HOW IT ALL STARTED
Ricky’s Ride was established in 2007 in honor of Ricky Schmidt, a long time participant of South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA).
SSSRA is a therapeutic recreation program, organized to provide individuals with disabilities or special needs, the opportunity to be involved in year-round recreation.
Ricky continues to participate in weekly programs and special events, and Special Olympics Bocce is his favorite activity. Ricky’s family and friends gathered together to organize a motorcycle run to raise money for SSSRA programs, special events, and SSSRA’s scholarship fund. Their efforts have raised over $219,764 for SSSRA families.
Thank you to everyone involved for their support of Ricky’s Ride & SSSRA!
Our mission is to help children and adults with disabilities who participate in programs at the South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA).
our story
history
2007
1st Annual Ricky's Ride
Poker Run established. Started at Mick Shanes 2 with 63 motorcycles & snow on the ground. Ricky's Ride raised over $10,000!
2008
2nd Annual Ricky's Ride
Poker Run started at Oak Lawn Harley Davidson with 162 motorcycles. Ricky's Ride raised $17,000!
2009
3rd Annual Ricky's Ride
This year's Poker Run had 238 motorcycles, starting at Oak Lawn Harley Davidson. Ricky's Ride raised $13,500!
2010
4th Annual Ricky's Ride
347 motorcycles joined this Poker Run. The ride started at Oak Lawn Harley Davidson & raised $12,600!
2011
5th Annual Ricky's Ride
The 5th Annual Ricky's Ride Poker Run started at Post Game Pub in Oak Forest. 286 motorcycles joined the ride & raised $10,700!
2012
6th Annual Ricky's Ride
Starting at Post Game Pub in Oak Forest, this year's event had 310 motorcycles, & raised $14,995!
2013
7th Annual Ricky's Ride
No longer called a Poker Run. The ride started at Night Games in Oak Forest with 341 motorcycles. Ricky's Ride raised $19,493!
2014
8th Annual Ricky's Ride
365 motorcycles - the most we have ever had - joined Ricky's Ride this year. The ride started at Oak Forest Bowl & raised $17,705!
2015
9th Annual Ricky's Ride
Started at Oak Forest Bowl. 228 motorcycles came out & raised $12,200!
2016
10th Annual Ricky's Ride
10 Years Strong!
335 motorcycles joined us for the 10th Annual Ricky's Ride. The ride started at Oak Forest Bowl & raised $17,654!
2017
11th Annual Ricky's Ride
This ride started at Oak Forest Bowl, with 262 motorcycles. Ricky's Ride raised $13,100!
2018
12th Annual Ricky's Ride
328 motorcycles started at Oak Forest Bowl, and raised a record breaking $20,608!
2019
13th Annual Ricky's Ride
This year was rainy, but 79 motorcycles joined the ride. Starting at Oak Forest Bowl, Ricky's Ride raised $14,000!
2020
14th Annual Ricky's Ride
The 14th Annual Ricky's Ride was cancelled due to COVID-19. We are still taking donations, and we look forward to our next event! Please call 815-806-0384 or email lisa@sssra.org for more information.
2021
15th Annual Ricky's Ride
167 motorcycles joined us at the 15th Annual Ricky's Ride. Over $14,000 was raised at this year's event!