Rumble for the Cure Set to Cruise into Hope Saturday

Motorcyclists from miles around are set to gather in Edinburgh this Saturday for the kickoff of the 9th Annual Rumble for the Cure motorcycle ride benefitting the American Cancer Society that will end at the Hope Volunteer Fire Department.

“If you have ever ridden in a motorcycle ride, these folks are giving up their entire day to come out and support this event and cause,” says Misty Derringer, event organizer. “It is a great place to be for the day.”

Rider registration begins at 9 a.m. at Mann’s Harley Davidson, located at 3250 W. Market Pl. Drive, near the outlet mall in Edinburgh. Cost is $20 for solo riders and $35 for those riding with a passenger, Derringer says.

She adds that all motorcycles are welcome and either rain or shine, it is kickstands up at 11 a.m.

Derringer says this year’s scenic 90-mile route will resemble those of previous rides and meander through Bartholomew, Brown and Shelby counties.

“And it ends at the Hope Volunteer Fire Department where they host us,” Derringer says. “They’ve hosted us the past few years, we love ending there. There’s an amazing group of folks there."

One of those folks, Tom Barrett, is the president of the Hope Volunteer Fire Department and also a motorcyclist who says this event is one that is close to his heart.

“Honestly, I enjoy meeting the other riders and raising the money for cancer research,” he says. “My mom passed away from cancer, so it is something that is near and dear to me and so I do everything I can to help them.”

As one of the hosts feeding the hungry riders at the event’s conclusion, Barrett says this year his department will be serving hamburgers and brauts.

“They each get a to-go container and everyone eats and hangs out for a bit afterward,” he says.

For riders like Barrett, the camaraderie within the biker community is one of dedication and passion, he says, which is almost palpable on rides such as this where the desire to help out such a great cause is at the fore.

Since the year of its launch, which had a sign-up of 97 motorcycles, Rumble for the Cure has consistently grown in popularity and generally attracts between 150 and 200 riders, Derringer says.

“Even in 2020 in the peak of COVID we had 153 bikes show up,” Derringer says.

Derringer says her involvement with the American Cancer Society for about 15 years was the genesis of the event with the help of her husband and some friends.

“I am very passionate about the cause, I believe in the charity and the American cancer society and what they are doing to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” she explains. “We wanted to do a ride and we had a lot of people jump on to say they wanted to help out. Cancer has touched everyone in some way shape or form, if it isn’t you personally then it is probably someone you know. It is definitely something that is near and dear to almost everyone’s heart and people just want to make a difference and feel like they are giving back in some way.”

Aside from hopes for beautiful weather, Derringer says she looks forward to seeing new faces and further building awareness about the ride and its cause.

“I just love doing it, it is a lot of work but the day of the event it really fills your heart,” Derringer says. “The people who ride in the ride are amazing people and we really couldn’t do it without our riders and sponsors.”