ROCKINGHAM — The roar of bikes filled John Street Sunday afternoon as they pulled out onto U.S. 74 Business during a ride which raised around $4,000 for the Richmond County Rescue Squad.
Joey Bostick, of Steel Wheels Riding Club, said there were more than 90 bikes registered and since one club and vowed extra money if there were 100, one individual paid the fees to meet the quota.
The ride featured support from bikers all around the area, Bostick said, including his group, Ol Skool Tribe Riding Club, Ghost Riders Motorcycle Club, Playaz Elite Motorcycle Club, Carolina’s Finest Motorcycle Club and Independent Riders of Richmond County.
The convoy rode through Rockingham to Hamlet; up N.C. 177 to U.S. 1; took a turn on Derby Road to N.C. 73; which the riders followed up to Cox’s Double Eagle Harley-Davidson in Carthage. The route back brought them down 73 through Ellerbe before returning to the Rescue Squad base.
Volunteer Chief Scott Waters said the ride was “safe and smooth,” with escorts from local law enforcement agencies.
“It was a great day to see all the bikers coming out to support us,” he said Monday afternoon. “It’ heartwarming to see that number of folks.”
Earlier in the day, Waters said he and Ed Hairfield cooked breakfast for those helping out.
No stranger to fundraising, Vancine Sturdivant made the trip across the Pee Dee River to help out.
Not only is she an Anson County commissioner and Toys for Tots coordinator, she is also the club mother for Playaz Elite.
“Richmond County has always been good to me and I will always participate and be good to them,” she said. “Especially if it’s something dealing with helping volunteers.”
The squad’s base was broken into and the crash truck was stolen in late June. It was found burned in Anson County. There was also damage to the building.
Waters previously told the RO that the squad gets some money from the county each year, which mostly covers insurance. The rest of the squad’s cash flow comes from fundraisers and grants.
In addition to the ride, there was a corn hole tournament, an auction with items from local businesses, and live music from Dark Horse Duo.
Although there was a fish fry, Bostick said they ordered extra barbecue because they were worried there wouldn’t be enough food. The barbecue sold out.
Of the money raised, Bostick said more than $500 came just from the auction and added there could be more money yet to come in.
Waters said the money will be used to help purchase equipment and go toward a new truck, after the insurance company settles.
A Go Fund Me account set up by squad member Mike Stokes has raised $770 of its $100,000 goal as of Monday evening.
Adrenaline Pro Wrestling, which has held shows at the station since early 2018, is also planning a special event to benefit the squad.
The event, scheduled for Sept. 18, will feature eight matches from four promotions including APW, according to a recent Facebook post.
Waters said there may be an auction then, as well, as there were a few items left over.
“The community has been great,” he said. “We appreciate the support that’s been shown. It means a lot.
