For over a dozen years Bob Henig, owner of Bob’s BMW has hosted a Sunday morning brunch ride on the Labor Day weekend. It’s grown from a handful of close friends to an average of over 100 fellow riders that past 6 or 7 years. The ride departs the registration area at the Finger Lakes BMW Rally in Watkins Glen, NY at a leisurely 8:30 AM. Participants arrive about an hour later at the Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY having enjoyed what has always proven to be a wonderful morning ride.

The famous old mansion is an amazing place full of local history located at the edge of Seneca Lake. The gourmet brunch they serve is a scrumptious feast. Bob has committed to lead the ride again this year and it takes place on Sunday, September 4. Once it’s over you are in the middle of some absolutely great roads heading off in literally every direction so the rest of the day is yours to enjoy playing on 2 or 3 wheels as you see fit or to spend some time enjoying the structures and grounds at the Belhurst. And yes, should you be in a car you are still welcome to join us so don’t hesitate because it ended up as a non-riding weekend.

True, not everyone enjoys riding in a group but Bob has created this so the timing and the roads make this an exceptionally enjoyable experience even for those less comfortable with bikes all around. The route is completely on wonderful back roads with a short stretch of scenic Route 14 as it follows Seneca Lake until the turn in for Belhurst Castle.

Bob arranged for a comfortable large private room that offers a spectacular lake view and our own wait staff who always provide exceptional service. Everyone always leaves well fed, highly satisfied and feeling like they’ve been a part of something grand --- as they most assuredly have and as a result so many return year after year --- it’s usually a full 10% of those at the rally!

The individual ticket price is a very reasonable $35 per person which covers everything including a very generous donation made directly to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) which sponsors the Ride for Kids events around the country, research to find a cure, education, scholarships for survivors and family support programs. Bob keeps nothing for his time or efforts. Last year this annual event which helped raise over $1,200; Bob’s goal is to hit $1500 in 2011 and you can help. Yes, the PBTF is a fully registered 501c3 so you can claim some of this as a legitimate tax deduction.

Bob strongly suggests that you purchase your tickets in advance. He’s not always on the rally grounds because he rides to this rally to have FUN just like you do! You can buy tickets at Bob’s BMW anytime up to closing time on Tuesday, August 30th in person or on the phone. But the easiest way is to do it online by using this link: TICKETS HERE RIGHT NOW You may also purchase your Brunch Ride tickets directly from Bob at the rally — when you can find him — through Saturday evening September 3. He’s prepared to take cash, credit cards and a personal check if you ask nicely. Please consider rounding it up a bit so he can raise more money to help find a cure and that’s something you can be proud to be part of.

A new group photo like the one you see here will be taken immediately before we eat; you will get a copy by email if you give Bob your address and it will also be on the website for easy downloading. Want to have more fun? Then wear your favorite Bob’s t-shirt that morning wear one of the very special UBR shirts from the past two years since these should be worn very proudly having helped raise almost $200,000 for the PBTF.

Note: for this service there is an additional handling fee of $3.00, but it’s as easy as e-commerce can be. Bob will have your pre-paid ticket waiting for you at the rally, or you can pick it up here at the store, or if you prefer, your ticket(s) can be mailed to you.