The Doolin Dalton Awareness Ride, hosted in Seneca, SC, has quickly become more than just a memorial ride; it's a significant community event that raises funds and awareness for critical issues, touching the hearts of many and fostering substantial local support. Scheduled for April 20, 2024, this event will commence at 409 E North 1st St, Seneca, and conclude in Pickens with a special moment in front of Uncle Warren's home, acknowledging his and his family's battle with Parkinson's disease.
Event Origins and Impact
Named in memory of Dalton Nichols, the ride reflects the community's collective heart, spirit, and resilience. The ride not only commemorates Dalton's life but also channels collective community efforts into meaningful action through education and awareness, particularly concerning biker rights and safety.
First Annual Ride
The inaugural event took a profound community-oriented approach, starting and ending at the Walhalla American Legion. The funds raised were distributed across various community services:
- Community Outreach: Contributions were made to homeless shelters and soup kitchens.
- Educational Support: A book drive collected over 200 books for the Sheriff's Department inmate library.
- Health and Safety Initiatives: The event included participation in Lobby Day for bikers' rights and multiple blood drives.
Second Annual Ride
In its second year, the ride began at the Eagles Nest Art Center in Salem and ended at Timms Harley Davidson in Anderson. This ride focused on producing "Dalton's Impact" video for the SC ABATE Campaign "Gone Too Soon", set to begin production in June following the event. This initiative aims to highlight the tragic impact of inadequate road safety laws that fail to protect bikers adequately.
This Year’s Focus: Parkinson’s Disease Research
The third annual ride shifts focus towards Parkinson's disease—a cause close to the Higham family's heart, especially relevant as Dalton's uncle battles this neurodegenerative disorder. This year, all proceeds will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, renowned for its commitment to finding a cure through research and development.
Event Details
- Date & Time: April 20, 2024, 11:00 AM
- Route: From Seneca to Pickens, SC, with a special pass-by at Uncle Warren's residence
- Culmination Point: Aunt Sue's Kitchen in Pickens, a meaningful spot commemorating one of Dalton’s notable rides
Participation and Support from Bare Knuckle Biker
Bare Knuckle Biker is honored to participate in this impactful event, emphasizing the strong community and support network within the biker community. We encourage everyone to join—riders and supporters alike—to rally for this noble cause. Your involvement goes beyond just participation; it's a stand for community support, awareness, and the urgent need for medical research funding.
The Doolin Dalton Awareness Ride is a testament to the power of community action in advocating for crucial causes—from local community support to critical medical research. It’s a call to all who support advancement in medical research, biker safety, and community welfare to come together in solidarity.
Join us as we ride not just in memory of Dalton but for the future safety and health of the community. Let’s make the roads safer for bikers and strive for advancements in Parkinson's disease research. Be a part of this movement; your support can lead to real change. Join the ride and support the cause.
Your participation can drive us closer to a cure and a safer riding environment. Bear Knuckle Biker looks forward to seeing a great turnout and achieving new milestones in this event's history. Ride for a cause, make an impact—let's ride together for a better tomorrow.