Summer weather illuminates the perfect excuse to saddle up and hit the open road. It's not hard to prod the avid motorcyclist to ride so why not turn a love of bikes into a fund-raising machine?
Rides and rallies for various charities and even individuals needing assistance take place every weekend all year long and simply explode during the summer months. Typically a few bucks gets you registered and a place in line along with sometimes dozens, usually hundreds and occasionally thousands of other riders and their passengers. Fund-raising motorcycle rides tend to mix it up between poker runs with multiple stops and straight-up cruises along wide open country roads and then back for a big party.
Joining a ride or rally is a great way to meet new people, build camaraderie with other bikers and contribute to your community where help is needed. If you're an organizer of a ride or plan on participating in one, please let us know and we'll do our best to add your event to our weekly list of rides and rallies around the country.
Rides Scheduled this Weekend
Oregon State HOG Rally July 25-27: A number of rides planned in Oregon country over the weekend as Pendleton hosts the opening ceremonies for the 3rd time. Pre-registration is closed. Onsite registration is 12 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Wildhorse Resort and Casino, 46510 Wildhorse Blvd. in Pendleton, OR.
Sgt. Trey Mesa Memorial Run July 27: This ride raises fund to help pay funeral costs for Sgt. Trey Mesa who was killed in a motorcycle accident in May. Register online or in person. Multi stop ride starts at 10 a.m. at Fatty's, 1717 2nd St. in Seabrook, TX.
Ride Against Blood Cancers July 27: The 4th annual Ride Against Blood Cancers benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Northern Ohio chapter. Registration starts at 10 a.m. and kickstands up at 11 a.m. Saturday at Columbia Station VFW Post 9340, 25742 Royalton Road in Columbia Station, OH.
Bikers for Babies July 27: The March of Dimes benefits from the 11th annual Bikers for Babies. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at Ted's Motorcycle World, 4103 Humbert Road in Alton, IL. Kickstands up at 12 p.m.
Belly Button Run July 27: The 2nd annual Belly Button Run benefits the University of Nebraska Medical Center for Gastroschisis research. Registration is at 11 a.m. at Kerry's, 119 N. 1st Ave. in McCool Junction, NE.
Rita's Ride July 27: Rita's Ride raises money for the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. Register online or in person from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Rex's Innkeeper, 301 N. Century Ave. in Waunakee, WI.
Cave Spring Motorcycle Rally July 27: This inaugural rally includes a poker run and bike show. Cost is $10. Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday at Big Cedar Creek, 100 Davis Road in Cave Spring, GA.
Troop Ride July 27: The 6th annual Troop Ride is a multi-stop ride around the Finger Lakes area of New York. Ride benefits the USO and starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at 1316 College Ave. in Elmira NY.
Ride for Kids July 28: Ride for Kids benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and features numerous rides throughout the country during the year. This weekend kickstands are up in Kansas City, KS, Knoxville, TN, and Marysville, OH.