Ride to Remember Springfield prepares for 15th annual charity ride

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Ride to Remember Springfield is preparing for its 15th and largest event yet, a 75-mile charity ride organized by John Delaney to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to others.

The ride began as a tribute to Kevin Ambrose, a friend of Delaney’s who was shot and killed in 2012.

“A few of our friends got together, and the first year, we did from Springfield to Boston, and then when we arrived at Boston at the Fallen Officer Memorial, his name was etched on the stone, along with Jose Torres, who was a Westfield officer that died the same year,” Delaney said.

What started with approximately 150 participants has grown to more than 500 people involved with the charity.

This year’s route will run as a loop from downtown Springfield to Hartford and back, with meals provided to riders and a stop at the Springfield 9/11 Memorial.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s 25 years since 9/11,” Delaney said. “The ride to remember exists because we want to make sure the general public never forget the people that sacrificed their lives for the common good. So, we want to zero the attention of the public that we’re riding in their honor.”

Registration kicks off March 1 at White Lion Brewing Company in Springfield. The standard registration fee is $200, with discounts available for those who attend the kickoff event or bring a charitable donation.

“It’s $200 to do the ride. If you come here Sunday and you donate a perishable good to Christina’s house, like a coat, hat — I mean, it’s a homeless shelter for women and kids — food stuff, diapers and stuff like that, then you get another $25 off. If you come to the event, $75 off. So, it’s $100 just to do the ride and you get so much that day,” Delaney said.

White Lion Brewing Company Founder and President Ray Berry is a community partner for the event and has created a branded beer for the charity.

“So, we have an American lager that is called Thirst Responder, where a portion of the proceeds go back to Ride to Remember. So they have their own branded beverage,” Berry said.

Berry encouraged the public to support the event.

“I just want everyone to know that Ride to Remember plays an important role in the region, and for folks to look out for that particular event, contribute to it, possibly volunteer — it’s a great cause for our fallen heroes,” Berry said.