Angeles Forest : Bikers Set Fund-Raiser for Animal Sanctuary

The Wildlife Waystation, an animal rescue and sanctuary for exotic animals such as lions, tigers and bears, has recruited the help of that highway breed often affectionately known as Hogs.

“We’ll just have to see what happens,” said Jim Maroney, activities director of the Southern California Harley Riders Assn., when asked for a prediction on the fund-raising abilities of Run for the Wild, a 90-mile motorcycle ride from Newhall to the refuge property.

This is the third annual motorcycle fund-raiser for the group, but the first year the event has been publicized.

This year is the first the group acquired the insurance necessary to hold an American Motorcycle Assn. event. Last year, 200 riders raised $2,700 for the Waystation, Maroney said.

The ride starts Aug. 5 at Accessories Unlimited, 24508 Lyons Ave., Newhall, where bikers will sign in from 8 to 10 a.m. The route of the 90-mile ride will be kept secret until that Saturday. Riders will be given directions to five successive stops where they will receive more directions.

At each stop, riders will get a playing card to form a poker hand. Riders will compete for prizes such as a trip for two to Las Vegas.

It costs $15 per rider to enter; $25 for couples. Riders will get free tours of the Waystation at the end of the run.

The Wildlife Waystation, in Angeles National Forest above Lake View Terrace, is a 60-acre, nonprofit refuge that is home to 1,000 wild and exotic animals. For more information call Accessories Unlimited at (805) 255-6522.