Have you ever heard HOPE? Have you ever felt COURAGE? Have you ever seen STRENGTH? This is exactly what Cancer survivors and their families say they experience when they take part in the River Valley Ride For Life. Over the past three years, we have had many people tell us just what a valuable experience the Ride For Life has given them. This year, we hope to expand this ride and make it another memorable event.

The fourth annual Ride For Life event will take place June 2, 2012. The proceeds from this ride will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s River Valley Relay For Life. Andrea York, event chair, along with co-chairs Cindy Milligan and Jen Dyke, would like to invite all bikers and their families to take part in the Ride For Life.

The ride begins at L/A Harley in Lewiston, Maine and travels along Routes 4 and 108 onto the Hosmer Field Track in Rumford, Maine.

It was awesome to watch the excitement build at last year’s event as the bikers made their journey from L/A Harley. People from area towns called to let us know the bikes were passing by and how impressed they were to see the police escort ride by, with the flags of the different clubs, such as The American Legion Riders Post 24 led by Ed Ellis, and The Eagles Riders (Aerie 1248) led by Doug Westbrook. People were on their lawns waving the bikers through and many businesses posted a “thank you” to the bikers for dedicating their time to the ride.

Last year’s ride was dedicated to Roland Milligan, at the beginning of the year; Rollie was diagnosed with Cancer, a word that his family has heard way too many times. Rollie’s family knew researchers had made great progress in the treatment of his type of cancer. With the strength of his family behind him and the knowledge that research funded by the American Cancer Society had made a huge difference in the treatment he needed, Rollie was so determined to be on that Ride. He was the lead bike for the Ride For Life and the smile on his face was priceless.

The Ride For Life event for 2012 will be dedicated in memory of Linwood Hinkley. Linwood had a passion for life that will never be matched. His love of life and family was so strong. He battled Cancer for 11 years; he worked every day for approximately 10 years while going through treatment. He spent most of his free time educating his family and friends about this disease and making sure his family members got tested for the hereditary type of thyroid cancer he had. Sixteen family member will never have to face the pain and suffering he endured because of the steps he took to protect them.

Linwood spoke often at events hosted by the American Cancer Society to help raise awareness of the value of research and early detection and prevention programs. When he came into a room to speak, everyone listened. He was a calm, quiet man with a message. We will miss him greatly, but never forget the wonderful legacy he leaves behind. Please join us in the Ride For Life to pay tribute to Linwood.

Every biker has a personal connection to Cancer, whether it is to honor a survivor, to remember the courage of someone who has lost their battle, or to acknowledge that they are survivors themselves.

Bikers will meet at L/A Harley in Lewiston at 9 a.m. to register. A biker meeting will take place at 10:45 a.m. and then leave, riding in staggered formation through Lewiston, Auburn and up Route 4 to 108, and onto Hosmer Field.

Donations are $15 per rider before May 26, $20 per rider after May 26. Each rider will be given lunch, a t-shirt, a bracelet, and a kick plate. Once the bikers reach Hosmer Field, lunch will be served, as well as raffle drawing selections.

This ride is more than a fund raiser; it brings Hope to so many people and signifies that they are not in this battle alone.