Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Last Saturday morning, nearly 20 community members arrived at DAT Bar on Merrill’s west side, in both personal vehicles and mounted on motorcycles, for the 1st Annual Rosco’s Ride led by three members of local Northwoods temp. chapter of B.A.C.A International.
Bikers Against Child Abuse International, commonly known as B.A.C.A., is a 501(c )(3) corporation whose sole mission is to create a safer environment for abused children.
The goal of Saturday’s ride-touring Lincoln, Langlade and Forest counties- was to benefit and raise awareness of the Northwoods temp chapter, as well as to stock much needed teddy bears, vests and jackets for the young child heroes the B.A.C.A organization assists on a routine basis.
The rumbling entourage departed from DAT Bar shortly after 11 a.m. to cloudy skies which looked to threaten rain. However as the riders headed east out of the city into Pine River, those ominous clouds began to break.
First stop on the planned 135-mile trek was Bill’s Bar in Pine River followed by Rick’s 45 Roadhouse north of Antigo, where Rosco’s riders were greeted by a mini-tron message of “Welcome BACA Riders.”
By time the ride was embarking on its second leg from Jekyll and Hyde’s in Pickerel, en route to Harrison Oasis, the skies had cleared. Rosco’s riders enjoyed having the sun at their backs as they toured the rolling hills and winding curves of Harrison.
Rosco’s riders continued on to the Rodeo Bar in Tomahawk, before rolling back into town on STH 64 and arriving at back at DAT just before sundown.
When the resonating exhaust pipes quieted Saturday evening, “Rosco” appeared quite appreciative and thankful with the ride’s results.
“Rosco’s Ride Against Child Abuse was a great first year event. And I plan on holding two rides next season,” he said. “I’d like to thank all the sponsors, donors and stop locations and of course our riders, who helped us raise funds and awareness to help empower abused children.”
Although numbers are still being crunched, Rosco reports hundreds of dollars being raised during the event and dozens of donated teddy bears being received.
“With continued support like we seen today, Rosco’s Ride will continue to raise funds and awareness for this great cause.”
For more information on Bikers Against Child Abuse International, visit http://bacaworld.org.