First Posted: 4/15/2015

ROCKINGHAM — A group of bikers will get their motors running and head out on the highway this Saturday for a special cause.

Ol’ Skool Tribe Riding Club out of Rockingham will kick-start its second annual autism awareness benefit ride for the Cordova School.

Gary Holt, club president, said several other motorcycle clubs are planning to join the Ol’ Skool bikers as they roll out of the school around 1 p.m. and head up to the Town Creek Indian Mound in Montgomery County, then return to Cordova United Methodist Church.

“They act like they’re about as excited as we are,” he said about the church members. “They’ve really embraced us and the school.”

Holt said the club decided to take on the benefit ride as an annual event after the mother of an autistic child spoke at one of Ol’ Skool’s meetings.

The club raised $5,800 last year — with about 100 riders participating — which was used to remodel a classroom and purchase a therapeutic swing.

“Everything came out really great,” he said. “We had a fantastic ride.”

Holt said he’s hoping for similar results this year.

“Right now, they’re calling for rain, but we’re hoping we can beat that,” he said.

Out of the money that will be raised this weekend, Holt said $2,000 will be used to bring a portable planetarium to the school from Raleigh.

“Richmond County Schools is grateful to the Ol’ Skool Motorcycle Club,” said Superintendent Dr. Cindy Goodman. “They’ve supported Cordova through the years, and we look forward to this continued partnership.”

The cost to join the convoy is $15 for a single rider or $20 for couples.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Last year’s prizes included two basketball goals.

Holt said the club will meet Friday night to assemble this year’s bounty.

Dinner plates will be served at the church starting around 3 p.m. with a meat choice of pork tenderloin or chicken tenders for $5, or $7 for both.

A family Christian band will providing entertainment. Holt added that the church may also have some people performing.

Reach reporter William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_Toler.