200 motorcycles riding in Clark County to raise money for charity

A motorcycle run Saturday with about 200 riders — many of them first responders — will raise money for children’s charitable programs, the first time the large event will be held in Clark County.

The nonprofit First Responders and Bikers Advocating Against Abuse will hold its third annual Fire House Run Saturday.

Motorcycle rider Lt. Brad Barnhart with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office will lead the bikes from Greene County to Clark County.

Registration for the event begins at 10 a.m. and the bike run will begin at noon outside of Buckminn’s D&D in Xenia, 1213 Cincinnati Ave. The ride will end in Clark County at Mid-Ohio Harley Davidson, 2100 Quality Lane, around 2:15 p.m.

“We have been overjoyed with (the) support from Clark County,” FRABAAA founder and President Shella Baker said.

The organization has partnered with Project Woman and the Family Violence Prevention Center to help families affected by abuse or neglect.

“Our group is made up of men and women in the service of fire, EMS, medical, legal and motorcyclists that have a passion to help kids,” Baker said.

The motorcycle ride will raise money for the Shoe Barn Project, an organization that supplies shoes for children in need. The Shoe Barn Project has raised more than $750 in gift cards for shoe stores and donated more than 300 pairs of shoes to Children’s Services and the Family Violence Prevention Center.

“Firefighters and paramedics … will be there making sure it’s a safe ride,” Clark County Sheriff Gene A. Kelly said.

Riders will follow a 26-mile route escorted by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Motor Unit and units from Greene, Ross and Montgomery counties. Attractions with fire trucks and squad vehicles will be scattered along the route for family entertainment. CareFlight and MedFlight vehicles will also make appearances.

“People like … following officers who can run stop signs and traffic lights,” Baker said. “(The run) is a neat experience for them.”

Bikers will include officers from Greene and Clark County sheriff’s offices, Xenia City, Xenia Twp., Fairborn, Mad River Twp., German Twp., North Hampton, and Springfield City Police and Fire/Rescue divisions.

“(Fire House Run) is a great show of support and camaraderie,” Sheriff Kelly said.

A ride and food patch is $20 per cyclist and each additional passenger is $10. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the event. Anyone who donates to the Shoe Barn Project will receive a $5 discount on ride patches.

For more information, call FRABAAA at 937-789-7262.

About the Author