If you love the pleasure of the open road (or know someone who does), then consider the March of Dimes RIDE event. Before participating, motorcyclists collect contributions from their families, friends and other motorcycle enthusiasts. They then take to the open road, covering 30 to 70 miles of highways, byways and freeways. This is one of the newest events for the March of Dimes, and it is one of the fastest-growing. In 2004, more than 80 RIDEs took place, with 38,000 participants raising more than $2 million.

Who Participates?
This is a great event for club riders, new riders and anyone who cares about babies! Some groups that participate include: Riders of Kawasaki (ROK), Harley Owners Group (HOG), American Gold Wing Association (A.G.W.A.), American Bikers Aim Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.), Christian Motorcyclist Association and the American Motorcycle Association (AMA). All March of Dimes RIDE events are American Motorcycle Association (AMA) certified. RIDE provides an opportunity for motorcycle clubs, dealerships, vendors and individual motorcyclists to join together to make a positive contribution to the community and to the motorcycling image. Riders are recruited through mailings, dealerships, clubs and advertisements in motorcycle publications.

How to Sign Up
Check out our current list of RIDE sites taking place in 2005 and then contact your local March of Dimes chapter for details about the events nearest you. Registering for RIDE is quick and easy; most chapters can register you for RIDE right over the phone and will mail your sponsor envelope to you. All motorcycle associations and clubs are invited to participate. Registration fees vary and everyone is encouraged to raise additional money to help support the March of Dimes efforts.

How to Raise Money
You'll want to start collecting sponsor money right away. Set a goal for yourself and ask your family, friends and associates to sponsor you. While March of Dimes RIDE is entertaining and enjoyable, the most important reason to ride is that the money you and your friends raise goes toward a very important cause…saving babies! Once you've signed up as many sponsors as you possibly can, all that's left to do is arrive at the RIDE and be ready for a great day – you're going to have a wonderful time!

Can't RIDE?  Be a Volunteer!
Call your local March of Dimes and ask what you can do to help! Volunteer opportunities include registering riders, staffing the staging area, coordinating the entertainment and offering food and refreshments at the end of the RIDE.