Mid Coast Bike Run
Sunday, April 13, 2008

2nd Annual Ride For Research
Sunday, May 4, 2008

About the Ride

Tom Turner was a devoted motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed riding the highways and byways of the Ozark hills. Many of those rides were shared with his good buddy Merlyn Vandervort, respected Lake area developer. Following Tom’s death in 2006, his brothers and sisters approached Vandervort and asked in for his help in organizing an annual event to honor and celebrate Tom’s life.

Designed to raise money for cancer research, the event is also orchestrated to be a fun, family activity. The first event held in May of 2007, began when 100 riders, carrying 55 passengers, met at Pecker’s (nightclub) in Lake Ozark for a gourmet breakfast. Following the meal, the riders took off on a 125-mile ride through Camden and Miller counties. The afternoon festivities concluded at the Horny Toad Entertainment Complex, on Horseshoe Bend, with a pig roast, live entertainment and a silent auction. Ride organizers later presented Cathy Dixon of the American Cancer Society for a check of $9,400 to help fund cancer research.

The 2008 goal for the annual ride is to meet and exceed the original contribution. Tom was dedicated to finding a cure for this horrific disease. The Turner family and ride organizers are dedicated to continuing his efforts. The Turner family wants to thank Merlyn and Dawn Vandervort for their support and to issue a special thank you to many organizers and community sponsors who spend so much time helping with the event. They also would like to issue a special thank you to all those motorcyclists who join the fun.

For more information on the 2nd Annual Ride for Research, you can visit them on the web at http://www.ride4research.com