ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County’s biker community will be hitting the road again in the coming days and months to raise money for special causes.
On Sunday, kickstands will go up around 1 p.m. at the Crossroads Saloon in a ride to raise money for headstone for the late Caleb Bundy.
Bundy, grandson of Crossroads owners Roger and Tammy Messer, died in a tragic accident last November at the age of 11. He was also the grandson of Ol Skool Tribe Riding Club member Marty Bundy.
The ride will end at Rockingham VFW Post 4203 with food, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Donations will be collected during sign-up.
Messer moved the date from Saturday to Sunday because of the threat of thunderstorms.
The annual Buddy Roe Ride for Richmond County Special Olympics is slated for May 1, with bikers leaving and returning to the Hide-A-Way Tavern for barbecue and chicken plate sales, a 50/50 and silent auction.
Registration for the ride starts at noon. The cost for single riders is $20 and $30 for doubles, which includes a plate.
Last year’s event was canceled because the bar was closed by Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order.
The ride was started in 2009 by late bar owner Buddy Roebuck and current owner Chris Sachs carried on the tradition “because the Special Olympics meant a lot to him.”
That year’s ride collected more than $9,000, which was presented at the local games the following week.
Another ride, planned for June 5 at Double Vision, will help pay medical bills and travel costs for Zach Long.
Long, a first responder with the Richmond County Rescue Squad, was injured in a wreck with a drunk driver late last year. Although he is home, he still makes frequent trips to the hospital in Chapel Hill during his recovery.
Richmond County’s motorcycle community raises thousands of dollars each year for local causes.
Last month, several clubs joined together to help feed the homeless.