Community Corner

Buddy Matthews Memorial Ride Raises Funds, Autism Awareness

A memorial motorcycle ride for the late Buddy Matthews drew riders Saturday despite the cool weather.

Dozens of motorcycles roared in unison Saturday morning before heading out from the  on a ride in memory of .

Organizers had hoped for a bigger turnout at the second annual . The ride is in memory of Matthews, who died in a 2009 motorcycle accident.

“I think the weather hurt us a little bit,” said Linda Voshall, Buddy’s mother. “You always hope for more, but it will be a great success.” 

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The dark overcast and cool temperatures weren’t enough to keep some motorcyclists away.

Danny Kehoe, an organizer who grew up with Buddy, estimated about 55 motorcycles were registered by mid-morning, before the sheriff, along with Voshall and Buddy's friends Kehoe and Jimmy Neal led the pack on the 97-mile trek.

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“We were expecting at least 150 more people, but I think the weather scared people off,” Kehoe said.

Kehoe said Matthews organized a similar bike run five years ago in memory of his friend , a volunteer Baden firefighter who died in a motorcycle crash.

“Buddy’s the one who started this whole thing because his son Joel has autism,” Kehoe said.

After Buddy Matthews’ death, the event was changed in his name and continues to . Proceeds from T-shirt sales, raffles, the silent auction, and other parts of the event go to the to benefit families and kids with autism.

The ride has become more than just a fundraiser for those who attend.

Charlie “Butch” Lane, 67, said he was out of town last year and unable to attend but made it a point to participate this year.

“I love to ride my motorcycle with a bunch of guys – and girls too,” Lane said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

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