Bikers in Richmond County don’t just ride for fun, some ride with purpose and helping those in need is at the top of their list.

“The motorcyclists are such a giving group, they help us help our patients,” said Lisa Ledford, Richmond County Hospice business development coordinator.

The Richmond County and Anson Community Hospice will hold a Steel Stampede on Sept. 18. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the ride will begin at 11 a.m. The cost is $20. The rain date is Sept. 18.

“We sponsored it last year and really enjoyed it,” said Debbie Nichols, co-owner of Nicholas Performance Center in Rockingham. “Hospice has helped both of our families.”

There will also be a 50/50 raffle and local businesses have donated door prizes.

“Hospice is a wonderful organization,” said Kenny Melvin of Farm Bureau Insurance in Rockingham. “When I am looking for an organization to help, I want them to help the community at large as well.”

There will be a scenic ride through Richmond County stopping at Ellerbe Springs for a water break. Then the group will make a lap around the track at the Rockingham Speedway Park.

“My husband and I both have motorcycles and we participate in the ride,” Nichols said.

The ride will end on Main Street in Hamlet with a meal for the participants.

“Last year, we had 115 motorcycles in the ride,” Ledford said. “And this year we are hoping for great growth.”

T-shirts are available for purchase and ribbons to honor a loved one are also available.

“My grandfather was sick and couldn’t feed himself and Hospice took care of him when my family couldn’t,” Nichols said.

“Everyone needs to be aware of what Hospice does,” Melvin said. “Richmond County Hospice works so hard.”

The funds that are raised go towards helping patients who have greater needs.

“We do receive some insurance reimbursement for patient care but get little to no reimbursement for room and board,” Ledford said. “And we want the patients to feel like they are at home.”

Ledford went on to say that 15 volunteers have already donated their time to the cause.

“I think that it will be a great time helping great people,” she said.

Hospice is able to provide services for those who may not be able to get the services any other way.

“It’s always a pleasure to work with them. I hope that they continue to ask me to be a part of this,” Melvin said.

For more information or to participate contact (910) 997-4464.

Staff writer Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com