RIDE: 9/11 Run Aims to Raise Over $20K for Laurel Hometown Troops

What began as a heartfelt ride to honor the lives we lost on September 11, 2001, has now grown to one of the largest motorcycle runs of the year in the Billings area. The 17th annual event, sponsored by a local motorcycle riding club (the B.A.S.T.A.R.D.S.), will be held this Saturday, September 10th. The run will depart from Laurel, with a new starting point for 2022.

Expect over 500 bikes.

According to ride organizers, the 2021 9/11 Remembrance Ride drew approximately 500 bikes. Many rode with passengers, accounting for a total of about 700 people on the ride. This event is very welcoming to all makes and models of motorcycles, trikes, etc. Here are the details:

• Sign-up and check-in begin at 9:30 am on Saturday 9/10
• NEW STARTING LOCATION: Laurel Chevrolet at 202 SE 4th St, Laurel, MT 59044
• Kickstands up at 11:00 am.
• Ride to the Yellowstone County Courthouse for the Remembrance Ceremony at 11:30 am.
• A short poker run around town wraps up with the afterparty at the Red Door Lounge.

Many riders typically arrive a little early to the staging area to grab a cup of caffeine from nearby coffee shops, or perhaps a breakfast sandwich from McDonald's across the street. It may be a little cool in the morning, but Saturday's weather forecast looks like a great day for a ride with sunshine and a high of 71 expected.

Cool prizes for a great cause.

Proceeds from the run go directly to the Laurel Hometown Troops organization, a 501(c)3 that is dedicated to sending thoughtful care packages to local men and women serving overseas, typically around the holiday season. Poker hands are $20 each and raffle tickets are available for a chance to win two $500 Scheel's gift cards.

Representatives from the 9/11 Remembrance Ride will be on hand at the final Bike Night of the season tonight (9/7) at the Reno Club from 6 - 9 pm if you would like to pre-register, purchase poker hands, or special commemorative poker chips.

Laurel Hometown Troops support Montana servicemen and women year-round.

Ranae Marshall from Laurel Hometown Troops said they've been busy this year, with 3,000 Montanans newly deployed in 2022. Postage costs are one of the group's biggest expenses. Most of the items sent to soldiers overseas are sourced from Montana and Wyoming, giving the recipients an appreciated "taste of home." Marshall said proceeds raised from the 9/11 Remembrance Run create their largest single donation of the year.