With nothing but true blue skies dotted with puffy white clouds, refreshing soft breezes and dry roadways, this year Brad’s Run had everything in its favor – a great ride for a great cause.
Brad Barrows owned the small bar located on Route 6 in Mattapoisett for many years. And during those years, he helped local athletic events and organizations with financial support. After he passed away and the bar became Rick’s, a group of Brad’s pals got together and established Brad’s Run, a motorcycle ride that continues the support of local sports groups, events and more.
Dick Barrett, Chairman of the event, said, “We have one fundraiser which helps to support things like ORR’s swim team and the Tri-Town Little League.” But extending beyond local need, Barrett said they were also able to send food to the victims of Sandy as well as provide some financial support for the repairs that were recently completed on Center School’s antique clock.
Barrett said that a number of local businesses have thrown their support to Brad’s Run in the form of money and raffle items, all of which is used toward what Brad was all about: helping others, especially kids.
In addition to business sponsors, individual sponsors include Betty Pope, Mich Roderick, the McFee family, Pete and Antonette Collins, Barry and Sharon Barrows, Rick and Jean Cole, Chris and Eleanor Nixon, as well as the board members of Brad’s Run.
As I spoke with some of the riders, one theme rang in their comments as clearly as a revving four-stroke engine – doing something that benefited others. The ride on a motorcycle, especially on a day like September 14 turned out to be, was simply the stencil detailing on the saddle covers. Being able to ride and give to a worthy cause meant everything to this group. Whether the rider was a first timer, or like Rory McFee, in since the beginning, the excitement and joy of participating in an event that raised money for local athletic programs or people in need was the spark that drove their engines.
About 40 riders ranging in age from 10 years old to, well, let’s say well-seasoned, cruising through back roads that would meander through Mattapoisett, Rochester, Wareham, Middleboro and Carver ending at American Legion Hall on Federal Furnace Road in Plymouth before returning to Rick’s for pot luck and drinks. Kevin Medeiros, 10, told me, “I love the way the wind feels on my face – it can even make a stomachache go away.”
By Marilou Newell
