This summer, a couple from Ohio is embarking on a remarkable journey, traveling through 22 states in just 22 days on their Harley-Davidsons to highlight veteran suicide awareness. Residents of Chattanooga are invited to join Jason and Angela McStache on Monday, June 9, for the White Harley-Davidson Veteran Suicide Awareness Ride.
When Jason McStache returned from his service during Desert Storm, his wife Angela noticed he had changed significantly.
Angela shared, “Today Jason is a 100% disabled US Army veteran, with his diagnosis stemming from PTSD and TBI. He faces new challenges each day.”
Despite the hurdles, Angela and Jason maintain strong family connections and a solid support network.
“Recognizing the daily struggles we experience, we cannot fathom what veterans without support must endure,” Angela expressed. “Many veterans confront these issues alone, leading to despair and, tragically, suicide.”
This is why they are raising awareness around “The 22,” the alarming average number of veterans who take their lives daily.
As they ride across 22 states in 22 days, all funds raised will be donated to S.T.R.I.V.E. (Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans) at Ohio State University. They are teaming up with motorcycle dealerships, riding clubs, veteran organizations, and local businesses to engage others in their mission, including in Chattanooga.
The Veteran Suicide Awareness Ride will take place on Monday, June 9, as part of the couple’s 18th state stop. Kickstands will go up at 10:30 AM after an initial gathering at White Lightning Harley Davidson starting at 9:00 AM.
The ride will span three hours. Participants will start at White Lightning Harley Davidson on Lee Highway and finish at Frazier’s Harley-Davidson.
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<p>George and Renata Zumberge found themselves in a familiar setting, one they have visited countless times before.</p>
<p>On Saturday morning, the Bernville couple perched on their Harleys, their engines rumbling beneath them. It was a space filled with comfort and happiness for both of them.</p>
<p>Yet, Saturday felt a bit different. It wasn’t quite the same as all those previous rides.</p>
<p>This time, they were clad in nothing but their underwear.</p>
<p>It might seem like the stuff of nightmares, the kind that awakens you in panic during the night. However, the Zumberges embraced the moment with grins on their faces.</p>
<p>Their playful exhibitionism served a very noble purpose.</p>
<p>The couple joined numerous motorcycle enthusiasts at Classic Harley-Davidson for the 4th annual Undy 500. This event challenges participants to navigate an obstacle course on their chosen bikes while wearing only their underwear, all to promote awareness of colorectal cancer prevention.</p>
<p>The Zumberges expressed their joy in participating, even if it meant showcasing a little more than usual.</p>
<p>“It’s still more clothes than a swimsuit, so what’s the difference?” George remarked, donning a white undershirt and leopard-print boxers.</p>
<p>Having been loyal customers of the Bern Township dealership for over a decade, George mentioned that they had heard about the event for a while, but Saturday marked their first time riding in their underwear.</p>
<p>“This is for a great cause, and something we believe is important,” Renata stated, smiling as she stood beside her bike in a lacy undershirt and silky bloomers. “Besides, we love doing quirky things.”</p>
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<img decoding="async" class="lazyautosizes lazyload" alt="Kyle and Erica Wennell of Bern Township take a spin through the inflatable colon during the fourth annual Undy Run on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Classic Harley Davidson in Bern Township. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)" width="3000" height="457" data-sizes="auto" src="https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4741-1.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1" data-attachment-id="2133030" srcset="https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4741-1.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1 620w,https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4741-1.jpg?fit=780%2C9999px&ssl=1 780w,https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4741-1.jpg?fit=810%2C9999px&ssl=1 810w,https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4741-1.jpg?fit=1280%2C9999px&ssl=1 1280w,https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4741-1.jpg?fit=1860%2C9999px&ssl=1 1860w"/>
<figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Kyle and Erica Wennell of Bern Township take a spin through the inflatable colon during the fourth annual Undy Run on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Classic Harley Davidson in Bern Township. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)</figcaption>
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<p>Colorectal cancer stands as the second leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women in the U.S., affecting approximately 150,000 individuals annually—one-third of whom may succumb to the disease. This is primarily due to the fact that 1 in 3 Americans, even with insurance, skip recommended screenings.</p>
<p>My Gut Instinct officials aim to alter that statistic. The nonprofit educated attendees at the event about the ease of colorectal cancer screening.</p>
<p>Dr. Aparna Mele, a physician at Digestive Disease Associates in West Reading, founded the nonprofit to encourage individuals to take charge of their digestive health and wellness.</p>
<p>“Our goal is to raise awareness regarding the significance of screening,” she stated.</p>
<p>Dr. Mele collaborated with Classic Harley-Davidson to reach a demographic, particularly men aged 45 to 65, who require education about colorectal cancer. She explained that the goal of the event is to utilize humor to address what can be a frightening subject.</p>
<p>“This community possesses a strong camaraderie, and having Harley’s support is invaluable; if Harley endorses colonoscopies as cool, it lends credibility to the screening process,” she added.</p>
<p>Every participant who completed a lap around the course received a complimentary pair of boxers featuring the Harley and My Gut Instinct logos, a free stool testing kit, and a coupon for a free motorcycle oil change at the dealership for those who commit to their first colonoscopy within the year.</p>
<p>“We’re embracing the theme of cleaning your pipes,” Mele chuckled.</p>
<p>Early detection significantly increases the success of treatment, and regular screenings play a vital role in this.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="lazyautosizes lazyload" alt="Shannon McBride of Exeter Township takes her grandmother Miriam Steffey, 94, of Mohnton through the obstacle course during the fourth annual Undy Run on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Classic Harley Davidson in Bern Township. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)" width="3000" height="457" data-sizes="auto" src="https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4742-1.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1" data-attachment-id="2133031" srcset="https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4742-1.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1 620w,https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4742-1.jpg?fit=780%2C9999px&ssl=1 780w,https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4742-1.jpg?fit=810%2C9999px&ssl=1 810w,https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4742-1.jpg?fit=1280%2C9999px&ssl=1 1280w,https://www.readingeagle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REG-L-UndyRun4742-1.jpg?fit=1860%2C9999px&ssl=1 1860w"/>
<figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Shannon McBride of Exeter Township takes her grandmother Miriam Steffey, 94, of Mohnton through the obstacle course during the fourth annual Undy Run on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Classic Harley Davidson in Bern Township. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)</figcaption>
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This initiative, presented by Bannister Ford Penticton, features a custom-built chopper, being hand-crafted from January to April, where one fortunate supporter will win this dream bike.
The fundraiser honors the memory of Jerome Abraham, the former executive director of Discovery House, who sadly passed away last year after battling cancer.
A 1971 Harley Davidson rigid frame Springer is being uniquely crafted by a dedicated team of volunteers, led by Darrell Richards at his motorcycle shop, Sinister Speed Co.
The bike is being constructed from the ground up, with meticulous attention given to the frame and finishing paintwork.
Although he didn’t succeed, the aspiration to host another chopper fundraiser continued.
Board member Jimmy Slimz mentioned that he and Richards presented the idea to the board around six months ago. They successfully secured funding, purchased a frame, and commenced the bike-building process.
“An essential part of that goal was to involve the clients at Discovery House,” Slimz explained. “Every Wednesday night, we invite two clients to join us for about three hours to work on the bike.”
Richards noted that a key condition for using his workshop was ensuring client participation.
“Discovery House kindly allowed clients to come to the shop,” he said. “It’s been a valuable experience; it offers me insight into their daily lives.”
On Wednesday, Jason Schafer and Shannon Masuskapoe, both participating in recovery for over 80 days, joined Slimz and Richards.
Masuskapoe mentioned being “voluntold” to help, which he welcomed.
“It’s teaching me how to engage with the community rather than just take from it. I want to give back,” he said. “I aim to raise awareness about addiction and mental health, as there’s a stigma surrounding addiction.”
Schafer shared that he has a background with motorcycles.
“It brings back fond memories of childhood when I wasn’t getting into trouble,” he added. “It’s an enriching experience. It warms my heart to know I’m part of something meaningful.”
Slimz, who was a client at the house a decade ago, views this project as a way to give back and support those currently in the program.
As of mid-February, the team has invested countless hours into building the bike.
“We’re nearing the completion of the mock-up stage, meaning the bike is assembled as we envision it,” Slimz noted.
After that, the bike will be disassembled again for painting and additional customizations.
“Once that’s done, we’ll reassemble the bike with the clients for the final touches.”
The four participants expressed their pride in the progress achieved so far.
Richards described the bike as a “rolling piece of art symbolizing sobriety and new beginnings.”
The fundraiser is currently seeking businesses and individuals to become sponsors.
“We are still on the lookout for more sponsors,” Slimz said. “This requires comprehensive support from local businesses, residents, and, of course, our shared time to bring it all together. So, there’s been significant involvement from all sectors.”
“For Jimmy and me, especially as passionate riders, motorcycles mean more than just machines—they embody personality and life, and this one is already establishing its own identity.”
The chopper has temporarily been named Hope.
Once the bike is finalized, it will be revealed in a special ceremony to commence raffle ticket sales.
Raffle tickets will be available from May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025.
During this period, the bike will feature in a community roadshow, appearing at local events like Peachfest and the beach cruise.
All proceeds will directly benefit Discovery House, which offers support for wellness, recovery, and improved quality of life for individuals facing addiction challenges.
The winner will be announced in November 2025.
For more details on sponsorship, contact community engagement coordinator Dennis Sweetnam at [email protected] or call 778-931-1464.
