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“Many of the bikers are vets themselves, but some are not. The biker crowd seems to be very patriotic and very pro-military,” said Joe Stockslager, marketing specialist at Selfridge. “Still, this event is basically for anybody who wants to ride.”

The ride begins at 9 a.m. at the Selfridge Air Museum, where riders will enjoy a continental breakfast and a brief ceremony. The police-escorted ride departs, rain or shine, at 12:30 p.m. and will end around 2 p.m. at Wolverine Harley-Davidson in Clinton Township. At Wolverine, bikers will receive cold refreshments, food, music and live entertainment.

“It is really something to see 800 to 1,000 motorcycles all in one place,” Stockslager said.

The U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal, Wolverine Harley-Davidson and several other businesses sponsor the event.

All makes and models are welcome. Drivers must be licensed operators. Those interested in riding should go to the event’s Web site at www.selfridgemwr.com to download a registration form.

Corporate sponsors are also needed, as are individual sponsors. For more information, call the Selfridge marketing department at 586-307-4159.

Stockslager said the goal for the event is $50,000, all of which will be used to support various programs at the base that boost troop morale, such as holiday-themed parties. Proceeds will also cover the cost of phone cards for troops that are overseas.

“As one who has been to the desert as a support function, I know it can be tough being away from your family for 12 to 15 months,” Stockslager said. “The uncertainty and fears of the unknown can and do cause depression. It is our belief that (morale-boosting) programs do help.”