Ole’s Ride kicks-off Aug. 25-26 in Vergas

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – The 14th annual Ole’s ride kicks-off this weekend in Vergas as hundreds of motorcycles gather to pay tribute to Ole and ride to raise money for Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Opening registration for the riders will begin on Friday, Aug. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Billy’s Corner Bar with a bike show to follow the registration.

Kellie Albrecht, a giving officer at Hospice of the Red River Valley, said the organization wouldn’t be able to provide all services they do now without generous fundraisers like Ole’s Ride.

“In 2011, a big character of a man, Ole Barten, passed away” said Albrecht. “And in honor of him, his wife and daughter started ‘Ole’s Ride’ as a way to support Hospice (of the Red River Valley) and honor Ole’s life. We couldn’t do what we do, reaching our rural communities … without the support for the community. So, we are so grateful for that.“

The map of the annual lakes area motorcycle event, Albrecht said, changes every year and is always a closely guarded secret until the day of the event.

“The ride itself, the map, is kind of a big deal,” she said. “It’s a secret. Everybody is surprised every year with the direction they take. So, you’ll have to come and check it out to see where they go this year.”

The bikes will leave Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas at noon, ride all day, and then return to Billy’s for a meal and silent auction to close out the evening.

Motorcycle registration for the event costs $25 and $15 for each additional rider.

For more information about Ole’s Ride, visit their Facebook event page.