"The Ride for Recovery is also a way of educating the community about addiction and removing some of the shame and stigma attached to the disease," said Matt Feehery, Senior Vice President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Prevention & Recovery Center.
Dozens of motorcycle enthusiasts – including members of the Thin Blue Line, a law enforcement motorcycle club whose members are active duty or retired law enforcement officers from a variety of agencies and jurisdictions – are participating in this year’s ride. Last year, more than a 100 riders participated in the event.
“The ride is an opportunity to highlight the road to recovery from alcoholism and drug abuse while also raising funds for organizations actively involved in helping people to recover and get their lives back on track,” Feehery said. “There are many positive stories of redemption and recovery in the Houston community. This ride is one way of saluting their recovery.”
A first of its kind in the Houston area, the Ride for Recovery has raised more than $85,000 in support of local recovery programs and operations since it began. The event is organized by PaRC and the PaRC Alumni Association, and has been attended by as many as 100 motorcyclists and non-bikers, who are also invited to show their support. This year’s donations will go to support The ReCenter and AWay Out Women’s Center.
There is still time to register for the Ride for Recovery. Onsite registration will open at 7:30 a.m. on ride day. The Ride begins at 9 a.m. at PaRC, located at 3043 Gessner (3 miles north of I-10 and 1 mile east of Beltway 8, between Kempwood and Clay on Gessner). The ride route will take motorcyclists through parts of Harris, Montgomery and Waller Counties and return to PaRC where lunch, live music and door prizes will be waiting.
Sponsorship packages for the event are still available. Registration prior to the event is $30 per person and $50 per couple. Same-day registration is $35 per person and $60 per couple. Those who are unable to attend the event but wish to make a contribution can do so online or by phone at 713-329-7272.