100 bikers get into gear at annual show at GM plant

Plant workers are trying to raise $10,000 for charity.
By DON SHILLING
VINDICATOR BUSINESS EDITOR
LORDSTOWN -- Gary "Bones" Mowen and Jerry Wade were all smiles as 100 bikers drove behind them through the General Motors' Lordstown Assembly plant.
The Niles men couldn't believe Thursday's parade of Harley-Davidsons topped 100, a far cry from the seven bikes that rode in the first motorcycle show at the plant seven years ago.
"I'm walking about 3 feet off the floor," Mowen said.
Mowen and Wade guessed that at least 1,000 plant workers drive motorcycles, although only those with Harleys are allowed in the event because those motorcycles are made by union workers.
Also making this year's bike show special was that it was the last for Mowen and Wade, who both are retiring soon after 37 years each at the plant.
Mowen, 56, celebrated by wearing a 37-year-old pair of jeans. He was proud that he could still fit in them and that he had worn them to build Chevrolets in the plant in 1966.
Where money will go
The real celebration, however, is raising money for the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Mowen and Wade, who have been riding motorcycles together for decades, started the event as a way to remind car drivers that they have to watch out for motorcycles. May is motorcycle safety awareness month.
In the second year, however, they decided to raise money for the cancer foundation. Last year, the event raised $8,575, but Mowen set a goal of $10,000 this year.
The union and individuals make donations, but money also is raised through a raffle. The event continued until this afternoon.
Plant Manager Maureen Midgley rode on the back of a motorcycle driven by Phil Penrose, who works in the paint department. The caravan went through the streets of Lordstown as well as the plant.
Midgley said she enjoyed the ride even though she doesn't own a motorcycle.
"I love convertibles. I love the wind in my face," she said.
Mowen said the event has been good for building relationships between union workers and managers.
"That's what it's all about -- togetherness. That's how we build cars," he said.
shilling@vindy.com