Motorcycle Club Launches Annual Toy Drive
-- Hye Riders Set Example of Charity and Outreach
By Paul Chaderjian
PASADENA, Calif. – The appetizing aroma from skewered kebobs barbequed over an open flame, a giant and inviting bounce-house for kids, loud Armenian music and nearly two dozen powerful and picture-perfect Harley-Davidson motorcycles greeted supporters of the annual Hye Riders motorcycle club toy drive.
"We heard about what they’re doing," says Sam Kartounian, " and we figured it would be a great way for us to support this small niche in the Armenian community. I think it’s really commendable what they’re actually doing, being that the whole image of bikers is kind of stepping out of the whole realm of what Armenian society dictates."
Throughout the sunny Sunday afternoon, Armenians from all over Southern California, Armenian, Hispanic and African-American bikers and their families -- as well as those simply wanting to enjoy a good Armenian picnic -- stopped by the Pasadena Armenian Community Center to donate toys.
"We brought a football, some sports equipment, coloring book, some educational toys and board games," says Hagop Jerejian. "I didn’t know about it last year, but a friend of mine told me about it. They do a lot of good work for the Armenian community here and abroad, so I came by, just a way to help them out."
After spending a number of years as a member of motorcycle clubs, Hye Riders founder Berj Kasparian decided to create the club in 1998. His goal was to bring young Armenians bikers together, organize monthly rides, give young Armenian bikers an alternative to joining other "hog" clubs and create a brotherhood based on community service and charity... like the toy drive.
"I know it’s after Christmas," says Kasparian, "but during the Holidays, we are all so busy. All these clubs you see here, we visit local orphanages and retirement homes during the Holidays. So, we decided to hold off on our toy drive for kids in Armenia until after the Holidays."
Since its inception, Hye Riders has admitted more than 150 members into its ranks. There are 42 members in Armenia, and members in Southern California have set an exemplary standard for charity work to other bike clubs. In addition to raising funds for the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, visiting local orphans and the elderly, Hye Riders touch the lives of young people all over Armenia through their annual toy drive.
"Every time I go to Armenia, I take different guys from our crew," says Kasparian, "and we meet up with guys from our crew over there. The most amazing thing is that these kids, the people, they are so surprised at what we do and how we do it. We go there, winter, summer, it doesn’t matter, and the kids at the orphanages and in the villages wait for us with open arms. When we leave, the kids are always crying, asking when are we coming back. It gets extremely touching, very touching. It’s not just a matter of taking the toys. It’s going over there and seeing what we are able to do."
Clad in the requisite leather jacket and proudly wearing the Hye Rider tricolor emblem on his back, biker Drtad Bedjakian say this year's toy drive means a lot more to him after he visited the homeland last year and handed out the toys in person. There are two trips to Armenia planned in 2007 -- the first in May and a second one in September.
"Just seeing the happiness and the expressions on their faces, how happy they were to see us and have us over there, the way they treated us," says Bedjakian, "it makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your people. Seeing that happiness on the kids' faces is something you very rarely see. You feel joyous when they grab a 99-cent car and treat it like it was a ten thousand dollar toy."
Kasparian says members of Hye Riders come from all walks of life. Among the leather-clad rough and tough bikers are students, businessmen, doctors, lawyers, but no women. The club is for men only, but women are welcomed club activities, charity events and get-togethers. The club has meetings, elects officers and requires that members pass drug screen tests to ensure that they are clean. Hye Riders has even won endorsements by legendary hog clubs that have been around since the 60s.
"This year," says Kasparian, "these toys are going not just to an orphanage, but to children in villages, where the kids don’t have anything but rocks and sticks. If you’ve been there, you know what I’m talking about. This drive helps them out tremendously, because we have a lot of toys, clothing, blankets and everything that can be used out there."
"Bikers always seem to get a bad reputation," says Stepan Mekhitarian, who teaches math in Venice. "I feel like they always get labeled as rebels, especially with Harleys going around and making a lot of noise. I think for the most part, the public has a fairly negative image of what they do. But I think the Hye Riders are the exception here. They do a lot of good work. I think if they continue doing what they’re doing, people are going to see that not every biker is necessarily a rebel."
Kasparian says members of the club are basically sharing their blessings and good fortune. They love their bikes and love to ride them. He thinks they are lucky to be able to afford motorcycles that cost anywhere between 30 to 50 thousand dollars on up. "We are blessed, and we are spoiled," says Kasparian. "For example, you go to Armenia, and those guys are piecing their bikes together. They take parts from old bikes, Russian bikes, and as long as it’s rolling, and it looks like a bike, they ride."
The Hye Riders say they share their blessings by reaching out to those in need at home and overseas. The club often rides out to Southern California neighborhoods where the homeless congregate . These Armenian bikers take the homeless food and clothing, and not just during the holidays but throughout the year.
The bike club also takes regularly scheduled rides to Armenian retirement homes, taking food to the seniors, sitting down and spending time with the elders. They also visit Armenian schools and participate in April 24 memorials. Their annual genocide commemoration ride is mandatory for each member to attend. Other rides and meetings may be skipped by members if they have family or work related responsibilities.
"We’re all family members, and we have businesses," says Kasparian. "To us, number one is your family and your business. If you cannot attend, the reason is going to be that you have a function with your family or business." After they meet their personal responsibilities, the Hye Riders pour their energy and resources into their bikes.
"Riding a Harley or a motorcycle is a whole different life," says Kasparian. "You get on a bike, and you change. Your attitude changes. You’re a happier person. It’s really enjoyable. But most of all, what turns us on, especially in the Armenian community are the tricolor we wear on our back. We are representing Armenians, and we have to show the good sides of Armenians."
(Editor's note: For more information about joining HyeRiders or to support the club's annual toy drive, visit the web site www.hyeriders.com)
By Paul Chaderjian
PASADENA, Calif. – The appetizing aroma from skewered kebobs barbequed over an open flame, a giant and inviting bounce-house for kids, loud Armenian music and nearly two dozen powerful and picture-perfect Harley-Davidson motorcycles greeted supporters of the annual Hye Riders motorcycle club toy drive.
"We heard about what they’re doing," says Sam Kartounian, " and we figured it would be a great way for us to support this small niche in the Armenian community. I think it’s really commendable what they’re actually doing, being that the whole image of bikers is kind of stepping out of the whole realm of what Armenian society dictates."
Throughout the sunny Sunday afternoon, Armenians from all over Southern California, Armenian, Hispanic and African-American bikers and their families -- as well as those simply wanting to enjoy a good Armenian picnic -- stopped by the Pasadena Armenian Community Center to donate toys.
"We brought a football, some sports equipment, coloring book, some educational toys and board games," says Hagop Jerejian. "I didn’t know about it last year, but a friend of mine told me about it. They do a lot of good work for the Armenian community here and abroad, so I came by, just a way to help them out."
After spending a number of years as a member of motorcycle clubs, Hye Riders founder Berj Kasparian decided to create the club in 1998. His goal was to bring young Armenians bikers together, organize monthly rides, give young Armenian bikers an alternative to joining other "hog" clubs and create a brotherhood based on community service and charity... like the toy drive.
"I know it’s after Christmas," says Kasparian, "but during the Holidays, we are all so busy. All these clubs you see here, we visit local orphanages and retirement homes during the Holidays. So, we decided to hold off on our toy drive for kids in Armenia until after the Holidays."
Since its inception, Hye Riders has admitted more than 150 members into its ranks. There are 42 members in Armenia, and members in Southern California have set an exemplary standard for charity work to other bike clubs. In addition to raising funds for the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, visiting local orphans and the elderly, Hye Riders touch the lives of young people all over Armenia through their annual toy drive.
"Every time I go to Armenia, I take different guys from our crew," says Kasparian, "and we meet up with guys from our crew over there. The most amazing thing is that these kids, the people, they are so surprised at what we do and how we do it. We go there, winter, summer, it doesn’t matter, and the kids at the orphanages and in the villages wait for us with open arms. When we leave, the kids are always crying, asking when are we coming back. It gets extremely touching, very touching. It’s not just a matter of taking the toys. It’s going over there and seeing what we are able to do."
Clad in the requisite leather jacket and proudly wearing the Hye Rider tricolor emblem on his back, biker Drtad Bedjakian say this year's toy drive means a lot more to him after he visited the homeland last year and handed out the toys in person. There are two trips to Armenia planned in 2007 -- the first in May and a second one in September.
"Just seeing the happiness and the expressions on their faces, how happy they were to see us and have us over there, the way they treated us," says Bedjakian, "it makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your people. Seeing that happiness on the kids' faces is something you very rarely see. You feel joyous when they grab a 99-cent car and treat it like it was a ten thousand dollar toy."
Kasparian says members of Hye Riders come from all walks of life. Among the leather-clad rough and tough bikers are students, businessmen, doctors, lawyers, but no women. The club is for men only, but women are welcomed club activities, charity events and get-togethers. The club has meetings, elects officers and requires that members pass drug screen tests to ensure that they are clean. Hye Riders has even won endorsements by legendary hog clubs that have been around since the 60s.
"This year," says Kasparian, "these toys are going not just to an orphanage, but to children in villages, where the kids don’t have anything but rocks and sticks. If you’ve been there, you know what I’m talking about. This drive helps them out tremendously, because we have a lot of toys, clothing, blankets and everything that can be used out there."
"Bikers always seem to get a bad reputation," says Stepan Mekhitarian, who teaches math in Venice. "I feel like they always get labeled as rebels, especially with Harleys going around and making a lot of noise. I think for the most part, the public has a fairly negative image of what they do. But I think the Hye Riders are the exception here. They do a lot of good work. I think if they continue doing what they’re doing, people are going to see that not every biker is necessarily a rebel."
Kasparian says members of the club are basically sharing their blessings and good fortune. They love their bikes and love to ride them. He thinks they are lucky to be able to afford motorcycles that cost anywhere between 30 to 50 thousand dollars on up. "We are blessed, and we are spoiled," says Kasparian. "For example, you go to Armenia, and those guys are piecing their bikes together. They take parts from old bikes, Russian bikes, and as long as it’s rolling, and it looks like a bike, they ride."
The Hye Riders say they share their blessings by reaching out to those in need at home and overseas. The club often rides out to Southern California neighborhoods where the homeless congregate . These Armenian bikers take the homeless food and clothing, and not just during the holidays but throughout the year.
The bike club also takes regularly scheduled rides to Armenian retirement homes, taking food to the seniors, sitting down and spending time with the elders. They also visit Armenian schools and participate in April 24 memorials. Their annual genocide commemoration ride is mandatory for each member to attend. Other rides and meetings may be skipped by members if they have family or work related responsibilities.
"We’re all family members, and we have businesses," says Kasparian. "To us, number one is your family and your business. If you cannot attend, the reason is going to be that you have a function with your family or business." After they meet their personal responsibilities, the Hye Riders pour their energy and resources into their bikes.
"Riding a Harley or a motorcycle is a whole different life," says Kasparian. "You get on a bike, and you change. Your attitude changes. You’re a happier person. It’s really enjoyable. But most of all, what turns us on, especially in the Armenian community are the tricolor we wear on our back. We are representing Armenians, and we have to show the good sides of Armenians."
(Editor's note: For more information about joining HyeRiders or to support the club's annual toy drive, visit the web site www.hyeriders.com)
