Motorcyclists will be out in force this weekend, revving their engines in the battle against cancer. The third annual Columbus Ride for Life event begins today with a bike show in center court at Columbus” Leigh Mall and culminates with a roar Saturday.
“This is an extension of Relay for Life,” said Ride for Life team captain Debi Higdon, of Columbus. “We just do our event a little later than the Relay at the Magnolia Bowl because of weather.”
Trophies for favorite entries in today”s free bike show will be awarded at center court this evening at 7 p.m. The public can cast votes until 6 p.m.
Saturday”s two-hour ride departs at 11 a.m. from behind J.C. Penney in the mall on Highway 45 North. But festivities begin at 9 a.m. with registration and live music from Christian rock band Free After Three, of Amory. Country and western band Driven, of Vernon, Ala., entertain from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“Anyone wanting to ride Saturday can come out to register,” said Higdon. “The cost is a $25 donation per bike to the American Cancer Society. Food for bikers will also be available, at a cost of $5, and we”ll have door prizes and a raffle.”
With hundreds of past participants, this third edition of the official Columbus Ride for Life promises to be bigger than ever, Higdon said.
“All cancer survivors are welcome to hold signs and greet the riders, expected to pass through downtown Columbus near noon Saturday, or when they return to the mall at 1 p.m.,” Higdon encouraged.
For more information about the event, contact Higdon at 662-574-1122, or e-mail [email protected]. Information is also available at www.rideforlifecolumbus.com.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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