Kevin Cederstrom
The Ronald McDonald House Benefit Ride website asks the question: What will 2007 bring? Could this year's ride see 1,000 motorcycles? It's not that crazy of an idea, given the ride's rapid growth and success. The RMH Ride quickly jumped from 150 motorcycles the first year in 2002 to an estimated 870 last year, leaving the idea 1,000 is not out of the question.
In 2002 a group of area motorcycle enthusiasts wanted to do something good for people. They organized a ride where they could have fun and do some good, not knowing how popular it would be and how quickly it would grow.
Once this organizing committee picked the Ronald McDonald House of Fargo the idea took off, and hasn't slowed down.
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The RMH Benefit Ride made its mark in the motorcycle world last year with an estimated 870 bikes participating in the ride. The 5th Annual RMH Ride in little old New York Mills became the world's largest motorcycle benefit ride for the Ronald McDonald House organization. The ride raised $82,550 last year for the Fargo Ronald McDonald House and was the most successful in the 5-year history.
Carol Johnson is the Executive Director of the Fargo RMH. She's only been on the job two weeks and quickly familiarized herself with the Mills event.
"We're extremely grateful and simply amazed at what the New York Mills ride organizers are doing for the Ronald McDonald Houses here in Fargo," Johnson said.
Thanks in large part to the NY Mills ride, Fargo RMH now has two houses to serve families throughout the region.
The weekend activities start that Friday (June 8) with two bands - Chain Lightning and Scarlet Haze - starting at 8 p.m. at the V.F.W.
Ride route
The ride leaves the NY Mills V.F.W. at noon, through town on Centennial/87, then north on Highway 67. The first stop is Wolf Lake (12:40-1:40 p.m.). The second stop will be Huntersville (2:15-3:15 p.m.). Towns the ride passes through before returning to Mills include: Wolf Lake, Menahga, Huntersville, Nimrod and Sebeka.
Bike rodeo & pancake breakfast
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In conjunction with the ride there will be a free bike rodeo June 9, starting at 9 a.m. All kids are welcome and have a chance to win one of 20 bikes. There will also be a breakfast that morning put on by the NY Mills Senior Center. The bike rodeo and breakfast will be held at the school this year.
Scooterin' to Sturgis
Dan Dick (Big Dan) of Plum City, Wisconsin is planning to make a trip to Sturgis on a 250cc scooter with a small trailer pulled behind. Big Dan will kick off the trip at the NY Mills ride. In the 10 days that he'll be traveling, Big Dan plans to log 2,500 miles on the scooter. He is 51 years old and has worked for the Mpls. Police Dept for 25 Years. Big Dan takes part in several fund raising events annually and this year's effort will benefit The Ronald McDonald House.
For the 2,500 mile trip. Big Dan is accepting pledges of $.01 cent per mile to benefit The Ronald McDonald House.
Hog roast and concerts
The V.F.W. will host a hog roast and two bands following the ride Saturday. Cut Loose will open for, with the AC/DC tribute band T-N-T, 8 p.m., to perform on the outdoor stage. The band Scarlet Haze will play at the V.F.W. on Friday, 8 p.m.
Camping
There are 70 acres of camping available at the V.F.W., open Thursday thru Sunday.
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RIDE Facts:
- In 2002, 150 motorcycles, raised $3,300, 55 gallons of pop tabs
- In 2003, 250 motorcycles, raised $13,000, 120 gallons of pop tabs
- In 2004, 450 motorcyles, raised $26,000, 330 gallons of pop tabs
- In 2005, 750 motocycles, raised $63,086.65, 480 gallons of pop tabs
- In 2006, 870 motorcycles, raised $82,550, 990 gallons of pop tabs
For more information about how you can participate visit the website at www.rmhride.com
