May 8, 2012 — The air buzzed like a chainsaw as more than 175 motorcyclists and riders roared down Main Street in Susanville, Sunday, April 29 and pulled into Larry’s Spirit to gas up and have lunch provided by Hart’s Cafe.

The riders were members of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America and the weeklong motorcycle ride across America is in its 18th year of raising funds and awareness for Victory Junction, a camp created to benefit children with chronic or life threatening illnesses.

The camp, which was founded by NASCAR former Sprint Cup driver Kyle Petty, raises about $1 million dollars each year during the annual ride. More than one fifth of the riders will travel more than 2,500 miles from April 28 to May 4.

The Susanville Police Department and the Patriot Guard Riders escorted the riders into town on Highway 36.

Susanville residents gathered at Larry’s Spirit and Kyle Petty and the other riders spent more than an hour signing autographs and chatting with fans.

Cameron Jordan from Savannah, Ga. said he’s really been enjoying the western scenery. “It’s beautiful here, totally different from where I live,” he said. “And the weather couldn’t be better. Where else do you see people walking around in tank tops with snow capped mountains behind them?”

Jordan will be taking part in the entire ride and said he’s looking forward to the ride through Nevada as well.

He said, “I came along for the whole ride. It’s all about raising money for the camps.”

According to Kyle Petty’s Facebook page, “Since its formation, approximately 7,000 riders have logged more than 10.1 million cumulative motorcycle miles and traveled through 48 states. Most importantly, the Ride has donated more than $14.5 million to Victory Junction and various children’s charities.”