  It's $40. It's a reasonably inexpensive ticket. The whole family can come and enjoy a concert," Gelfman said.

The riders can't wait.

"I feel real passionate about it. I'm stoked about where it's going to be. I'm looking forward to the concert. I like meeting the people who are participating in the ride," said Steve Imhoff, Team Carpe Diem.

The U.S. Navy chiefs are back.

"It's amazing. My family has been affected by breast cancer. We ride in honor of a chief petty officer who died on active duty. She was 36 years old," said Kirk Towner, U.S. Navy Chiefs.

It's a commitment to fight breast cancer.

"We know the secret. Bikers are very generous people. When you say to them 'do you want to come and have a good time and fight a very nasty thing?' they line up. It's great," Gelfman said.

As always, the Ride Across Maryland begins at the Mall in Columbia.

"Of course, we still have the ride," Gelfman said. "It's a two-hour ride all around areas of Maryland. It will end up in Anne Arundel County at Blob's Park in Jessup for a full day of entertainment."

For more information about Saturday's ride, click here.

WJZ is a proud sponsor of the Ride Across Maryland as part of our continuing community commitment.

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