The world of motocross centers around Las Vegas this weekend for the 3rd annual Monster Energy Cup and MotoGP steers towards Australia as Marc Marquez hopes to be the youngest ever MotoGP World Champion at Phillip Island.
So, for the rest of us not racing professionally, there's lots of ways to get involved and reasons to saddle up this weekend. Don't worry about the rain either, many fund-raising rides and rallies push forward after months of organizing and planning in spite of wet weather. Keep in mind however, it may not be raining where you live but it's mid-October so be sure to bundle up as many parts of the country barely register 60 on the thermometer.
If your passion is to tackle cancer, help abandoned pets or fight for those who have fought overseas for you and who now need help in a new battle at home - there is probably a ride near you worth joining. Most cost less than $50 and provide food, music and even a chance to win prizes. Best of all, you get to grab your gear and roll out for a worthwhile cause.
The following is not an exhaustive list - just a handful of rides around the country that caught our eye. If you're planning or participating in a ride/rally event in the future please let us know so we can include it in our weekly list.
Rides Scheduled this Weekend
Run with the Nuns October 18-19: This two-day event starts Friday evening with music and food and then the Run at 9:45 a.m. Saturday through South Caddo Parish. Proceeds benefit children's health organizations in Shreveport, LA. Register online or beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday in the Red River District of Downtown Shreveport under the Texas Street Bridge.
Ride for Life October 19: Help raise money for children with cancer in this 5th annual poker run that benefits the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Cost is $30 and registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Leather Headquarters, 4245 Boulder Highway in Las Vegas, NV.
Ride for Hope October 19: This ride benefits the Ashley Lauren Foundation which gives hope and help for children with cancer. Cost is $25 and registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Harley-Davidson of Ocean County, 300 New Jersey 70 in Lakewood Township, NJ.
Ride for Our Heroes October 19: GratitudeAmerica hosts this patriotic poker run to benefit Marineland Military Support Retreats for local veterans affected by PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Register online or in person at 10 a.m. and kickstands are up at 12 p.m. Saturday at the Town of Marineland's Coastal Policy Center, 9601 Oceanshore Blvd. in St. Augustine, FL.
Jeff Keith's Ride for Reason October 19: Ride for Reason benefits two local family and youth non-profits on the Sacramento, CA area. Register online or in person from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Folsom Harley-Davidson, 115 Woodmere Rd. in Folsom, CA.
BARK Motorcycle Run October 19: The 5th annual BARK run is themed "Who Rescued Who?" and benefits Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels in Clifton, TX. Register online or in person at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Red Caboose Winery in Clifton, TX. Kickstands up at 10 a.m.
Tombstone Tour October 20: The American Spirit Motorcycle Club presents their 17th annual Tombstone Tour that benefits the Hicksville Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Registration is from 9 to 10 a.m. Sunday at the Post, 320 S. Broadway in Hicksville, NY.
Ride for Kids October 20: 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 Phoenix.