CHARLIE’s Ride, an acronym for Cardiac Health Advocates Remembering Loved-ones Impacted Everywhere is a charity motorcycle ride established in loving memory of Charlie Lewandoski who lost his 20-year battle with heart disease in July 2009, and for others just like him. CHARLIE’s Ride was created by Charlie’s daughter, Beth Hensel, with a three-fold objective: 1) to promote heart disease awareness and prevention strategies; 2) to remember the millions impacted by heart disease, and 3) to raise funds for heart disease research and prevention, specifically The Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute of Connecticut at Saint Francis clinical center of excellence.

On August 15, 2010 our inagural event occured. Over 100 bikes and 220 particpants raised over $4,000 to benefit the American Heart Association. In 2011, CHARLIE’s Ride redirected its support locally, by partnering with Saint Francis Hospital. On August 13, 2011 our 2nd Annual event took place. Over 130 bikes and 275 participants raised over $6,600 for the Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute of Connecticut. 2012 CHARLIE’s Ride is expanding to present a “Queen of Hearts Biker Ball” to celebrate Women’s Heart Health month by raising money for the Phillips Women’s Heart Program, a division of The Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute at Saint Francis. In August 2012, the 3rd Annual CHARLIE’s Ride will take place again at TSI Harley Davidson in Ellington and Big Shot Billiards in East Windsor. Please consider joining us for one of our great events!

“My father found his passion for motorcycles late in life and at 66 years-old went out and purchased a brand-new Honda Shadow VLX, much to my dismay,” explains Beth Hensel of Windsor Locks, Conn. “I couldn’t understand why he would pursue such a dangerous hobby. Nonetheless, his love for riding was obvious and he took every opportunity to try and get me on his bike. He loved the liberating feeling he found on his bike, and he especially enjoyed participating in charity rides. He eventually got his wish when he passed and left me his bike, and that’s when I finally accepted his challenge,” she says. “I interpreted this as his final lesson, conquered my fears, learned to ride, and then the idea of CHARLIE’s Ride was born. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor his memory and promote heart disease awareness than to establish this ride as a lasting tribute to a wonderful man. I couldn’t save him, but hopefully CHARLIE’s Ride can help save others!”

Heart disease is the number one cause of death (for men and women) in the United States – responsible for 1 out of every 2 deaths in America. More than 80 million Americans live with some form of cardiovascular disease. But heart disease is highly preventable if you take steps to reduce your risk factors. Do you know what those risk factors are? These are all important facts that the organizers and sponsors of CHARLIE’s Ride intend to share in order to educate our community and stop heart disease in its tracks!

Please consider supporting CHARLIE’s Ride!!!

Our heartfelt gratitude to Mary Higgins for her heavenly image representing CHARLIE’s Ride!

 
 


 
The Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute of Connecticut is a Saint Francis clinical center of excellence, offering specialists with world-class skills tailored to individual patient needs.

Established in 1991, The Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute of Connecticut was the first comprehensive heart institute in Southern New England. It is a specialized concentration of high-quality medical care and advanced technology. Today, they have a national reputation for advanced cardiovascular care.

Our multidisciplinary, integrated cardiac surgery, cardiology, thoracic and vascular surgery program focuses on prevention, research, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The institute offers comprehensive state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic services, and is one of New England’s highest volume centers for cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology and open heart procedures.

Founded in 2002 by media entrepreneur, environmentalist, and philanthropist Ted Turner and acclaimed restaurateur George McKerrow, Jr., Ted’s Montana Grill has grown to 46 restaurants in 16 states.

Locally, you can enjoy their made-from-scratch comfort food in nearby South Windsor at 500 Evergreen Way. Fresh food is the heart and soul of the Authentic American Dining that distinguishes Ted’s Montana Grill. They offer a carefully crafted menu featuring National Bison Association-certified bison, Certified Angus beef, chicken, and seafood dishes. Ted’s unique signature dishes are made fresh daily, with the finest ingredients – nothing frozen or microwaved.

Ted’s Montana Grill was originally established to preserve the American bison from extinction by educating consumers about bison’s taste, health, and environmental benefits. Bison considered a staple by many for a heart-healthy diet, is a nutritious lean meat rich in iron with less fat, cholesterol, and calories than beef or chicken.

Ted’s Montana Grill has been recognized by the Kids Involuntarily Inhaling Secondhand Smoke (KIISS) as all restaurants are non-smoking, and by The National Restaurant Association for their deep commitment to the environment. The company incorporates many eco-friendly technologies and practices in its restaurants, including paper straws, water-efficient fixtures, recycled products, and low-voltage, compact fluorescent light bulbs in all the guest areas.

Ted’s Montana Grill
500 Evergreen Way
South Windsor, CT 06074
860-648-1100
www.tedsmontanagrill.com
 

Cool Bike Rides Calendar of Events (CT & MA)
Bikers Plaza Biker Event Calendar

Lightning Customs Bike Rally Calendar and Major Biker Rallies Information