For the 15th year, motorcyclists from Johnson County and around the state came together Saturday for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Charity Ride.
Though attendance was down compared to past years, 160 bikers joined the ride through the local countryside to benefit local charities, Sheriff Duane Burgess said.
Nice late summer weather, scenic views and good company were the recipe for a good ride, despite this year’s challenges, he said.
For many, still attending the ride during the coronavirus pandemic was no question. Over the course of its 15 years, the ride has become a beloved tradition that brings people together for a common cause, raising money for local charities, Burgess said.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
Now the leader of the pack, Burgess has attended every year since the ride was founded in 2006, he said.
“It is like a reunion because people come year after year,” he said.
This year’s ride was a chance to get out of the house and do something relatively safe, since most of the event took place outdoors, Burgess said.
Motorcyclists wore masks or neck gaiters when necessary, and hand sanitizer was available at every stop for meals and poker games.
The ride began at Grace Assembly of God in New Whiteland and ended at the Indiana FFA Center in Trafalgar, with stops at Mann’s Harley Davidson in Edinburgh, Fletcher Chrysler in Franklin and Ray Skillman Ford in Greenwood.
Donations are still being calculated, Burgess said. With 160 riders, several thousands of dollars will be awarded to local charities.
The total will be divided among a few charities that are in need right now, and special consideration will be given this year to youth organizations that are struggling due to coronavirus-related shutdowns. The charities are chosen by a committee of five event organizers, he said.
“We figure out which we can give to to really keep that ball rolling for the youth in Johnson County,” Burgess said.
Past beneficiaries of the ride include the Boys and Girls Clubs of Johnson County, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.
