ATV enthusiasts ride for charity in Garden River (12 photos)

The rain managed to hold off today for over 200 ATV enthusiasts taking part in a charitable ride as part of this year’s Huddy’s ATV Charity Run.

Hosted at the Garden River Community Centre, participants ventured off shortly after 9 a.m. on Saturday to drive along 80 km worth of trails in and around the Garden River area.

Among the riders includes Bill Porter, the president of Suzuki Canada, who is attending the event for the first time.

“We like to get involved with the community because it’s important to stay in touch with our customers and the communities themselves,” he says. “We’re just happy people are getting out to enjoy the outdoors.”

The charity run has several sponsors to help make the event a success, including Greg Robinson from Bud Robinson Motorsports, who is thrilled with this year’s turnout.

“It’s a lot of fun just getting out into nature,” he says. “It’s a great time; everyone has fun, and it’s growing every year. We’re raising a lot of money for local charities and giving back to the community.”

The charities this year include Canadian Tire Jump Start, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie, as well as the Garden River Food Bank.

Admission to the ride was 50 dollars per bike and 20 dollars per passenger.

Last year, Huddy’s ATV Charity Run raised over $10,000 for local causes, and event organizers say they’re hoping to break that total this year.

To cap off the ride this afternoon, participants will enjoy a barbeque provided by a group of volunteers.

Several prizes will also be given away at a random draw, including a DR50 motorcycle and a Z50 four-wheeler.