Dayle Mallory-Bell made a promise to her daughter Brittney that she'd be OK. Just two weeks later, Dayle's journey to make good on that promise began.
Brittney died on March 3, 2000 less than five months after doctors diagnosed her with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor at the age of 18. Dayle's family life deteriorated shortly after when her husband of 20 years left three months later.
In January 2003, Dayle met Dan Bell, a Harley-Davidson riding man, with whom she shared her first motorcycle ride. In December of that year the two rode in an annual "Toys for Tots" fund-raiser. That day, Dan told Dayle that a ride for Brittney is what they need to do.
On Friday, the 10th annual Brittney Ride saddles up in a three-day event held at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville, OR. The weekend features a sold-out concert by the Little River Band on Friday, live and silent auctions and a poker run on Saturday. Dayle expects as many as 350 riders to participate and raise nearly $75,000 for St Jude's Hospital Research Foundation.
"Through sponsorship and volunteers we have been able to grow," Dayle said. "The majority of our sponsors have approached us with a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves or they have been touched in a personal way by cancer."
Dayle said the ride's humble beginnings started as a small family and community event that grew by word of mouth and promotional opportunities. The first Brittney Ride raised more than $8,000 with around 100 bikers. Fund-raising efforts increased by about $5,000 every year through 2011 - the second year Seven Feathers hosted the event.
"In 2010, Seven Feathers approached us with an offer to host our event," Dayle said. "This was a difficult decision as we did not want to get away from the community feel of our event but we are dedicated to raise as much as possible to help the kids battling cancer."
Last year fund-raising totals jumped by $25,000. Since the first Brittney Ride in 2004, Dayle's promise to her daughter so far resulted in raising more than $350,000 for St. Jude.
Check-in for the Brittney Ride begins at 12 p.m. Friday at Seven Feathers Resort Casino, 146 Chief Miwaleta Lane in Canyonville, OR. The concert is sold out however riders can still join Saturday's Poker Run that starts at 9 a.m. Saturday and winds through the back roads of the Umpqua Valley.
Other Rides Scheduled This Weekend
Think Pink Ride October 12: Unity Outreach, a non-profit dedicated to supporting women undergoing treatment for breast cancer in St. Johns County, FL, hosts their 5th annual Think Pink in October Ride at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Ponce De Leon Mall, 2121 US Highway 1 Street in St. Augustine, FL.
Cruisin' for Critters October 12: ACTion Programs for Animals plans its 4th annual charity run. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at Las Cruces Motor Sports, 2125 S. Valley Dr. in Las Cruces, NM.
Asperger Connection Poker Run October 12: Asperger Connection holds its 4th annual poker run fund-raiser at 10 a.m. Saturday at Diamond Sports Bar, 11208 Memorial Parkway SW in Huntsville, AL.
Reindeer Toy Run October 12: The 5th annual Reindeer Toy Run is in memory of the ride's co-founder Pat Heeg who died last year and helps needy children at Christmas. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and kickstands up at 11 a.m. at American Legion Marne Post #13, 24741 W. Renwick Road in Plainfield, IL.
MHPCA Poker Run October 12: Registration for the inaugural poker run for the Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care Association is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the MHPCA Office, 2222 Weathered Rock Road, Jefferson City, MO.
Sam's Jam VI October 12: Sam's Jam VI is the sixth annual ride benefitting the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and hosted by Riders for the Cure. Register online or in person. Ride starts at 10:30 a.m. Stubbs Harley-Davidson, 4400 Telephone Road in Houston, TX.
Ride for the Ranch October 13: Sin City Victory Riders presents this 2nd annual poker run that benefits St. Jude's Ranch for Children. Registration is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at A Team Motorcycles, 4020 Boulder Hwy in Las Vegas, NV.
Wicked in Pink Run October 13: The Wicked in Pink Run raises money for the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and kickstands up at 12 p.m. at Harley-Davidson of Southampton, 17 College Hwy. in Southampton, MA.
Ride for Kids October 13: Ride for Kids benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and features numerous rides throughout the country during the year. This weekend kickstands are up in Dallas and South Carolina.