Happy Trails Honors U.S. Military on         11-11-11

Kevin Dixon grand prize winner in Give Thanks motorcycle giveaway contest

When Tim Bernard decided to say "Thank You" to U.S. military men and women for service to their country, he did it in the way he knows best — by giving away a motorcycle. He wanted to make
"a real and also symbolic gift." With the support of his wife and Happy Trails co-founder, Sherry Bernard, Tim launched the Give Thanks Project last spring.

From June through August, a highly modified KLR650 stood prepped and ready on the showroom floor, while Happy Trails received applications from both veterans and active members of the US military. When the contest closed, "Suspense was high", say Happy Trails' staffers. 11 semi-finalists were selected, then five finalists, followed by a five day countdown from 4th runner-up to the grand prize winner.

Tim and Sherry Bernard presented the keys to grand prize winner Master Sergeant Kevin Dixon of Meridian, Idaho, on 11-11-11 at the Happy Trails Event Center. Helping to celebrate the occasion was 580KIDO's Kevin Miller serving as master of ceremonies.

Dixon's dream of riding to Alaska is a couple of years closer now that the Give Thanks bike is in his garage. "I'm honored and I'm humbled", he said. He will leave the paint and decal scheme on the Give Thanks bike, as well as adding decals of the official seal for each branch of the military, to remind everyone to give thanks to our military men and women.

Joining Happy Trails in thanks with additional gifts for Dixon, as well as four runners-up, are sponsors Rawhyde Adventures, WPS/FLY Racing, Klim Technical Gear, Progressive Suspension, Ricor Shocks, Woody's Wheel Works, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires and "Condor 13″, C Troop 2/17th Air Cavalry, 101st ABN Division, 1969/70.

For more information read their Sound RIDER! feature .

SR!/Fall 11