On behalf of the hospice staff and the ride committee, Tina Blair, manager of Glacial Ridge Hospice, states, “We want to thank all of you who have joined us every year to make this event a success, raising both money and awareness of our hospice program.” In appreciation, she added, “We are extremely grateful for the countless businesses and individuals who have supported the event each year in so many ways through sponsorship, monetary or raffle donations, free-will donations at the event, bringing your families, and giving of your time. We continually think of and appreciate you.”

The ride committee appreciates your understanding and flexibility with a very different type of ride during an unprecedented time in our nation’s history. Blair said, “We hope you get an opportunity to get out and go for a ride or drive this Saturday in honor and remembrance of our hospice patients and their families.” As for next year, the Hospice Ride Committee looks forward to coming together, even stronger than before, to continue this important tradition in person in 2021.

From its first rumble to the 24th Annual Ride and Car Run

The Pope County Hospice Ride was started in 1997 by a small group of individuals: Lonnie and Marsha Armstrong, Ivan Fossen, and Jim Tank. The first ride took place in Villard near American Iron and gradually moved to the Villard Fire Hall as the event grew. At that time, the organizers provided lunch and area businesses donated cash and merchandise for drawings. Since its beginning, many more volunteers and contributors became involved. A group of local bikers formed a committee of approximately 10 members after the 4th year and moved the ride to the Glenwood City Park to accommodate the growing number of riders and the ride became Riding for a Cause.

For those who wanted to feel the wind in their hair as they cruised along the ride route – on four wheels instead of 2 or 3 – cars were added to the lineup in 2015 and the annual ride became Riding for a Cause Motorcycle Ride and Car Run. All cars are welcome – daily drivers to hot rods. The cars follow the motorcycles for optimal safety.

We have the same goals today as the original organizers. The annual event is a fundraiser for Glacial Ridge Hospice (formerly Pope County Hospice). The ride and activities have always been a community event with free-will donations so everyone can participate. For safety and fun for all, alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

What is hospice?

For patients whose illness is no longer responding to aggressive curative therapies, hospice addresses all the symptoms of the disease with special emphasis on controlling the patient’s pain and discomfort. The goal of hospice is to improve the quality of the patient’s last days and weeks of life by offering comfort and dignity. The hospice team also helps people manage the emotional, social, and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and those close to them.

The patient’s care team is comprised of physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual caregivers, counselors, therapists, and volunteers – all of whom are specially trained to provide pain and symptom management for the patient and support for the family. Because each individual and family have unique needs, a hospice team works with the patient and their family to develop a personalized care plan.

At Glacial Ridge Hospice, we cover a 30-mile radius from our office and have an RN on call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information, contact us at 320.634.2221.