Motocycle ride to benefit Guide Dogs of America

The unseasonably cool and wet weather held down the turnout but didn’t dampen the spirits of motorcycle enthusiasts who took part in Puppy Putt 8, a ride to benefit Guide Dogs of America.

More than 100 riders came participated, raising more than $7,000 in cash donations for the charity. Sponsors donated another $3,000 worth of prizes for participants.

There were two starting points for the ride, at Northwest Harley-Davidson in Lacey and at Sound Harley-Davidson in Marysville. The two groups met at Downtown Harley Davidson on East Valley Road in Renton, for a motorcycle show that included music, food and dancing.

The International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers is a major supporter of Guide Dogs of America, which provides trained seeing-eye dogs for people across the United States and Canada who are blind or have impaired vision.