Riding Into History
Riding Into History is a non-profit vintage motorcycle event founded in 2000 by Billy Aldrich. It was created in order to celebrate the heritage and history of motorcycles, and also to raise money for charities. It has now become one of America's premier motorcycle events and the attendance figures have increased every year. Billy Aldrich is the founder of a vintage motorcycle club in Northeast Florida. His wife, Jackie, survived breast cancer and inspired him to create the event. The event was named Riding Into History by William Robinson, a vintage motorcycle enthusiast, noting that the name implies a trip into the history of the motorcycles. Since its inception, Riding Into History has been held at the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida. It was also nationally featured on the Speed Channel. Proceeds go to Buddy Check 12, a partnership between Baptist Health and First Coast News (WTLV/WJXX). This organization creates a link between women who call each other on each 12th of every month to verify that their partner has done her self-breast check thus enabling early detection of the disease. More than half a million women in the country are participating in the program. The event, featured on WTLV in Jacksonville, was originated by Jeannie Blaylock, the news anchor for First Coast News. In 2010 Riding Into History changed their charity to the Wounded Warrior Project. As of 2013 they have contributed 300,000 to charity. Riding Into History is held every year on the 3rd Saturday in May. The organization is independent and run by volunteers from BMW Motorcycle Owners of North East Florida (BMWNEF), and the Historic Motorcycle Society.