From left, Dan Saeler, his mother Beverly Saeler Charpentier wearing the leather vest of her late son Steven and her daughter Shari Saeler Vinroe posed before the start of the Saeler-Solkovy Memorial Ride.

WASHINGTON TWP — The rain held off Saturday morning, but the distinct sound of rolling thunder could be heard at 11 a.m.

The 13th annual Saeler-Solkovy Memorial Ride blasted off from the Beer Garden on Oneida Valley Road under cloudy but rainless skies.

Dan Saeler, who founded the event to memorialize his late brother, Steven, said 176 bikes participated in the popular summertime charity event, which raises money for individuals or charities.

Bikers paid $20 per driver and $10 per rider, and cruised to four stops in Mercer, Crawford and Venango counties before returning to the Beer Garden for dinner and an after-party following the 120-mile ride.

This is an excerpt from a story appearing in Monday's Butler Eagle.