Ride for Warriors to be Held Sunday

This Sunday, bicyclists will gather at Alto Veterans Park to take part in an annual event to support local veterans. The Ride for Warriors is a way for people to show support for both current military members and veterans.

Check in for the annual ride will start at 8am on September 9, 2018 with participants hitting the road by 9am on one of three routes.

It’s an event wouldn’t happen if not for the dedication of one woman: Ellen Seese.

Supporting Local Veterans

“Back in 2012, I was looking for a ride to do for veterans,” Seese explains. Her family has a history of military service, and her son Raymond is a 2013 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. A member of the Lowell High School Class of 2007, he is now serving with the Marine Corps.

When Seese couldn’t find a ride being held locally, she decided to start one herself. The Ride for Warriors is now an annual event, and all proceeds are used to support local veterans directly in some way.

“The last couple years, we’re bought tools for those at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans,” Seese says. The tools replaced worn drills and other items used by residents in the home’s workshop.

This year, Seese has thought about using the funds to build a ramp for a veteran in need but hasn’t yet finalized any plans.

Details of This Year’s Ride for Warriors

Although you can register in advance for the Ride for Warriors, it’s not required. Participants can arrive at the Alto Veterans Park, 6047 Linfield Ave SE in Alto, on Sunday morning to register prior to the ride. Registration for the event runs between 8am-9am. Cyclists are free to start the ride immediately after they register.

There are three options for this year’s Ride for Warriors:

  • 12 miles
  • 21 miles
  • 50 miles

Since this ride is held on public roads, cyclists must have an approved helmet and follow traffic laws.

Registration fees vary on the size of the group:

  • $25 for a single rider
  • $30 for a family
  • $50 for a group of five

Goodie bags will be distributed to the first 25 people to register.

How You Can Help

Seese has been the driving force behind the Ride for Warriors since its inception. However, she is looking for sponsors to help her expand it in future years.

For instance, t-shirts were available to early registrants this year for an additional fee. Seese would love to have sponsors in the future so she can give a free t-shirt to every participant. She is also looking for sponsors to help fill goodie bags given to those who register first.

If you’re not a cyclist but would still like to support the Ride for Warriors, tax-deductible donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1, Alto, MI 49302 or made via the event’s GoFundMe page.

For more information on the Ride for Warriors and how you can get involved, visit the group’s website and Facebook page.

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