Just 7-1/2 years old, she loves the roar of the engines, the colorful machines, the chance to take a ride in a sidecar.

Most of all, she loves it when each September, some 200 biker dudes and biker chicks gather at Riders Cafe in Waterbury for a ride and a cookout, and she's the guest of honor.

Alexis Charbonneau's eighth annual Benefit Ride is set for Sunday, September 20, and everyone's invited.

Lexi was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, "brittle bone disease," a condition that has caused her to suffer 65 fractures in her young life.

She is unable to walk and can't run and play like other children her age; a simple tumble could cause multiple broken bones and a host of other problems.

Lexi lives in Plainville with her mom, Deborah, and rides the bus to Linden Street Elementary School, where she is a first grader.

This year, Lexi is planning to be the "teacher's helper." She is repeating first grade, having missed several months last year.

In November, Lexi fell down and broke her femur and spent several months in a body cast. Then in March, after the cast was removed, she broke the same leg again.

"She's a tough kid," said Deborah. "She bounces back quicker than I do."

Lexi has been under the care of Dr. John Keggi, orthopedic surgeon, since her birth - an event that caused 17 fractures in itself.

"He's had her from Day One," said Deborah. "He's a wonderful doctor. He's always been there for us."

Besides motorcycles, Lexi enjoys swimming and being a Daisy Girl Scout.

"I'm turning into a Brownie!" she told Voices. "Tonight is my bridging ceremony!"

Though currently living in Plainville, the Charbonneaus are well known in Southbury. Deborah is a former Southbury resident and drove a Region 15 school bus in the 1980s.

Southbury residents Katie Beardsley of Beardsley Excavating and Holly Hageman of Ridgetop Engraving are among the sponsors of the ride.

"Everybody in town knows Lexi," said Holly.

"She has such a wonderful attitude," said Katie. "Whenever I'm having a bad day, I call her on the phone and she cheers me right up."

"Once people meet Lexi, they never forget her," said Deborah. "People have shown us so much love and support over the years. I'm so grateful for that."

Deborah told Voices that while her daughter's medical care is covered by insurance, much of the specialized equipment and home modifications that keep her safe are not.

Over the years, the benefit bike ride has provided funds for such items. This year, Deborah hopes to install a new safety bathtub for Lexi and build a ramp at the back of their house to accommodate Lexi's power wheelchair.

"Once I heard about this, I wanted to make sure this is the biggest fundraiser she's had yet," said Holly. "I'm friends with someone who's connected with lots of bike groups in Connecticut; he's been putting the word out. We even have people coming from New Jersey."

The September 20 event will begin at 10 a.m. at Riders Cafe, 2627 Thomaston Ave., with registration for the bike run.

"We do a nice, scenic route through the back roads of all the small towns," said Deborah. "They make a stop at Jordan's in Southbury, then get back to Riders by 1 p.m."

That's when the cookout begins, with hot dogs, hamburgers, homemade side dishes and salads, cotton candy and home-baked desserts.

"It's the best food ever," said Katie.

There will be live entertainment by the Black Olive Blues Band, and raffles of a number of donated items.

Among the raffle items are a sterling silver cuff bracelet from Gayle O'Neill Jewelry in Southbury, an Avon assortment, a Dunkin' Donuts coffee basket and gift certificates for tattoos and oil changes.

Holly has donated two decorative 12x12 engraved stones on wrought iron stands, one bearing the message "Welcome All Harley Riders," the other inscribed with a blessing for our troops.

Deborah, Katie and Holly are hoping for perfect early-fall weather on the 20th. Heavy rain will cancel the ride, but the cookout, which is under tents, will take place rain or shine.

You don't have to be a motorcycle enthusiast to attend, they said; everyone is invited to the cookout.

Tickets to the benefit ride and cookout are $20 per person, available at the door. Children under age 12 will be admitted free.

Deborah also asks that people bring tabs from soda and beer cans, which she collects for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, Mass., where Lexi receives infusions.

The hospital collects the tabs for recycling, using the money earned to fund treatment for children.

"This is something I can do for them, in return for what they do for us," said Deborah.

Tabs can also be dropped off at Corina's Shear Magic, 1481 Southford Rd., or at the Beardsley home, 805 Jacob Rd.

Meanwhile, if a couple hundred motorcycles pass through your town on September 20, you might want to follow them back to Riders Cafe for a great lunch and a chance to meet the cutest little biker chick of all.

Those seeking additional information about the Alexis Charbonneau Benefit Ride or wishing to donate a raffle prize may call Deborah Charbonneau, 203-509-2292, or Holly Hageman, 203-264-2902.