Motorcycle Ride This Weekend to Benefit Autism Speaks

A local celebrity tattoo artist will combine two passions this weekend for a great cause.

Anthony Rodriguez, better known as 'Tattoo Tony', is best known for his work with Poison frontman Bret Michaels.

This Saturday he will team up with local businesses for a motorcycle ride/tattoo event to benefit Autism Speaks.

The bike ride starts at 2 p.m. at Stewart's Root Beer off the Rt. 33/34/547 circle in Wall. There will be four stops, ending at Tony's tattoo parlor, Under My Skin Tattoo Studio at 73 Memorial Parkway (Rt. 36) in Atlantic Highlands.

Tony's studio will donate 25% of Saturday's studio profits to Autism Speaks. There is a $20 registration/donation fee for the bike run, with all proceeds going to the charity.

There will also be music, vendors, auction items, raffle prizes, and WWE stars on-site at the studio's event, starting at noon.

Tony told me via Facebook that this cause is important to him because he has two nephews with autism.

'I believe in giving back. This is one way for me to be able to give back in my life,' he said.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tony about a year ago, and I can tell you, he's one of the genuinely nicest people I've ever met.

Tony is instantly recognizable by the tribal tattoo on his face. It may be off-putting for some, but if you talk to him and learn the history of his tattoo (it's a nod to his family and heritage), you easily see the beauty in it.

You will also quickly learn that aside from his role as celebrity tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and reality show star, Tony's favorite role is being a father to his young son, Ray. He's an awesome guy.

If you're interested in participating in the bike run, you can go right to Stewart's Root Beer on Saturday.

For more information, you can call Under My Skin Studio at 732-872-4092.