Who’s ready to hit the trails for a good cause? The second Hatfield-McCoy Ridin’ 4 A Cure, a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness, will take place on Saturday, September 21, at Highwall Park off Route 52 between Bramwell and Coaldale.
“We thought Highwall Park would be a good location because of its proximity to the new Pocahontas trailhead,” said organizer Matt Hodock.
Matt is the owner of What Supp? Nutrition and Fitness in Princeton. He is spearheading the event with his friend, Dr. Randy Maxwell, who owns a chiropractic clinic, also in Princeton. Both men have personal ties to the cause — Maxwell’s wife and Matt’s mother-in-law both lost their cancer battles last year.
Some might recall the Freedom Motorsports ATV Rally that was held at Highwall Park more than a decade ago.
“That event hasn’t happened in 16 years,” said Marcus Constantino, whose family owns Four Wheeler Heaven in Bramwell and is sponsoring Ridin’ 4 A Cure. “I was only 11 years old at the time, but I remember it pretty well. It was before the Hatfield-McCoy Trails were in the area. I think it was an event before its time. Yet, it was still amazing to see how many people came.”
“Now, with all of the lodging, restaurants and other small businesses that have opened up over the years to accommodate riders, we really think this event is ripe to take off and become a major event for Southern West Virginia.”
About 100-150 people attended the first Ridin’ for a Cure last October. This year’s event is sure to be even more fun, with a variety of things to do, and everyone’s invited.
“We’re trying to open it up more to the greater riding community — locals and visitors — and make it more of a regional draw,” Marcus said.
“There’s going to be food and music in the evening and activities throughout the day that people of all ages will enjoy,” Matt said.
The day’s schedule:
- Registration: 7 a.m.
- Guided Rides with Hillbilly Heaven Trail Guide Service, LLC. and Trail Rides: 7:30 a.m.
- Barrel Race and Mud Bog: 1 p.m.
- Pig Roast: 5:30 p.m.
- Concert with Chosen Road: 7 p.m.
Both the barrel race and the mud bog were components of the Freedom Rally.
The mud bog, Marcus explained, is exactly what you think it is — a pit full of water and mud for riders to splash through.
“It’s just a fun way to get dirty,” he said.
The barrel race is a timed competition where riders go around a course trying to achieve the best time.
“It’s a chance to open your machine up, do something you may not usually be able to do and be with other riders,” Marcus said.
The cost of registration for Ridin’ 4 A Cure is $25 in advance and includes a riding pass on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails (good for the week of Sept. 21), concert, t-shirt and a chance to win door prizes. On-site registration is $30. The first 100 registrants will be entered to win a SxS. There will also be door prizes given away throughout the evening.
Proceeds from the event will be used to provide free mammograms for women in the area during the month of October, purchase wigs for breast cancer patients and fund research to help find a cure.
Having the opportunity to get a wig and be able to have it styled and maintained close to home is important, Matt said. Right now, cancer patients have to travel outside of the area, and that’s why some of the proceeds from last year’s event were used to start a wig service. And one day, they hope to have a Ridin’ 4 A Cure headquarters that will also be used for as a sort of “day spa” for cancer patients.
“That is the ultimate goal,” Matt said.
Register for Ridin’ 4 A Cure here.
Want to stay the weekend? See all of the lodging options available in Mercer County here.