Survivors of the Victorian bushfire disaster described blazes racing up the valley as sounding like rolling thunder.But thunder of a different kind will roll into Wollongong next week when up to 200 Harley Davidson motorcycles ride into town as part of a "Ride of Fire" fund-raising appeal.The brainchild of Queensland advertising executive Boyd Jackson, the Ride of Fire will start in Cairns today before reaching Victoria on March 10.Next Monday, the Illawarra chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) will bring the ride to Wollongong as they host the Sydney to Canberra leg.They will be raising funds for both bushfire and North Queensland flood victims by presenting supporters with a unique opportunity. The experience of riding with the group to Goulburn and back as a pillion passenger is available to people who donate by auction to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal on the day. Supporters who win an auction can hitch a ride on a HOG member's bike at Fraser Motorcycles, Fairy Meadow, at 10am next Monday. Illawarra HOG assistant director Steve Lunam said becoming part of the "rolling thunder" and riding with a large group was exceptional. "It's sheer exhilaration, there's nothing else like it," Mr Lunam said. "People have been so generous giving to the bushfire appeal, we wanted to give something back to them while helping the Victorian cause." The nine-day ride will stop 30 times between Cairns and Victoria, giving dozens of communities an opportunity to help. Albion Park resident Bob Johnston will lead the group on the ride to Goulburn. He said donating to the ride was a win-win situation. "Around $150 or so is nothing to pay for the ride of your life," he said."A similar Harley tour would normally cost over $600." For more details: www.rideoffire.com or call Fraser Motorcycles on 4283 0800.