Moments before noon on Sunday, the rumble of hundreds of motorcycle engines filled the air in downtown Niles. With a final lift on their kickstands, more than 500 motorcycle riders poured down Front Street and onto Main Street. Spectators on the sidewalk snapped pictures and took video of the miles-long line of flashing chrome and brightly painted choppers.

The more than 60-mile ride was part of the two-day Niles-Burn Run, which culminated Sunday in the traditional motorcycle ride. Proceeds from the ride support youth burn survivors who wish to attend the Great Lakes Burn Camp.

Funds raised for the event were still being counted on Sunday afternoon. Niles Burn Run president Steve Adolph said as of Sunday, they had raised more than $15,000 for the cause. Adolph said they will be able to get a final tally on the amount raised at the end of the month. He said he expects it to be close to $20,000.

“We did good this year,” Adolph said. “I am really happy with that.”

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, multiple activities for the event were available in Riverfront Park, including a car, truck and motorcycle show, food vendors and live music.

While the annual Niles Burn Run supports a worthy cause, it also has the ability to bring riders across the state together to enjoy the scene in southwest Michigan.

Dale Holloway, of Cassopolis, has been riding motorcycles for 50 years. For the past 13, he has ridden in the Niles Burn Run.

“It seemed like a worthwhile cause and many people enjoy it,” Holloway said. “I like being with the people and mingling. It’s a good group of people.”

Sitting on his Harley Davidson, he prepared for the ride with Jamie Hines, his girlfriend of one year. Hines, who is originally from Las Vegas, said she was looking forward to looking at the lush green countryside that makes up southwest Michigan.

In addition to helping youth burn survivors, Holloway said he likes the camaraderie among the riders. At least 15 of his friends who also have a passion for riding motorcycles joined him Sunday in the Niles Burn Run.

Niles’ Dan Etzcorn is also a longtime motorcycle rider. Etzcorn first found his passion for riding at the age of 13. It does not take much to encourage him to get on his bike and ride. In fact, the only thing he really needs is an excuse to ride, he said. The Niles Burn Run offered just that.

“[Riding] is just what we do,” Etzcorn said. 

Bob Cain traveled all the way from Orlando, Florida to participate in the ride. Cain is a former Niles resident and a 1973 graduate of Niles High School. Cain said through the ride he got to meet with at least six other graduates from the same year, who now live outside of the state like himself.

“There are a lot of good friends, old friends and new friends [in the ride],” Cain said.