By Jamie Folsom
Berthoud Recorder

Sunday’s forecast is sunny with a chance of bikers, as the eighth annual Realities Ride revs up in northern Colorado. And for the first time, Berthoud will be among the six stops in the charity rally that hopes to raise thousands of dollars for Realities for Children. All the hoopla is to benefit abused and neglected children in Larimer County.

This is one of the largest fundraising events for cause-based business networking RFC, which provides the safety net funding for programs and organizations that help youth and families when all other funding sources are depleted, among its many efforts.

Last year the Ride raised over $40,000 for the Children’s Emergency Fund, and this year’s ride faces an even bigger challenge.

RFC Executive Director Craig Secher notes, “There’s a lot greater need. We are seeing a significant increase in the number of requests, and the incidence of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect is increasing.”

“What we are seeing is a wider gap of emergency resources,” Secher said.

Secher also emphasizes the Ride is open to all. He says this is a community event, and they “are asking all who ride or even if they don’t, to help us reach further into the darkness of childhood abuse.”
“Bring what you have to help children.”

Sunday’s Berthoud stop on the Realities Ride is sponsored by the Berthoud Recorder. More than 4,500 riders are expected through the course of the day. All members of the community are welcome to attend the event, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Fickel Park.

Realities Ride Pre-Ride Rally
When: Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Old Town Square Fort Collins
Details: Bikers, non-bikers and families are invited to a free Realities Rally community event, showcasing a variety of bands throughout the day, Joker’s Beer Garden, youth agency art work displays, food and merchandise vendors, and a wide variety of children’s activities and prize drawings.
8th Annual Realities Ride

When: Sunday, May 24, Time: registration begins at 9 a.m.

Where: Check-in and registration begins Sunday morning at 9 a.m. at Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson in Loveland, 4250 Byrd Drive
Cost: $30 per bike and $10 per passenger
Details: Pre-registration and information at www.RealitiesRide.com, call (970) 484-9090 or e-mail Info@RealitiesForChildren.com