By Robert Williams

Editor

Last year’s Ole’s Ride set two major financial milestones by raising the most funds in its 15 years, pulling in more than $33,000, and at the same time setting the total amount raised over the quarter-million dollar mark for Hospice of the Red River Valley.

“To do that in our little town just blows my mind,” Organizer Krissy Barten said in 2023 when the ride raised $30,000 for the first time. 

Hospice of the Red River Valley has since rebranded to HIA Hospice. The new name, HIA, stands for “Hearts in Action.” This change reflects the organization’s growth and expanded geographic reach, now serving nearly 65,000 square miles in North Dakota and Minnesota. The rebranding also aims to better represent the organization’s broader range of services and ensure consistency across all its offerings.

The event is held in memory of Richard “Ole” Barten, who lost his battle to colon cancer in February of 2011. Hospice of the Red River Valley cared for Ole during his final months and the family created and continues the event each year to give back to an organization that cares for so many families in the area.

Ole’s Ride hardly needs any promotion as it continues to grow year after year. There were 171 bikes registered for last year’ ride and over 300 people participated. 

“Justin, Jess, Tyson and myself along with the entire Ole’s Ride crew, are humbled and beyond excited,” said Barten after releasing last year’s numbers. “All because of the beautiful, generous people that support Ole’s Ride, Hospice of the Red River Valley will be able to use this money to support many families. We thank you again for everything and we’ll see you for Ole’s Ride 16!”

For HIA Hospice, the ride is one of the many critical fundraisers that allow them to provide aid to families in the toughest of times.

“Events like this are our life blood,” said Hospice Development Officer Curt Seder in 2022 when the ride surpassed $200,000 raised.

Seder also pointed out the variety of services provided by hospice and how it is commonly associated with a patient’s final days. Hospice provides care for up to six months, he explained.

“These talented people that we have working for us: the RN’s; the CNAs; the social workers; the chaplains, they don’t do their best work in 48 hours or a week. They do their best work with these families and patients over a period of time and it’s so easy to qualify for hospice. I think that’s the other thing people don’t understand. If there’s a logical expectation of life six months or less you qualify for hospice,” said Seder.

Last year’s ride was a throwback to the same route as the first one – the only ride in which Ole was a participant. Ole’s Ride routes are designed each year by Mud Berven and Justin Helmke and kept a secret until the day of the ride.

“It was really special to have Ole’s original for our 15th year,” Barten said.

Fellow Organizer Jessica Sonnenberg talked about feeling humbled and speechless every single year, but the 15th ride was something special

“I’m forever grateful to the bikers that show up to support the Ride, to the volunteers and friends that generously give their time, to all the people that donate their money to our several raffles and the silent auction, to the sponsors and businesses that support us financially and with donations to the silent auction, and to everyone else that plays a part in this day,” Sonnenberg said. “Thank you! The difference this makes in our community touches so many lives, and for that, we should all be proud.”

Ole’s brother Tom was featured during the 13th ride. Tom sings the national anthem before the bikes take off from Vergas each year and related that during each ride he and his crew have a special spot for Ole.

“It’s an excuse for another ride and showing loyalty to my brother; I’m thinking of him,” he said. “In fact, a lot of times during the ride we’ll do a formation known to bikers where we get our gaps set and we leave one spot open. That’s where he’s riding…just ahead of me. It’s kind of neat and makes you feel good just remembering him.”

Vergas is coming off a record-setting Looney Days and Ole’s Ride is another Saturday on the summer calendar when the town will again fill up with visitors. For Barten, Vergas plays its own special role in making the ride a success.

“Vergas, to me, I’ve always thought of it as its own entity; it’s this living, breathing thing and the people are the heartbeat,” she said. “You live in a small town. Everybody knows your business, but at the same time, whether it’s something great or bad, they’re there for you.”

The 16th Ole’s Ride begins Friday, Aug. 22 with a bike show and pre-registration at Billy’s Corner Bar & Grill. The show starts at 6:30 p.m., with voting closing 90 minutes later. A silent auction will be held and music will be provided by The Fat Cats.

Registration continues from 10-11:30 a.m., at Billy’s the day of the ride Saturday, Aug. 23. The fee is $25 per bike and $15 for an additional rider. The fee includes a T-shirt, meal and changes at door prizes at each stop on the ride. Kickstands go up a little after noon.