The ground shakes and the air rumbles as hundreds of Harleys rain down on Suite 1828 in Merrick. The metal horde fills all three lanes of Sunrise Highway, pulling up and quickly overtaking the parking lot and street. Riders in full biker regalia with leather vests, bandanas, beards and tattoos, make for a rough, tough intimidating crowd, but the reality is far different.

Suite 1828 was the final stop for the Rocking the Road for a Cure’s annual Motorcycle Run for Breast Cancer. In its seventh year, the charity ride drew some 250 motorcycle riders who traveled through Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties raising money and awareness for breast cancer.

Rocking the Road for a Cure provides free support services for people getting cancer treatment. The organization provides everything from yoga and massage to cleaning services, transportation and meals to those undergoing radiation and/or chemotherapy. All for free.

Outside Suite 1828, the riders swapped bike stories, showed off the paint jobs, polished chrome and talked modification plans. Many participate in the run year after year as a way to give back to the community, honor those they know with cancer or those they lost.

Founder and co-president of Rocking the Road for a Cure Dawn Frey said the organization allocates $1,000 per individual. That money can go to any combination of the services Rocking the Road for a Cure provides. Money is raised through motorcycle runs, fashion shows, concerts and private events.

Inside Suite 1828 an impressive line-up of rock bands including Lady Sabbath, MegaHertz, Helter Skelter and more played and outside fired up grills dishes out barbeques. A run-of the mill weekend party for a cause.