Final ride to fight cancer

The familiar rumble of motorcycle engines again filled North Water Street on Saturday as nearly 175 riders participating in the annual Ride4Life motorcycle rally rolled into Wilmington during the organization's 25th anniversary fundraising ride.
Motorcycles stretched the length of the downtown street as participants arrived aboard Harley-Davidsons, Indian motorcycles and Honda Goldwings, continuing a tradition that has become a highlight the first Saturday in June. But this will be the end as organizers said that after 25 years it was a final ride.
Greeting riders was Mark Nielsen, owner of the Rustic Inn, who welcomed participants as they arrived for one of the ride's signature stops.
"This has become a tradition that riders and Wilmington residents looked forward for 25 years," Nielsen said. "It's great to see so many people come together for such an important cause."
Nielsen noted the peak year for Ride4Life included as many as 800 bikes, filling two blocks of North Water Street. On Saturday, the lineup stretch half the distance, an indication that participation continues to drop.
Ride4Life organizers say the annual event was founded by a group of family members and friends who share two passions — riding motorcycles and helping raise money in the fight against cancer.
Over the past quarter century, those efforts have raised more than $750,000 to support cancer-related causes, making it one of the region's most successful grassroots motorcycle fundraisers.
The fundraiser begins and ends at the Manteno Sportsmen's Club. Along the route, Wilmington had become one of the ride's most anticipated stops, where the City of Wilmington closes the roadway to accommodate the large number of motorcycles. The arrangement allows riders to safely park and gather while enjoying a stop at the Rustic and a visit in the downtown stores.
Wilmington police officers assisted with traffic control around noon, directing riders as they departed the city and continued toward the next stop on the ride.
A handful of residents strolled the downtown area to admire the impressive collection of motorcycles, ranging from custom-built Harley-Davidsons and touring bikes to sleek Honda Goldwings and classic cruisers. Chrome gleamed in the sunshine as riders mingled, shared stories and enjoyed a brief break before returning to the road.
The event culminated back in Manteno with food, entertainment, raffles and the annual Ride4Life festivities, including a grand prize drawing.