By Chad Koenen

Publisher

As the ground rumbles and the engines roar down Centennial 84 Drive in New York Mills on Saturday, participants in the 24th 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 aluminum pop tabs, they all have a heart of gold. 

Last year there were over 400 registered motorcycles as part of the annual RMH Ride 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 has featured as many as a thousand bikers. 

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 24th 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 west on County Road 67 to Underwood for the RMH Ride’s first stop. From there the motorcycle ride will travel through lakes country and make a second stop in Clitherall, before heading back to NY Mills for the remainder of the night’s festivities. 

As in years past, this weekend will feature a variety of live entertainment and activities for those who attend. On Friday night the legendary Johnny Holm Band will take the stage at the NY Mills VFW, while Rockin Horse Peter 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 be held 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. Registration for the bike giveaway will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

For more information about the RMH Ride visit www.rmhride.com.