Ride For Heroes takes off again

By Ben Revermann

Staff writer

For the second year in a row, the Ride for Heroes event started and ended at the Clarks Grove Pour House on Saturday, June 21. With a free meal upon everyone’s return and silent auction, this fundraiser was for the benefit of veterans. In total they raised $4,000.

Sherri Anderson was volunteering for the day. Sitting at a picnic table in the shade, she was surrounded by motorcycle riders, some of whom were sipping on drinks and chatting before the ride. Anderson said, “Heidi and Al asked me to assist them today, and I was happy to help; it’s for a good cause.” Behind her was the silent auction tent. There was a little extra wind to help with the heat. The tent helped cut down on the wind, so the auction items didn’t blow away. Items up for bid included gift certificates, gift cards to local and national restaurants, golf games, hoodies, hats and shirts, tool kits, wine baskets, a Minnesota state cribbage board, car care kits, a tequila basket, whiskey basket, brandy basket and bloody Mary basket, honey soap, wool blankets, a Ducks Unlimited Bourbon, American flags, motorcycle gear, an Artic Cooler and more.

Right on time at 10:30 a.m., the Clarks Grove Fire Department pulled their truck out through the intersection with the lights on with everyone following close behind. The revving of engines was welcoming and loud to the spectators. Behind everyone was Taylor Spooner in the rear, pulling an empty trailer referred to as the “Road Assistant” in case of a break down or emergency. Heidi Wingler, Secretary of the board, said, “He follows behind just in case some unlucky motorcycler has engine failure or something. Don’t need or want anything bad to happen today.” Wingler listed the total numbers for the day: “We had 57 motorcycles with 82 participants. They served dinner to 45. The prep time was five hours. Unfortunately, the band had to cancel for the night because of the heat.” The temps on Saturday, June 21 reached the upper 90s, but that did nothing to deter the riders.

Wingler watched everyone drive off, then turned back to the bar to begin working on the riders return meal. “We’re going to have pulled pork ready for them, potato salad, and macaroni salad,” said Wingler, who also wanted everyone to know, “There will be a Military Stand Down at the Albert Lea National Guard Armory on August 16 from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. A Military Stand Down is where veterans who need assistance can go for help with housing, finances, employment, disabilities, suicide and much more. This is especially aimed at veterans with families.”