Motorcyclist slated to pass through Hope today

A Georgia motorcyclist is scheduled to pass through Hope this afternoon, as part of his nationwide ride to raise money and awareness for cancer. 

According to an announcement, Stephen Wilson of Cataula, Georgia, is making his fourth motorcycle trip to raise money for the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition. This is his second year for the Ride for Hope theme, which seeks to visit towns named "Hope." He says his goal is to raise awareness of cancer-fighting groups in every community. 

"As I ride, I tell people, that there are local organizations in your area that need your support," Wilson said. "Help the people with cancer in your area.”

Last year Stephen rode to all 17 towns in the United States named Hope from Kentucky to the coast of Washington, and Arizona to Rhode Island. A trip that took him 21 days and over 10,000 miles. This year he has had to limit his trip, so he is staying in the Eastern half of the U.S. and riding approximately 5,000 miles over the course of 10 days.

“This year is a different experience, because for the past three years I have been on the motorcycle for 21 days straight, so this year feels almost like a vacation because my time on the bike is going to be cut in half.”

Cancer ribbons play a significant role in Stephen’s repertoire. He wears various color ribbons on his vest and his chaps, and each bears the name of a person who has or has had cancer. His Harley-Davidson motorcycle also has four ribbon decals for people he honors in a special way as he rides. All four are friends of Stephen who have had cancer and one whom died this past June after a two year bout with cancer. 

To find out more about Ride For Hope 2019 go to bikersbattlingcancer.org or the Ride for Hope Facebook page.