It’s the 10th year of the Chad Smith Ride for Life, and while Chad hasn’t been here for the last eight rides, his father has.
And this year, Jack Lynch is wearing a new hat (well, it’s still a RFL hat, but hang with me here) as HE will be the recipient of one of the “big checks” collected this weekend after the ride. Jack has been battling kidney cancer.
This year’s other recipient is Barney Marquette. Barney is also a wonderful husband, father of three, grandfather of nine, friend of many and long time resident of St. Michael. Barney was diagnosed with a rare Carcinoid and Prostate cancer, all while caring for his wife Mary, who is still rebounding from a volatile year of health challenges.
“Both these families need our help,” wrote organizers Jennifer Berning, Tobey Berning and Wendy Jorgensen. “Please come out and support these great families in their time of need!”
The Chad Smith Ride for Life began in 2008. Chad was able to be a part of the first two Ride For Life events. A former rider, Hodgkins was taking its toll on Smith by the time the 2009 ride rolled around. He knew the event, which had helped him cover medical expenses and other necessities, could do something great for someone else in need.
“One of Chad’s final wishes was that the event move forward and reach out and find a local family that was also fighting cancer,” said Berning, Smith’s cousin and friend.
Here’s the rundown:
Celebrating ONE DECADE of RIDE FOR LIFE
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Ride starts/ends at Ditto’s bar in St. Michael, MN
Registration is at 9:00 a.m.
Ride leaves at 10:30 a.m.
RAIN OR SHINE!!
$20 per rider/passenger
outdoor venue: MENACE, Food, Live Auction, Silent auctions and raffles to follow
Come join us on this approx. 140 mile ride!!
**coach bus available for Non-riders: $20.00 per passenger – BYOB
***for non-participants of the ride – 5:00pm at Ditto’s in St. Michael, MN –
$10.00 cover charge per person, ages 6 and older
$5.00 cover charge per child, ages 5 and younger
****We will have fireworks at dusk
ANYONE UNDER 21 IS REQUIRED TO LEAVE BENEFIT AFTER THE LIVE AUCTION
For more information about the ride contact: Tobey Berning 763-286-1633