The only thing larger than NFL player Eric Ghiaciuc’s rather imposing 6-4 frame is his heart.
That’s why for the second straight year the 2000 Oxford High School graduate is putting on the Rubber & Roads motorcycle ride Saturday, July 9 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
‘The purpose of the ride is to honor Anna Boeck,? said Ghiaciuc, referring to his brother’s fiancee who died of leukemia in January 2010, shortly after being diagnosed.
Registration will take place at the Oxford Tap (36 S. Washington St.) from 9-11 a.m and include free coffee and doughnuts.
Cost is $20 per rider ? or $30 per couple ? and includes patches and a hog roast dinner.
Ghiaciuc, who’s played professional football for the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Miami Dolphins, will give a short speech at 11 a.m., after which the nearly 100-mile ride will commence.
From Oxford, the riders will travel to and stop at Chicky’s Paradise Saloon in Almont, the Hitch-N-Post in Lapeer, Madden’s Lounge in Davison, Bottoms Up Food & Spirits in Holly, and finally back to the Oxford Tap.
‘It will be a good time,? said Ghiaciuc, who’s currently a free agent in the NFL. ‘We’re going to be taking a lot of back roads through the country.?
Last year, about 75 riders participated. Ghiaciuc’s hoping to ‘break 100? this time.
When everyone arrives back at the Tap around 5 p.m., there will be plenty to eat, music, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and a best bike prize.
‘I’ve got a lot of autographed football items from different pro athletes and a couple from myself,? Ghiaciuc noted.
Even if you don’t own a motorcycle or ride in the event, Ghiaciuc is encouraging everyone to come on down to the Oxford Tap to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and enjoy the hog roast.
‘There will be a lot going on,? he said. ‘Mike Phipps and the Tap do an excellent job. The food’s always terrific.?
For more information, please call (248) 431-8910 or e-mail ghiaciuc53@gmail.com.
Information can also be found by visiting www.rubberandroads.net.