WEST HARTFORD, Conn. By most standards longtime West Hartford resident Sue Petruzzi is conventional in many ways. Petruzzi and her husband, Mark, have been married for 30 years an unusual feat these days. The pair has raised two children, both of whom have gone on to become successful professionals one in Philadelphia and another in Washington D.C. On the other hand, few may know it, but this fit, attractive woman is also an Iron Maiden, saddling up to a 2007 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider. Now she’s putting her family on hold and revving up to go HOG wild with other equally enthusiastic Iron Maidens but all for a worthy cause of course.

"I don’t have anyone in my family with multiple sclerosis; I am not personally affected by MS, but I enjoy being part of the cure," says Petruzzi, who rides in the annual MS Motorcycle Ride as a founding member of the Iron Maidens & The Band of Brothers motorcycle team. "To raise money and awareness to help people with MS and their families brings me joy. What better way to do something of worth than by riding my motorcycle."

The Iron Maidens & The Band of Brothers was named the 2007 MS Motorcycle Ride top fundraisers. Although the annual ride will not take place until July, this year the team is getting an early start raising funds by teaming up with City Sports Grill in Bristol, Conn., to host the first Iron Maidens’ HOG Wild Pig Roast Saturday, May 17. The event will benefit the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter 2008 MS Motorcycle Ride and the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents battling the unpredictable effects of multiple sclerosis.

The event features a pig roast with the all the fixins, two kegs of Miller Lite, courtesy of Rogo Distributors, a motorcycle contest, live bands and acoustic rock originals by West Hartford resident Sean Rivers. The roast will also feature a 50/50 drawing, give-a-ways, drawings for prizes and much more.

"The Iron Maidens is on a quest to double the number of team members and more than triple the amount raised by the team last year," said Butler, team captain and the owner of a 2006 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob. "Bikers are generous and always ready to support worthy causes. Bikers now have and opportunity to unite tires to pavement and hearts to a worthy cause heading for an adventure-laden destination to a cure."

Last year's benefit ride attracted more than 1,200 bikers and raised more than $40,000. The 2008 MS Motorcycle Ride will start and finish this year at Cadillac Ranch in Southington, Conn., Sunday, July 20. Details can be found at www.ctfightsMS.org.

The Iron Maidens’ HOG Wild Pig Roast and Miller Lite tasting will be held at Spare Time/City Sports Grill, located at 177 Farmington Ave., in Bristol, Conn., Saturday, May 17, from 5 to 11 p.m.

There is a $25 fee. In the case of rain, the event will be held on Saturday, May 31.

"I remember last years ride. The streets lined with people, and many had signs thanking the riders," remembers Petruzzi. "The support was so moving to me. I look forward to it again this year and I encourage any rider out there to join our team and feel the power of community helping one another one bike, one donation, one ride at a time. But first come on out and go HOG wild!"

Iron Maidens’ HOG Wild Pig Roast sponsors and partners include City Sports Grill, Rog Distributors and Miller Lite, 4everdesign.net and Integrity Graphics. To learn more about City Sports Grill, please call 860-852-9668. For more information on the HOG Wild Pig Roast, please contact Karen Butler at kbutler@ctfightsMS.org. To join the 2008 Iron Maidens & The Band of Brothers MS Motorcycle Ride team, please e-mail Karen Butler or call 860-714-2300, ext. 230.

3/10/08

CUTLINE 0316 (from left to right): Iron Maidens MS Motorcycle Ride team members Sue Petruzzi, riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider; and team captain Karen Butler, riding a 2006 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob, lead a pack on a 40-mile ride to Hebron Lions Fairgrounds at the 2007 MS Motorcycle Ride on July 20. The Iron Maidens & The Band of Brothers was named top fundraising team, collecting more than $3,000 to help in the fight against multiple sclerosis.

CUTLINE PETRUZZI_BUTLER: Iron Maidens team member Sue Petruzzi, a resident of West Hartford; and team captain Karen Butler, a resident of Manchester, attend the National MS Society All Stars award ceremony at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville in November. The pair accepted the top team fundraising award for raising the most money in the 2007 MS Motorcycle Ride event. The Iron Maidens & The Band of Brothers are currently seeking additional members.