Riding for a cause in New York Mills
News | Published on June 4, 2024 at 4:04pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0By Chad Koenen
Publisher
As the ground rumbles and the engines roar down Centennial 84 Drive in New York Mills on Saturday, participants in the 23rd annual Ronald McDonald House Ride are one step closer to helping a family during a time of need. After all, while many of the participants are decked out in leather chaps, leather jackets, dew rags and a bag full of aluminium pop tabs, they all have a heart of gold.
Last year there were over 450 registered motorcycles as part of the annual RMH Ride with 1,200 gallons of pop tabs donated and well over $100,000 raised for the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo, N.D.
The RMH Ride began in 2002 with just 15 committee members and 15 volunteers. The ride started when a local family was experiencing hardship, while their child was sick and stayed at the Ronald McDonald Charity House of the Red River Valley.
The first year was a resounding success as the group raised $3,300. In subsequent years the RMH Ride has raised well over $130,000 annually and features close to a thousand bikers.
Last year there were over 450 registered motorcycles as part of the RMH Ride with 1,200 gallons of pop tabs donated. The event raised well over $100,000.
Last year, event co-organizer Greg Karvonen said part of the reason for the continued success for the event is the fact the money raised at the annual motorcycle ride will benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
The Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to stay while loved ones are receiving medical care and always has a pantry full of food. The organization relies 100 percent on donations to operate its program. The proceeds from the RMH Ride directly benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo, N.D.
This is the 23rd year of the RMH Ride in NY Mills. In addition to the riders, there are over 100 people working that day, between the RMH Ride committee, volunteers, as well as at the NY Mills VFW.
On Saturday, the ride will leave from the NY Mills VFW at 12 p.m. and head down N. Boardman, before heading onto E Centennial 84 Dr. Once the bikers leave NY Mills they will head to Deer Creek and make a stop in Bertha at Buford’s Bar and Grill. After their stop in Bertha, the group will travel east on County Road 24, before heading south on County Road 21 and back west on County Road 22 through Eagle Bend and eventually Parkers Prairie at the Dog House Bar and Grill for a second stop along the ride. From there, the group will travel primarily on County Road 65 and Country Road 67 near Henning and make a final stop back at the NY Mills VFW for a night of fun, entertainment and a chance to raise money for a worthy cause.
As in years past, this weekend will feature a variety of live entertainment and activities for those who attend. On Friday night the Front Fenders will take the stage at the NY Mills VFW, while Tail Gunners will headline a busy Saturday night at the VFW. There will also be a variety of food, a silent auction, a raffle and over 70 acres of camping available to all those who attend.
In addition to the actual ride, local children will have the chance to participate in one of the largest bike rodeos in the region. The annual RMH Ride Bike Rodeo will begin at 9 a.m. at the NY Mills School. Dozens of bikes will be given away as part of the event, which includes a large obstacle course and opportunity to have their bike checked out for safety.
For more information about the RMH Ride visit www.rmhride.com.