Sikorsky Support Services invites all bikers to participate in the first ever Sikorsky Troy Alabama Motorcycle Ride on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Not only is this an opportunity to be a part of something brand new, it’s also a chance to do something for kids in crisis.

The Sikorsky Troy Alabama Motorcycle Ride is planned as a Sikorsky Community Giving Campaign activity and will benefit the Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center in Troy, said Greg Kiel, event coordinator.

The Community Giving Campaign is part of Sikorsky’s fundraising efforts for United Way and is designed to benefit a United Way Agency.

“We wanted to do something that would benefit kids and, after looking at the agencies that Pike County United Way serves, we chose the Child Advocacy Center because of the outstanding intervention work it does for children that have been abused or neglected,” Kiel said.

Tonya Gibson, Pike County United Way executive director, expressed appreciation to Sikorsky for its support of United Way.

“I was pleasantly surprised that Sikorsky would so such a good deed for one of our agencies,” she said. “With these difficult economic times, every penny counts and we really appreciate Sikorsky’s support and thank all of those who participate.”

Cars are allowed on the ride in order for those without motorcycles to participate.

The registration fee is $20 for the rider and $10 for a passenger. Each passenger in a vehicle must pay the $10 registration fee.

Registration for the Sikorsky Troy Alabama Motorcycle Ride will be at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, in the Sikorsky parking lot. The procession will leave the parking lot at 9 a.m. and travel a route south to Henderson, Elba, Enterprise and back to the Troy Sportsplex.

“A special feature of the Motorcycle Ride will be the Orange County Chopper that was built especially for Sikorsky,” Kiel said. “Two Sikorsky employees will ride the chopper to Elba and two others will swap out there.”

The Orange County Chopper will be available for photographs before and after the ride so those who would like a photograph with the chopper should bring along a camera.

“In Enterprise, we’ll stop for just a few minutes to remember our fallen comrades, Jeremy Seay and his wife, Angel, who were killed in a motorcycle accident and one of our engineers Larry Foster who wanted to be a part of this ride,” Kiel said.

When the bikers arrive at the Troy Sportsplex, they will have lunch and there will be activities for the children and door prizes will be given away.

All bikers are encouraged to participate in this fundraising event for the child advocacy center in Troy.