Motorcycle event to benefit children, teens in need

The annual Wheels of Grace Unity Ride, the fourth in the nation and second in Carson City, will take place Sept. 19.

It benefits the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree program and Teen Challenge this year.

Open to all riders, the Unity Ride is hosted by Wheels of Grace national biker magazine and several local ministries working together for common good, area organizer Tommy Duran said.

"Last year we had about 60 bikes and 84 people, and we're excited to see what God's going to do this year," Duran said.

Motorcyclists are encouraged to attend the 45-mile ride, which begins at Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley off Enterprise Road, and ends at Carson City Harley-Davidson with an afternoon of music, vendors, a 50/50 raffle, bike games, food and good times.

"This is an open ride, and we would like to see everyone come out and support these worthy organizations," Duran said.

Since this benefits Angel Tree in part, participants are encouraged to bring a toy, though this is not required.

Prison Fellowship Angel Tree is the only nationwide, year-round effort that reaches out exclusively to children whose fathers or mothers are behind bars. During the past 26 years, more than 7.5 million children of prisoners have received some 16 million Christmas gifts, more than 40,000 children have participated in summer camping and some 5,000 prisoners' children have been mentored through this program.

Teen Challenge is a comprehensive addiction recovery program for teens and young adults that teaches them skills to cope with life's challenges. The in-depth program addresses recovery in spiritual, physical, emotional, social and educational areas.

Money raised will help to continue to support those who are in this life-changing program, Duran explained.

Unity Ride began locally when Duran, at "the prompting of the Lord," felt moved to start a motorcycle ministry in Dayton and had come across Wheels of Grace magazine in which there was a story about Unity Ride nationwide. He took the idea to his church members who gave the go-ahead.

Since its inception in 2006, WOG Unity Ride has grown to include nine cities.

"It has been a great experience to see people come out and work together for good," Duran said.

Cost to ride is $15 single or $25 double, plus an optional toy donation. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and departing time is 11 a.m.

Vendors are also sought for this event, with no cost for the booth space. Free-will offerings or raffle donations will be appreciated, Duran said.

"Our goal is that everyone who attends that day, in any capacity, is blessed," he said.

For information, contact Duran at 775-745-4042.

To learn more about either of these organizations, visit teenchallengeusa.com, prisonfellowship.org/angeltree-home or wheelsofgrace.com.