The sound of roaring thunder echoed down the East Coast as more than 200 motorcyclists rode in the 13th Annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride, sponsored by Mayflower and Piedmont Moving Systems, San Jose, Calif.

At the start of the ride, Piedmont transported the motorcycles to the starting point of the ride in Bar Harbor, Maine. When cyclists finished the eight-day, 2,500-mile ride to Hollywod, Fla., they had raised enough funds for a week at Victory Junction Camp for children with severe burns and cranial disease.

"We are proud to be supporters of Kyle and Pattie Petty and Victory Junction Camp as we witness their commitment to these children and their families," said David Bartels, owner of Piedmont Mayflower.

Piedmont has been a proud supporter of the ride and its cause for 13 years. When the Pettys first came to support the ride for charity, not only did the agency meet the transportation needs of the event, but David and Renee Bartels also rode their own motorcycles along on the ride.

This year, it took three 50-foot tractor-trailers to transport all the motorcycles from Harley Davidson in Gastonia, N.C., to the start of the ride. Piedmont paid the transportation costs, and Mayflower provided the trucks and drivers at cost.

NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie founded Victory Junction after their son Adam was killed driving in a practice run while training for the Busch Grand National Series race in 2000. The camp opened its doors in June 2004 to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment.

With the help of Piedmont, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride raised enough money this year not only to allow kids to attend Victory Junction, but also to donate $25,000 each to Brenner Children’s Hospital and Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital.

About Mayflower Transit

Mayflower Transit, founded in 1927, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest van lines and transports household goods, electronic equipment, trade show exhibits and displays, works of art, and specialized freight, utilizing a network of 700 affiliated agents throughout the United States and around the world. Mayflower’s headquarters offices are located in suburban St. Louis, Mo. Further information about the company is available at www.mayflower.com.