The second annual Sue Ford Memorial Bike Ride will be held Sept. 15 beginning at the Harlan County Christian School in Putney. All proceeds go to benefit the Harlan County Christian School where Ford was one of their original founders.

“Last year’s ride was a great success,” said Mark Ford, husband of the late Sue Ford. “The money raised for Sue’s favorite cause last year greatly benefited the Harlan County Christian School. This year, we’re hoping to have even more riders participating in the event. During last year’s ride, everyone really enjoyed the route we took and said they looked forward to having it every year.”

Passing away in 2011, Sue was one of the parents “who got together to help organize” the Harlan County Christian School after it closed down in Woodland Hills in 1997.

“Mom did a lot in the community, but the Harlan County Christian School was one of her greatest passions,” said son Darian White. “She loved working at the school and doing everything she could to help keep the school in operation. Being a private school, there is a need to constantly host fund raisers to help with operating expenses. We began hosting the car show at the Poke Sallet Festival this year to also help raise funds for the school. This is all being done in my mother’s memory. She would want us to do this to carry on her legacy and help provide a place where children have the opportunity to obtain a christian education.”

White said by participating in this ride and helping the school, you are also “helping a child obtain a christian education.”

“The entire extended family pitches in and helps with this ride each year, along with staff of the Harlan County Christian School,” said White. “We couldn’t do this without the school’s help. Lots of parents volunteer time to cook and be on hand to give tours of the school so that riders may see where their $15 donation is being used.”

Beginning at 1 p.m., registration for the ride will be from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The rain date will be Sept. 29 at the same times. Leaving Putney, riders will turn north onto U.S. 119. They will then turn right onto KY 160, riding across big Black Mountain into Appalachia, Va. Riders will then turn right onto VA 68 into Keokee, Va., and then turn right onto KY 38 returning back to Harlan. There will be refreshments and door prizes given away during the event. There will also be T-shirts available for anyone wishing to purchase one. The cost will be $15 per bike.

“We invite everyone to come out and participate because it is for a great cause,” said Ford.

For more information, you may call 574-1900.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com