BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The Ride Across Maryland is an amazing success story. In 12 years, motorcycle riders have helped raise more than $2.5 million for the fight against breast cancer.

Ron Matz reports founder Dick Gelfman is announcing some exciting changes for next year’s big event.

“We’ve done Ocean City for eight years. We did Wisp for four years before that. We’re on to our 13th year, so we said its time to make a change. The change we’re doing is basically a ride going around part of the Chesapeake Bay. We’re pretty much going to stay local, and we’re going to end up at Blob’s Park in Anne Arundel County,” said Dick Gelfman, Ride Across Maryland.

At Daniels restaurant they’re talking about Dick Gelfman’s Ride Across Maryland.

“Ocean City has been great, but this year we’re going to go around the bay. It should be an interesting event, so come join us,” said Kirk Towner, Navy chiefs & friends.

The annual weekend in Ocean City raises thousands for breast cancer research.

“It’s an honor to be able to support the Ride Across Maryland. We want to do it to be part of the community, and it’s a really important cause,” said Barb Daniels, Daniels restaurant.

Next year’s ride is June 1. Year 13 will bring change.

“We’re going to have tents. We’ll have a lot more vendors. We’re local, which means folks around here who say they don’t ride a motorcycle can still go online, buy a ticket and know you’re benefitting breast cancer and see a great group,” Gelfman said.

Team Carpe Diem will be there.

“It’s going to be a one day event at Blob’s Park, but we’re still going to have rides. We’ll have small rides and big rides. It’s going to be great. I can’t wait to do it again,” said Steve Imhoff, Team Carpe Diem.

The ride will end with music at Blob’s Park.

“Instead of just having the ride, we’re going to open this whole world up to everybody who would like to see a great concert. We’re going to bring in a national group,” Gelfman said. “We’re going to try to bring in a lot more people to see the Ride Across Maryland. They can party with us and raise money for breast cancer. We hope to bring in 6,000 or 7,000 people to watch this concert. If it’s successful it means we can give away a lot more money.”

And on Sunday you can join the fight against breast cancer at a Ravens tailgate party.

“WJZ is a huge part of the reason we succeed every year. Thank you ‘JZ. We’re moving forward to 2013 and June 1.We’ll have a great time,” Gelfman said.

The 2013 Ride Across Maryland is June 1. Registration begins this weekend. For more information, just click here.