BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Retreat will host the 10th annual Ride for Heroes event on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., with registration beginning at 9 a.m. The motorcycle ride starts and ends on the Retreat campus with a post-ride barbeque lunch.
This event supports the Retreat's Uniformed Service Program (USP), which offers specialized trauma and addiction treatment for people who are, or have been, active military, law enforcement, fire fighters, veterans, EMS, and corrections personnel.
The event has raised $247,998 over the past nine years from 1,744 motorcycle riders and sponsors.
Bikers will be escorted through the scenic towns of Wilmington, Dover, Wardsboro, Townshend, Newfane, and Dummerston.
Motorists are advised by law enforcement to be prepared for brief traffic delays as motorcycles pass through these towns, as well as on Putney Road in Brattleboro around noon. Residents on the Ride route are encouraged to come out and cheer on the bikers as they proceed along Routes 9 West, 100 North, and 30 South.
Standard registration is $25 per person and includes both the ride and barbeque lunch. The first 200 riders to register receive a free t-shirt. The afternoon will include music and vendors as well as raffles and prizes with many items donated by local businesses.
As part of the Ride's 10th Anniversary celebration, participants will be offered tours of the USP's new program space, a raptor demonstration, fly fishing cast lessons, and special 10th Anniversary prizes.
This is an alcohol and smoke-free event, and will be held rain or shine. While participants must be 18 years of age or older to ride, all adult riders and types of motorcycles are welcome.