By Beacon Staff
More than 200 bikers braved a 100-degree heat advisory Saturday afternoon (July 18), lending their tires to a good time and an even better cause.
Sponsored by District 18 of ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education) of Iowa, the roughly 100-mile ride raised money for Great River Hospice in West Burlington and Lee County Hospice in Fort Madison.
“It (the ride) keeps getting bigger,” said Randy Hiland, ABATE district events coordinator said in a previous interview.
Hiland said the event got its start through the late Edward Scott of Burlington, who lost his wife while in hospice care. Scott was a regular volunteer for the Great River Hospice House.
“We were looking for a ride to do, and he came to us and explained what hospice is about,” Hiland said.
Saturday's ride started at Doris’ Tavern and ended at the Eagles Club in Fort Madison. In previous years, the ride has raised as much as $15,000.
The hospice house is not funded by Great River Health Systems in West Burlington. It operates on money from donations and fundraisers.
Photo by William Smith