A popular recreation locally, many residents cannot wait for the opportunity to pull out their motorcycles the first chance they get, riding the machines until the cold of winter forces them back inside their automobiles.

Just like for the rest of us, however, the heat of the sun is unbearable during the summer months, with temperatures reaching near the century mark.

For the past few years, Habitat for Humanity has scheduled its largest fundraiser of the year, its annual Motorcycle Ride and Car Show for June, hoping to capitalize on the flexibility in schedules the summer season provides in addition to its clear skies. Though the event was successful, the heat proved to be unbearable for participants who spent much of the afternoon at the mercy of the sun.

Knowing the summer heat has an impact on attendance and more importantly the flow of donations to the nonprofit group, organizers have moved the yearly staple in the community calendar from June to September.

"More people would be apt to tag along if the weather was cooler," said Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Christa Smith.

Habitat is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that works in partnership with all people in need to build decent, affordable housing. The houses are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.

Selected homeowners pay for their own homes.

All proceeds from the motorcycle ride and car show will assist the local branch in building more homes in Cherokee County for less fortunate families, Smith said. This year's event will take place Sept. 26. Motorcycle riders will leave from Gaffney Middle School at 10 a.m., with participants meeting up with community residents at the Cherokee Shrine Club at noon for the car show portion of the day.

Last year's event drew a crowd of more than 70 riders. Smith said the organization hopes to bring in at least 200 local residents this year, also setting a goal of raising at least $10,000.

"This has become an annual event for everyone in Cherokee County," Smith said. "It is a great way to involve not only motorcycle riders and car show enthusiasts, but also the people of the community."

Funds from the motorcycle ride and car show go toward the organization's construction on homes in the Hope Acres subdivision, a Gaffney neighborhood built and developed by the nonprofit organization.

Smith said Habitat is in the process of building two homes and renovating another. All three homes are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The cost for the motorcycle ride is $25, which includes a shirt, lunch and prizes. There is no charge to attend the car show.

For more information, contact Smith at (864) 488- 1444; or send an e-mail to habitatcherokee@bellsouth. net.