A cross country motorcycle charity ride with celebrities, sports stars and big-hearted bikers sets off from California today led by famous NASCAR driver Kyle Petty.

Celebrating its sixteenth ride, more than 200 riders are scheduled to set out from Indian Wells, California with a destination of Victory Junction in Randleman, N.C.. A year-round camp for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses, Victory Junction is also the main beneficiary of the ride.

Started in 1995 when NASCAR driver Kyle Petty combined his passion for helping others and a love of motorcycles, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has not only racked up the fund raising miles, 9.1 million to be precise, but also helped children’s charities with more than $13 million in donations.

Victory Junction began with a dream and the dreamer was Kyle's son, Adam Petty. Today, Adam's dream lives on in the hearts of the children that attend Victory Junction, a medical camp dedicated to enriching the lives of children with medical conditions or serious illnesses such as cancer, hemophilia, spina bifida, epilepsy and more.

“With the economy continuing to struggle, these children and their families need our support now more than ever,” said Petty. “Victory Junction provides life-changing opportunities for deserving children and their families and it’s our hope that we are able to raise funds to impact many lives, despite the current economic challenges. Pattie and I are excited to hit the road with our fellow riders, sponsors and fans again this year. Riding across America provides unforgettable memories and lasting friendships for everyone involved.”

The Ride will travel from Indian Wells, Calif. to Victory Junction in Randleman, N.C., to raise awareness and funds for Victory Junction. As they travel across the country, the Charity Ride participants will greet fans and supporters at overnight stops in North Las Vegas, Nev.; Richfield, Utah; Durango, Colo.; Amarillo, Texas; Texarkana, Texas; Choctaw, Miss.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Asheville, N.C.

But the fundraising efforts began nearly a month ago with a call out from event organizers to the general public and corporations to create ‘Dream Teams’ to raise money for and awareness of the Charity Ride prior to its arrival in the overnight stops taken by Kyle Petty and the group of riders.

Ride organizers allow the volunteers to decide how to raise the funds as well as increasing public awareness for the ride and charities benefiting from the event.

For motorcycle enthusiasts unable to make either the rode or other fundraising events, video and photographs taken from the ride will be updated regularly and posted on the event’s website.