Rally together on Memorial Day weekend

• What%3A 14th annual Realities Ride %26 Rally
• When%3A Memorial Day Weekend - May 23%2C 10%3A30 am - 9 pm%3B May 24%2C 11 am - 6 pm
• Where%3A Washington Park%3B intersection of Howes St. and Mountain Ave.

Bungie trampolines, a hot wing eating contest, face painting, dunk tanks, a 200-foot zip line down Howes, and free apple pie in Washington Park.

Oh, and of course beer, bicycles, and live music. This is Fort Collins after all.

You'd hardly believe that all of these things are at a motorcycle rally. But then again, you'd also hardly believe that a motorcycle rally is one of the largest fundraisers for abused children in Larimer County.

On Memorial Day weekend, Realities for Children hosts the world's largest motorcycle poker run right in Downtown Fort Collins. The event raised more than $100,000 last year, and 100% of the proceeds go directly towards bringing hope to children who have been abused, neglected, or who are at risk.

"The Realities Ride started as a Motorcycle Poker Run," says Realities for Children President and Founder Craig Secher, "but even before it became recognized as the world's largest by Guinness World Records, it became a community rally for the children it benefits. Our riders come from all walks of life and from all over the country – but they ride to bring freedom to the abused and at-risk children we serve."

But behind the leather, tattoos, and roaring engines of the Realities Ride & Rally is one of Fort Collins' largest family-friendly and most patriotic parties of the year.

The ride itself has grown into a two-day event that encompasses all of Saturday and Sunday on Memorial Day weekend. The event is open to everyone in the community – bikers and non-bikers alike.

The Fort Collins Police Department estimated 15,000 attendees in 2014, and Craig envisions the event becoming a staple in the annual Fort Collins festival circuit.

"What better time to come together as a community and celebrate freedom than Memorial Day weekend when we can honor all those who serve and celebrate this national holiday by making a difference in the lives of children in need."

The weekend opens with the Young Realities Riders Patriotic Bicycle Parade at 11 am – a patriotic kids' version of Tour de Fat. Live music, vendors, beer gardens, and tons of other activities such as a car show, pin-up girl contest, and classic Memorial Day services to honor service members including a 21 gun salute, fireworks, and even a WWII plane flyover round out the weekend as a true community event.

So whether you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, a tricycle, or even a minivan – there's something for everyone to enjoy on Memorial Day weekend at the Realities Ride and Rally. For a full list and schedule of events, visit the Rally homepage for Saturday, and the Ride homepage for Sunday.

For everyone:

• Free apple pie at Washington Park presented by Warren Federal Credit Union
• Colorado Custom Shop's Classic Car Show
• Covenant Tattoo's 200-foot zip line down Howes St.
• Presentation of Colors, 21 gun salute, and Fireworks

For families:

• Young Realities Riders Patriotic Bicycle Parade presented by Colorado Cheer Acedemy [register here]
• Face painting
• Bungie trampolines
• FMX motorcycle stunt shows

For the weekend warrior:

• Budweiser's beer gardens
• Live music from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson Main Stage
• Hooter's wing eating contest
• Hooter's bikini bike wash

For the riders:

• Ride in the world's largest Poker Run and one of the Law Tiger's 100 miles scenic rides [register here]
• Webb's colorfest Tattoo Contest
• Trike racing
• Nearly $10,000 in total prize giveaways

This story is presented by our sponsor Realities for Children.