The Chick Run Stops Here

Women’s biker group lunches at HTRJ

Story by Ken DeLaat
Photos by Lil De Laat

It was a quiet Saturday morning that found my photographer (and Lifetime Spousal Companion) Lil and I enjoying a little breakfast on the deck at Hit The Road Joe with friends Mark and Elizabeth Pitzer.
But it wasn’t quiet for long.
The roar of motorcycles streaming into the Croton eatery could be heard for quite a distance as a pre-arranged rendezvous involving a buffet lunch brought in dozens of bikers amidst their annual charitable run.

The Chick Run Association has been delivering donations to various women's charities for 24 years.It began when a group of bikers organized an all women motorcycle ride to raise money to fight breast cancer after a friend and fellow rider received a diagnosis. After a few years the original organizers handed the reins over to some of the riders and ever since the annual event has brought in motorcycling aficionados from far and wide to participate in the all women charity ride.

A bit of sustenance for the road

Enjoying some of the HTRJ amenities

The Four Amigos- Ride organizers L-R Kat (the one and only), Debbie Hoffman, Kim Smith and Anne Cole.

Anne Cole is one of the organizers of the Chick Run.
“Each year we try to choose another charity. Today we’re riding for the Help Pregnancy Aid Center. We’ve done recovery houses, domestic violence centers, human trafficking prevention and others.. We’re open to any women's charities and are always looking for places to help out.
"The ride creates a lot of bonding among the participants. We ride for sisterhood and to spread the love to each other and the women's organizations we support.”

I asked Ms. Cole what her ride was.
"Harley Springer Softail is what I’m riding today,” she said.
“I have a few others,” she added with a smile. “I’m kind of addicted.”

Hers was among the many impressive rides that arrived in the parking lot that day and the women who guided them included a wide range of ages and backgrounds connected by a love of the open road and a desire to assist other women in need.

HTRJ was the first stop and the riders made the most of it. There were some on the lawn swings, some on the deck and some who just milled about interacting with friends both old and new. The sense of camaraderie among the group was apparent. Inside jokes, swapping of stories and tales of past rides filled the air.
The group took a liking to Chocolate and Layla, the donkeys who wander about in the fenced area in the back and even asked for them to be included in the group shot.

Layla, Chocolate and Chef T join in the group pic.

HTRJ Co-owner Chef T.:
“What an honor it was to host lunch for the 24th annual Chick Run 2022. These wonderful women raised $2200 for the Help Pregnancy Aid Center.Not to mention what a fantastic sight and sound it was when they all rolled in with 34 motorcycles. 
“Really proud to call them friends and glad we were part of their day.”


​After a time the women began getting ready to resume the run and gathered around the impressive collection of machines. I asked where they might be headed next.
“Seven Mile Inn” cried out a few.

And they were off.