Riding to Remember

Today we hosted a 36-mile ride through scenic and historic Newburyport, Massachusetts, out to Plum Island and back, to honor the memory of the beloved Barry Haarde, and to raise money for the children and young people we serve through Save One Life. Barry started this biking craze in hemophilia, as he rode across the United States six different times, and raised about $250,000 for our nonprofit. When he passed away, we thought to keep his dream alive: to raise awareness of the need of those with bleeding disorders in developing countries, to raise funds to keep our program alive to help them, and to bring our community together.

It threatened rain, and did rain early in the morning, but by the time the riders showed up around 9 am, the sun was struggling through. It was a small group, only six riders, but dedicated! I could not join them this time as I have been dealing with chronic back issues for months, and while on the rebound after medical procedures, didn’t want to risk a flare up. I stayed behind with our team from Save One Life. Fueled by donuts and coffee, the riders took off!

When they returned two plus hours later, we learned that one dropped out due to a health concern, and one—my brother—stopped the ride to assist a painted turtle across the road. Hey, it’s Save One Life, and he did!

Thanks to all who participated, to remember Barry, and to remember our community members overseas in need.

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