Reminder Publications | Motorcycle run supports animals at TJO Animal Control and Adoption Center



| Lauren LeBel
llebel@thereminder.com

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SPRINGFIELD — After a four-year hiatus, the Foundation for Thomas J. O’Connor Animals annual Ride Like an Animal Motorcycle Run will return on Sept. 9, to benefit animals in need at the TJO Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield.

At 9 a.m. registration begins at the center, 627 Cottage St. Kickstands go up at 10:45 a.m. and the ride begins at 11 a.m. Motorcyclists will travel through Western Massachusetts and end at the Ludlow Elks Lodge, 69 Chapin St., where there will be an after-party until 3 p.m. There will be live music performed by Mike Smith from the Tom Ingram Band, a barbecue lunch, raffles, vendors and games.

Online registration is open until Aug. 31. For riders that register in advance, it costs $30 and includes a T-shirt, wristband, entrance to the after-party and one meal ticket.

For riders registering the day of, the cost is also $30, with T-shirts available while supplies last.
Registration for the after-party costs $15 and includes one meal ticket. T-shirts will be sold separately while supplies last. Children under 12 are free.

Foundation for TJO Animals Communications and Marketing Manager Jill Carra explained that all proceeds benefit the foundation which directly goes toward helping the animals.

In past years, Carra said they have raised around $8,000; however, it always differs. She shared that a lot of riders wait until the week of the event to check the forecast and determine if they will ride. Some years there have been over 150 bikes, Carra added.

“We are hoping for a big turnout because [it is] the first time since pre-COVID,” she said.

Carra shared that the last time the ride was in its “true form” was in 2019, as they took a break during COVID-19. Last year, the event took place in a different form and was a scavenger hunt ride.

“The ride itself has been going on [for] about 14 years or so,” Carra said.

She explained that the motorcycle run is for people that ride bikes, but for those who do not ride, they can sign up for the after party.

When setting up at the Ludlow Elks, Carra said you can hear the motorcycles coming in in a huge group.

“It’s a cool sight to see,” she shared.

She went on to say, “[It is] a great event for animal lovers in general — not just motorcycle lovers.”
The proceeds that go to the shelter go directly to medical care and treatment of all animals calling TJO their temporary home. It helps with diagnostics, vaccines, microchipping and dental care, to name a few.
To register for the ride or to learn more about TJO, visit tjofoundation.org.




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