Kyle, Richard Petty and more stop in Sherman for charity ride across America

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride stopped in Sherman Wednesday.

Several special guests made an appearance to fuel up and eat on their sixth day of riding across America for a good cause.

Pouring rain and wind didn't stop 250 motorcycle riders from taking to the highways Wednesday and making a pit stop in Sherman.

Former NASCAR driver and NBC sports analyst Kyle Petty began the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across American 25 years ago. It benefits Victory Junction, a camp for kids with chronic or serious illnesses. The nine day began in Seattle, Washington and ends in Key Largo, Florida.

Kyle was given keys to the city and the Sherman High School band performed.

"That will bring a smile to a kids face, to know they're not alone," said Herschel Walker. "That's why I do this ride."

Former NFL star and Heisman winner Walker has been riding for 15 years.

Kyle's dad, retired NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty, also stopped in Sherman for the ride's sixth day.

"It's been a great experience," Richard Pett said. "People have been turning out to support Kyle and the camp also."

Riders were served Chick-fil-A, a big supporter of the event. It's Chick-fil-A operator Ross Cathy's 10th year.

"Our love for motorcycles started with my granddad Truett who was the founder of Chick-fil-A. We grew up riding."

Locals like Erik Balodis got to see their heroes like Richard Petty.

"29 years ago he was at the New Hampshire Speedway, and my daughter was two and a half, and knew how to say Richard Petty."

He remembers security telling them they weren't allowed to see Richard.

"I was upset. Then Richard said, you let that little girl and her daddy through," he remembers. "When I told him, he had a tear, and I had a tear."

The ride has raised $18 million in its 25 year tenure to send more than 8000 kids to camp.

"This ride is responsible for sending 8000 to camp free of charge," Kyle Petty said. "Riding in the wind and rain doesn't mean much."

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