12th annual Multiple Sclerosis Ride for a Cure Sunday

WASILLA— The 12th annual Multiple Sclerosis Ride for a Cure fundraising event is kicking off this Sunday, July 11 at Denali Harley Davidson with bikers from across the Mat-Su Valley kicking up their kickstands for a group motorcycle trip and subsequent community barbecue and live concert afterward.

Event organizer Glen Butts said it will be a good time for a good cause, and he can’t wait to see everyone come together in full swing after a socially isolating year.

“I’m hoping this year will be a blowout,” Butt said. “This community needs it… Everybody gets to go out and actually have some fun, and this is the best way to do it because you’re helping somebody else out at the same time.”

Butts said they were able to hold the event last year, seeing about half the normal capacity. He said they were still able to raise over $900, and he hopes to raise much more this time around.

“I love helping out… It’s only a drop in the bucket being able to help, but at least it makes me feel like I can do something against something I can really do nothing about when it comes to what the disease does… I can’t do anything other than comfort. So, this is another way of comforting, and it helps more people at the same time.”

Participating bikers will meet up at Denali Harley at 10 a.m. to prepare for an hour and a half ride before looping back for the community barbecue and a live concert by local rapper Justin Pendergrass.

Local motorcyclists are encouraged to join the ride, and the public is invited to come and mingle with the bikers, eat food and even win some prizes.

“There are all kinds of patches that show up,” Butts said.

Butts said that he puts on this event with the help of his Christian Motorcycle Association chapter, the Midnight Son Riders.

Butts said that he took over the event from Eddie Maxwell of Q99.7 eight years ago. He said that other than 2020, it’s grown every year and expects it to come back in spades.

“It’s just gonna keep growing,” Butts said.

Admission is $25 and donations are also encouraged. Funds will go directly toward efforts organizations treating and finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

For more information, call the Denali Harley Davidson dealership at 907-373-3366.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com