NORWOOD – The 16th annual Motorcycle Run for Hospice will once again hit the road on Saturday, July 25.

During the first 15 annual runs, nearly $70,000 has been raised to support services provided to patients and their families through Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

“When I started the Run I had no idea it would go on for so long” said Roger “Porky” Willmart. “I wanted to do something for Hospice because they helped my family, just like they do for so many other people” he said.

At its largest, the Motorcycle Run for Hospice has had as many as 312 bikes participating in the ride. “If the weather is good, we have a good turnout. I think people really like to come out to support Hospice too,” Willmart said.

At about 120 miles, this year’s ride is longer than it has been in the past. Bikes can register at the Norwood American Legion beginning at 9 a.m. Kick stands go up at 11 a.m. and they head toward the Heuvelton AMVETS.

From there they will go to the mid- point of the ride at J.C. River Run in Waddington. “We always stop there because it’s a great middle stop. There’s room there for all of the bikes to park and he’s very welcoming” said Willmart. From Waddington they will ride to the Pit Stop and continue back to the Norwood American Legion where participants will be served the famous roast beef dinner, available to non-riders for $10.

The cost for the ride is $20 for the bike and passenger. Raffles will take place throughout the day and riders can get into a 50-50 poker hand. “We’ve had a lot of support from businesses so the riders will have a lot to choose from in the raffles” Willmart said.

“The community support for Hospice is what keeps us going. My wife, Linda, and many family members and friends have been there since the beginning to offer help. After so many years we all know what needs to be done and who’s going to do it so it makes things really easy” he said. “I hope to see lots of bikes come out to enjoy a great day in support of Hospice.”