4th Annual Ride Against Abuse To Fight Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and one way to help bring an end to this problem is to go for a ride.

The 4th annual Ride Against Abuse takes place this evening, hosted by the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home.

Executive Director of the shelter Mary Niemela says the event has gotten bigger every year.

Niemela said, “Four years ago I said let’s make some noise and so we had a motorcycle ride-in planned and I thought if three bikes show up, I’ll be excited, and 23 bikes showed up.  And then the second year, 26 bikes and then last year we had 54 bikes and so I’m hoping for even more this year.”

The ride begins at the AmericInn in Calumet at 6pm and ends at Ray Kestner Waterfront Park in Houghton.

Niemela says those who participate will get a free patch.

Niemela said, “Two years ago we deemed ourselves the ADV Riders, which is Against Domestic Violence riders, so we made up a patch.  I got the patches last year and again, more for this year, which would be wonderful to give them all away again.”

There’s no fee to take part in the ride but donations to the shelter are welcome.