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14th Annual Ride Across Maryland Breast Cancer Cause Heads Back To Ocean City

COLUMBIA, Md. (WJZ)—It's one of the biggest summer fundraisers in Maryland, and in 13 years it's raised $2.5 million for the fight against breast cancer.

Ron Matz reports this year Dick Gelfman's Ride Across Maryland is just 11 days away.

It's back to Ocean City for the 14th annual Ride Across Maryland. Gelfman and friends can't wait.

"The first year we started this we thought we'd pull in a few thousand bucks and give it to some worthwhile charity. Fourteen years later we've given away about $2.5 million in the fight against breast cancer," Gelfman said.

It happens the weekend of May 31.

"We give grants to individual organizations. Recently, we gave $45,000 to the Claudia Mayer-Tina Broccolino Center in Howard County. The center deals with families and individuals dealing with breast cancer," Gelfman said.

Steve Imhoff and Team Carpe Diem will ride in memory of their good friend, Michelle Bathras.

"We started Team Carpe Diem about five years ago for Michelle Bathras, who passed away in February. We're riding this year in honor of her. Her husband Jeff has actually raised over $6,000 for our team," Imhoff said.

You don't have to be a biker to help this great cause.

"The secret is real easy. Bikers are the most generous, nicest and most volunteering kind of folks you can find. They love doing this. They love raising money for good causes," Gelfman said.

That's what brings the Navy Chiefs back every year.

"This is our fifth year as a team and so far we've raised over $85,000, and it's for a good cause," said Kirk Towner, U.S. Navy Chiefs. "It's a good time and a good cause, and we're going to Ocean City via St. Michaels, so we're looking forward to it."

"We have a tremendous time. What we see on everybody's face in Ocean City every year are smiles. That's why they keep coming back every year. We've had people do this every year for 14 years," Gelfman said. "It's a whole event at the Francis Scott Key. People stay there for the weekend. They have great music. We have great exhibits. Ocean City opens itself up to us every year, and we have a great time."

The riders will leave the Mall in Columbia on Saturday morning May 31 and head for Ocean City.

"It's all about raising money. That's what we love to do, to help Dick and his cause. The best part of it is we're keeping all the money local," Imhoff said.

"Last year we decided to stay local, and we did some concerts, but what we found out is the riders like to ride. They like going from this area all the way to Ocean City. They look forward to that weekend of camaraderie with other motorcycle enthusiasts," Gelfman said.

There's still time to register for Gelfman's Ride Across Maryland. For more information, click here.

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