Scott Severson, left, secures the sidecar of his bike before leaving with Wish Kid Matthew from the Longmont Moose Lodge, 2210 Pratt St., in 2023. The inaugural Wish Ride of Colorado raises money for Make-a-Wish Colorado to support kids with critical illnesses. (Cliff Grassmick, Staff Photographer)
The Wish Ride of Colorado returns this weekend for its second year of making dreams come true for critically ill children.
The ride, a charity run for motorcyclists and motorists, is a Longmont-based fundraiser benefiting Make-a-Wish Colorado. On Saturday morning, riders and drivers will embark on a course that starts at the Longmont Moose Lodge, 2210 Pratt St., hits several checkpoints in Berthoud and Weld County, and ends at Anderson Farms, 6728 County Road 3 1/4, Erie.
Tabitha Keagle, marketing and fundraising coordinator for the Wish Ride, said the team expects between 400 and 700 participants this year.
“It’s going to be big, and we’re excited,” Keagle said.
The Wish Ride began last year, but the true spirit of the fundraiser started with Frank’s Ride, a Longmont charity run that also supported the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Frank’s Ride came to an end two years ago, but a few dedicated fans of the event got together to keep it going under a new name.
“(Make-a-Wish) became near and dear to all of our hearts,” Keagle explained. “To make sure that no child in Colorado goes without a wish is what makes us … continue to do this.”
Last year’s inaugural Wish Ride had over 300 attendees and raised $16,000 for Make-a-Wish Colorado. That donation was put toward granting the wishes of two children; this year, the Wish Ride wants to raise enough to cover the wishes of at least three kids, with a goal of four.
The local Make-a-Wish kid featured in this year’s ride is 4-year-old Lincoln. Lincoln, who has a respiratory disorder, wishes to own a four-wheeler. He also enjoys camping, fishing and visiting Boyd Lake in Loveland.
On Saturday, Lincoln will serve as one of the ride’s leaders, sitting in the sidecar of a motorcycle driven by his dad. Last year’s featured Make-a-Wish kid, Matthew, will also attend on Saturday to participate in the ride again.
At Anderson Farms, the route’s final stop, riders and guests can enjoy food, games and a live auction. Prizes include gift certificates for local businesses, concert tickets and a hunting expedition to Argentina.
This year also brings a new sponsor to the fundraiser – High Country Harley-Davidson in Frederick. The motorcycle dealership will be the only stop along the route offering non-alcoholic drinks for riders.
“We want all ages and all abilities,” Keagle said of Saturday’s ride. “If you’re there to support, that’s what we want.”
Registration is $30 for adults and can be done in person at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Longmont Moose Lodge. To register, donate or view a full schedule online, visit thewishride.com.
Source: Longmont’s Wish Ride will raise money for youth in need
