The charity ride benefited Special Olympics North Carolina, which recently sent athletes to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis.
Organizers said fundraising efforts like this help ensure athletes can participate year-round without having to worry about the cost.
For participant Bradford Bannerman, the event combined two passions: riding motorcycles and supporting others.
"The motorcycle is my outlet," Bannerman said. "When I get an opportunity for a free moment such as today, I jump on my motorcycle. This is my release to enjoy life and be thankful."
The event was organized by the Special Olympics Committee at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women. Committee co-captain Clarence Godley said supporting Special Olympics athletes has become a meaningful annual tradition.
"To show support for Special Olympics -- the athletes -- this is year number 10 for me," Godley said.
Godley said volunteers spend the entire year coming up with ways to raise money for athletes across North Carolina.
"Year-round, we come up with ideas to raise money for the athletes," he said.
WATCH: Team NC brings home gold from Special Olympics USA Games
Team NC brings home gold from Special Olympics USA Games
For many participants, the cause is personal. Event co-coordinator Rajia Elliss said she has family members with disabilities and wanted to help ensure athletes know they have a community behind them.
"It's important to be a part of it and to give back and allow them to see that they have people rooting for them," Elliss said.
Bannerman said his work with autistic clients over the past 16 years also inspired him to participate.
"I really have a passion for them," he said.
Organizers said one of the biggest benefits of fundraising is that athletes are never charged for the resources they need to compete.
"It helps that there's no cost to them for travel, training or equipment that they need for the different events," Godley said. "There's no cost to the athletes themselves."
Beyond the financial support, organizers said the event helps raise awareness and encourages the community to get involved with Special Olympics programs.
"It lets them know that they're not alone," Elliss said. "It lets them know that we support them."
Participants said seeing athletes gain confidence, develop friendships and succeed through sports makes the effort worthwhile.
"It's joyful to see them smile and laugh," Bannerman said. "It's a great satisfaction."
Godley said the impact of Special Olympics participation can be transformative.
"It's amazing to witness the changes that happen when they get involved in Special Olympics," he said. "It's a night-and-day difference."
Organizers hope events like the motorcycle ride continue to inspire people across the Triangle to volunteer, donate and support athletes of all abilities.
"Seeing the smiles on their faces and being active with them gives them the encouragement they need," Elliss said. "That encouragement goes a long way."
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