Maine ATV Club Ride to Support Autism Research
myatvblog 04.17.12
The local all-terrain vehicle club in Bingham, Maine, is calling on ATV enthusiasts from across New England to get ready for a 110-mile ride on Saturday, August 4th to raise money for autism research.
Moose Alley Riders ATV Club board member Jeff Ireland has begun the push for awareness because April is autism awareness month.
The Centers for Disease Control published a report recently that estimates one out of every 88 children has a form of autism. The findings also showed an increase of more than 20 percent from a study two years prior.
Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication. According to the National Foundation for Autism Research, autism is more prevalent than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and Down syndrome combined.
Ireland said the club is aiming to sign up 1,000 riders in the coming months and raise more than $100,000 for the National Foundation for Autism Research, a nonprofit group based in California. The suggested donation to participate in the ride will be $15.
It will work with Maine’s Lisbon Hardcore Riders ATV Club and Ohio’s PWD Off Road club, which accommodates people with disabilities for off-road adventures.
Participants will start in Bingham and ride their ATVs to Moosehead Motorsports in Greenville Junction for a barbecue and then head back to Bingham.
Ireland has ridden the route many times and said, “it’s not for beginners. “
“It’s going to be a rain or shine event,” Ireland said. “A long, hard ride for a good cause.”
In addition to riders, Ireland is looking for sponsors and volunteers to help cook, sign up riders and ride behind the crowd to help anyone who might need assistance.
For more information, contact Ireland at business@moosealleyriders.org or 696-9977, ext. 3.
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 9 years old. I bought my first ATV in 1984. I have been an addict ever since.
I have also been active in Utah's Jeep/Off road communities since 1993.
