Rochester Voice 6 a.m.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 6:00 am
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ROCHESTER - Riders from across New England will take to the road on May 2 for a scenic, multi-stop motorcycle ride in celebration of International Female Ride Day, with proceeds benefiting Dismas Home of New Hampshire.
Organized by the New England Motorcycle Group, the ride begins at Big Moose Harley-Davidson in Gorham, Maine, stops at Harley-Davidson of Rochester and concludes at Seacoast Harley-Davidson in Portsmouth, NH. Last year, more than 150 riders participated.
While International Female Ride Day celebrates women riders globally, this event is open to all riders, regardless of gender, experience level, or type of motorcycle.
Proceeds from the event benefit Dismas Home of New Hampshire, a residential treatment and re-entry program supporting women in recovery as they transition from incarceration. The nonprofit organization provides housing, trauma-informed care, 24/7 clinical support, workforce training, and life skills development to help residents rebuild stable, independent lives. 90% of women who complete the program remain sober. For a decade,
Dismas Home in Manchester has changed countless lives, as most of the residents are mothers who are able to re-establish relationships with their children and families. A new, larger residential campus is currently under construction in Rochester is due to open this summer, serving an additional 20 women at a time.
Joyce Kelley is Vice President/Relationship Manager at M&T Bank, which is the lead corporate sponsor of the event. Kelley is also a motorcyclist and Board member at Dismas Home NH.
"This will be my second time riding and raising money to support women who have the courage to change their lives," she said. "At M&T Bank, we believe in second chances and this ride shows the impact and power of women coming together to share camaraderie and to support one another while expanding resources and access to opportunity. The moment when you hear hundreds of riders take off at once is unforgettable, and riding through two states creates a powerful sense of freedom and empowerment in support of an important cause."
Dismas Home NH Clinical Director Wyndi Cashman is also an avid motorcycle enthusiast. This will be her second time riding in the event. Says Cashman.
"To show up for the women that I interact with on a daily basis along with so many other supporters, helps erase some of the stigma our residents experience<" she said. "When they see others taking action, it makes them feel a part of something bigger and helps them believe in themselves. Not to mention, it's a blast riding in a big group!"
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Start Location: Big Moose Harley-Davidson, Gorham, Maine
End Location: Seacoast Harley-Davidson, Portsmouth, NH
Schedule:
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8:30 - 9:30 AM -- On-site registration & check-in
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10:00 AM -- Kickstands up (group ride begins)
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Midpoint Stop: Harley-Davidson of Rochester (snack, social + fuel opportunity)
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Final Stop: Seacoast Harley-Davidson in Portsmouth (cookout, program, raffle)
Registration Options:
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$45 per person -- Includes breakfast, mid-ride snack, cookout, and one raffle ticket
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$60 per person -- Includes all of the above plus a commemorative IFRD 2026 Challenge Coin
Participants are encouraged to register online in advance and arrive with a full tank of gas. Register at https://dismashomenh.org/
The ride concludes around 2:00 PM with a community cookout, remarks, and an opportunity to hear directly from residents of Dismas Home NH about their journeys. Raffle winners and 50/50 prizes will also be announced.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY
Founded to elevate and empower women in motorcycling, International Female Ride Day is held annually on the first Saturday in May and spans more than 120 countries. The global campaign encourages women riders of all backgrounds and skill levels to "#JustRide," increasing visibility and building community across the motorsports world.