Ride for Heroes

The Ride for Heroes motorcycle run departed from the Pour House in Clarks Grove on Saturday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m. According to Heidi Wingler, Ride for Heroes board secretary, “The total numbers for the day were 93 motorcycles, two side-by-side vehicles and two street cars.” The auction, which occurred later in the day, raised more than $1,200 and all proceeds go to local veterans' causes in Freeborn, Mower and Waseca counties.

 

Fifteen minutes before their departure, Albert Lea Mayor Rich Murray was standing out in the dirt parking lot surrounded by guys and gals in leather. He was wearing an American flag t-shirt and laughing, “I’m here because I know some guys who were going to be here today; I wanted to support them and this.” He posed for a photo before Jennifer Ordalen sang the National Anthem. The sun was shining and there was not a drop of rain in the forecast. A Clarks Grove Fire Department truck was sitting on the corner ready to lead the cyclers to the start of their journey.  

 

Wingler said about the route this year, “After the fire truck sees us off, we will head to Northwood, Lake Mills, and Emmons with lunch being served at the Legion. Then we will proceed towards Alden and make our way past Morin Days. Then heading towards Freeborn, Hartland, Manchester, and then back to Clarks Grove at the Pour House. We will have a meal, a live auction, and Brett Feist kicking off with music at 7 p.m.” The pulled pork dinner was included with registration for the event.

 

A 4 p.m. auction offered items like gift certificates, very unusual Ducks Unlimited whiskey bottles, candy baskets, picnic sets, snack packs, a brand-new Arctic Cooler, t-shirts, and a charcuterie board.

 

Continued Wingler, “This is our third year and we look forward to continuing supporting our local veterans and their families.”