Rick’s Ride for 2011 – Year Seven

The seventh annual Rick’s Ride is set to roll out of Granville with a roar on August 30.

After years of organizing the annual motorcycle ride to raise funds for the American Heart Association and local charities, LuAnn Vogel-Stanley said the event comes together smoothly.

“We’re like a well-oiled machine now; everybody has their things to do,” Vogel-Stanley said. Vogel-Stanley’s brother, Richard A. ‘Rick’ Vogel, died from a heart attack and inspired family members to start the fundraising charity ride in his name, which was almost seven years and about $21,000 ago.

“It’s been a great healing experience for our whole family and a lot of fun as well,” Vogel-Stanley said.

Now, everyone pitches in to get the ride moving, but Vogel-Stanley said she can still use some help. With the economy as a consideration, she said the plan this year is to simplify. “I’m probably going back to the basics this year and doing most of the cooking myself and not go on the ride,” she said.

The date for the annual heart-related motorcycle ride and barbecue is Aug. 30 this year. Registration begins at noon and the ride returns to where it started – the Knights of Columbus Hall on East Potter Avenue – about 4:30 p.m. for chicken barbecue, raffles and prize drawings.

The rain-or-shine ride’s fee remains the same, Vogel-Stanley said, registration will be $15 per person.

With food costs jumping up, Vogel-Stanley said, ride organizers had to increase their entry fees to be able to raise any money last year and this year they plan to hold the line. The cost of the commemorative T-shirts remains $15. 

“I want to make it a fun time that doesn’t cost a lot so maybe if people think it’s a cheap goof time they’ll donate,” Vogel-Stanley said.

Even with keeping costs low, the end product has not been any less and the ride has seen increased success each year.

“We have raised around $18,000 in the last six years, most of which was donated locally and to the American Heart Association,” she said.

The ride could not happen without numerous volunteers and sponsors, Vogel-Stanley said.

“A big thanks to all of you who donated your time or money or prizes each year,” Vogel-Stanley said. “Without your help, none of this would be possible.”

Each year sees a substantial turnout despite other events taking place and other rides people could go to, but riders keep turning out at Rick’s Ride. “We are hope for the same or better each year,” Vogel-Stanley said. “It still amazes me that so many people come.”

Former Granville resident Richard A. “Rick” Vogel died prematurely at the age of 53 from a heart attack. Friends and family wondered about what they could do in his memory and came up with a charity motorcycle ride as a way of acknowledging Vogel and his passion for motor cycle riding.

For more information call 361-3377 or check out Rick’s Ride on Facebook at RAVMF Rick’sride.