Bikers motor into Merced on mission for holiday giving

DOS PALOS — The ground veritably shook as 150 choppers, hogs, cruisers and other motorcycles rolled into Dos Palos on Saturday.

The American Legion Riders and other motorcycle clubs met at the Dos Palos Y, the intersection of Highways 152 and 33, rode to the Merced County Courthouse in Merced and handed out Easter baskets to children who lined up around the building.

Bill “Bunker” Roller, president of Santa Clara’s American Legion Riders District 13, said the image of the burly, surly biker is not always accurate.

“Most bikers I know have great hearts,” Roller said. “They’re the kind of people that would definitely put out to help out anybody else, but you just got to treat them right.”

Roller said the basket giveaway, in its third year, started in 2009 as a way to buck up the spirits of the children of farmers who were financially affected when state and federal officials shut down access to water to protect fish.

“We started with 22 motorcycles at that time,” Roller said.

Nancy Engkilterra, a member of the National League of POW/MIA Families motorcycle club, said the second year’s giveaway ran out of baskets and had to scramble to meet the needs of the community.

“This year, we don’t have that problem,” Engkilterra said, standing in front of the more than 600 baskets that filled the Dos Palos City Council chambers.

A mother of four, Engkilterra said her children are grown and too old for Easter baskets.

“So, when we get to do this for kids that need a little bit of help and need a little bit of happiness in their life — absolutely, that’s what it’s all about,” she said.

Patty Morales of Dos Palos said she got in line outside the courthouse at about 8:30 a.m. for the noon event.

Morales said times are tough and the basket is welcome.

“It’s a great help,” Morales said. “I have three kids and it helps.”