Ole’s Ride raises $29K for Hospice of the Red River Valley

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – With more than 300 riders on nearly 200 motorcycles, Ole’s Ride hit the lakes area roadways on Saturday for their annual fundraiser for Hospice of the Red River Valley.

This year’s ride raised more than $29,000 for the end-of-life nonprofit.

Riders prepare to depart Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas for the 14th annual Ole’s Ride for Hospice of the Red River Valley on Aug. 26, 2023. (Dave Lee / KRCQ)

Riders prepare to depart Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas for the 14th annual Ole’s Ride for Hospice of the Red River Valley on Aug. 26, 2023. (Dave Lee / KRCQ)

The ride is named in honor of Richard “Ole” Barton, a Vergas native, who passed away of stage 4 cancer after participating in the first Ole’s Ride in 2010.

The ride began and ended at Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas, but the riders spent most of their Saturday traveling to different locations along the 125-mile scenic ride route on lakes area roadways.

Since 2010, more than $237,000 has been raised by the annual Ole’s Ride to benefit programs at Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Riders prepare to depart Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas for the 14th annual Ole’s Ride for Hospice of the Red River Valley on Aug. 26, 2023. (Dave Lee / KRCQ)

Riders prepare to depart Billy’s Corner Bar in Vergas for the 14th annual Ole’s Ride for Hospice of the Red River Valley on Aug. 26, 2023. (Dave Lee / KRCQ)

Dave Lee and another rider smile for a group photo during the 14th annual Ole’s Ride for Hospice of the Red River Valley on Aug. 26, 2023. (Dave Lee / KRCQ)