This Saturday was the 7th Annual Taking a Ride for Tayden. Bikes, cars, busses and ATV vehicles gathered for this poker run for charity, raising money to help families with medical expenses for kids who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Rain fell off and on for most of the day from light drizzle to heavy rainfall and didn’t do anybody any favors, but it didn’t stop people from coming out to support the event either. Many of the bikers in attendance commented that even though it would be a “Soggy Bottom” ride, that they “wouldn’t miss it for anything!”
“I’ll admit I was really worried about the turnout, I was afraid that folks wouldn’t show because of the bad weather, but they came anyway,” said Danielle Grohs of Team Tayden. “We were down about 100 attendees from last year but we had about 250 or so in attendance anyway. And everyone who came was extremely generous. I don’t have a total for you as of yet because we’re still getting the final tally, but we’re very, very impressed. Like, blown own of the ballpark impressed.”
Several SF area motorcycle clubs were in attendance and many people from the area came along to ride on the busses, since it was the “dry” option. One surprise guest that was popular with the kids and adults alike was Batman! The Sioux Falls area Batman often comes to charity events and parades, driving his Batmoblie (a customized Can-Am Spyder). Grohs said that he planned to do the whole ride with the group, but the open-air design of this Bat-vehicle wouldn’t have done well in bad weather.
“Even so it was great to see him out here,” said Grohs. “Everyone was super excited to see him, especially the kids. Lots of people got photos, I mean who doesn’t want a photo with Batman! I chatted with him for a little while and he says that he tries to get to about 200 events like ours a year, which is pretty incredible if you think about it. It’s awesome, we loved having him, and we totally want him to come back again next year.”
Trevor Grohs made final announcements, thanking everyone for coming, explaining each route and cautioning everyone to ride and drive safely.
“I want to thank everybody who’s come out today, despite the bad weather to join us in this ride in remembrance of our son,” he said. “This is a team effort, we can’t do it alone, and to see this much support is wonderful and heartwarming.”
Pastor Steve Moberg of Zion Lutheran Church led the assembly in prayer, blessing the ride, the riders and invoking the joy of fellowship and love of the ride; and the goal of using that fellowship and love to do something great together in Jesus’ name.
Grohs told the Gazette that she’ll have a final tally soon and that photos and video will be available online.
“Our winners were also extremely generous, people who won cash prizes often just donated their winnings back to the fund, and we are overwhelmed by that generosity. Thank you all!”
