It’s no secret that the motorcycle community is one of the most charitable, community-minded communities in the country. You’d be hard-pressed to find a group of people who go out of their way to do more good for others than bikers. While it may not always have been that way (see our post on how fundraising became such a big part of the motorcycle community here), that’s definitely how things are now, and we see it time and time again right here in our home state of Florida. If you’re interested in getting more involved in charity rides, here’s a run-down of some of the best in the state.
- Ride Out of the Darkness – Suicide Awareness Ride & CookoutEvery year the Lakeland Harley-Davidson puts on a big ride and cookout (sponsored by The American Legion Riders Department) in order to bring awareness to suicide prevention and raise money to help local organizations that help those suffering from depression and anyone experiencing suicidal ideation.
Unlike most organized rides within the motorcycle community, this one doesn’t exclude 4-wheel vehicles. According to Lakeland H-D, they want to bring as much awareness to this problem as possible, so everyone is invited to participate and contribute.
The escorted ride starts at Revolution Church and ends at the Lakeland Harley-Davidson, with a cookout, live music, raffle, and more.
- Annual Unity Pink Motorcycle RideEvery dollar raised from the Annual Unity Pink Motorcycle Ride goes directly to helping women who are suffering/have suffered from breast cancer. And the ride isn’t exclusive to only female riders. Anyone on 2 wheels who wants to come out and support the cause is more than welcome.
The ride starts and ends at Adamec Harley-Davidson, but in between you’ll get the chance to experience some of the most scenic parts of the St. Augustine area. Attending this ride is an especially great way for non-locals to see some of the best the area has to offer while supporting a worthwhile cause.
If you’re interested in attending this year, the ride is on Saturday, October 9 and you can register
here.
- Hogs for DogsHogs for Dogs is exactly what it sounds like. The Clay Humane Organization and Adamec Harley-Davidson team up every year to raise money to provide service dogs to the disabled.
This year the ride is being held on Saturday, November 6. It’ll start at the Adamec Harley-Davidson and finish up at Whitey’s Fish Camp. If you’re interested in signing up, click
- Bert’s black widow H-D affordable home ownership fundraiserIn Port Charlotte, Florida, the local Harley-Davidson dealership decided to partner with the Affordable Homeownership Foundation to bring riders this annual charity ride. If you believe the homeownership shouldn’t be a pipe dream for any American citizen, then this is a ride you’re going to want to attend.
The event starts at 4pm at Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson and this year it’s being held on Thursday, October 7. You can buy your ticket at the door, or purchase in advance. They’ll have live music, food, a bike show, a raffle, and more.
- Hittin’ the Road for Hospice Motorcycle Poker RunAll proceeds of this annual poker run are gifted directly to the Gulfside Hospice. While this poker run has only been going on for 10 years, it draws a large number of riders and they’re able to fundraise a good sum of money each year to help out a local hospice.
Tickets are $30 each and if you want to attend the event in February of 2022, you can register online at their website
here.
- Ride for Dreams
Celebrities aren’t the only ones that make dreams come true for kids suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Adamec Harley-Davidson partners with Capital Analysts every year to host a police-escorted ride through Jacksonville to raise funds that’ll help support the Dreams of First Coast children who are battling terminal illness. 100% of all registration fees go directly toward making children’s dreams come true, and this ride has already raised over $60,000 in the few short years it’s been running.If that sounds like something you want to be part of, you can register at their website here. This year’s ride will be happening on November 13. KSU at 10:30am.
If there’s one you know of that’s missing from our list, go ahead and add it in the comments below so we can all plan on going!
