Across the country, memorial motorcycle rides—such as the Ride Out of the Darkness and similar cross-country awareness runs—serve as powerful community gatherings that honor individuals lost to suicide, fight mental health stigma, and connect riders and attendees directly to lifesaving resources.
WHAT: Rally and Ride Out of the Darkness
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3 – 8 a.m. registration begins, 10 a.m. ride, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. rally
WHERE: Ride departs Auburndale Speedway, 5640 E. County Road 542 in Winter Haven; Rally Sun ‘n Fun expo campus, Hangar A, 3875 W. Pipkin Road in Lakeland
Key Purpose & Impact
- Honoring Lost Loved Ones: Riders, family members, and friends gather to dedicate their journeys to loved ones lost to suicide, creating a supportive space of remembrance and collective healing.
- Breaking the Stigma: By bringing mental health topics out into the open through large-scale public rallies and group rides, organizers encourage open dialogue about mental health, depression, and crisis prevention.
- Connecting to Support: Events frequently host community resource fairs featuring representatives from local mental health clinics, veteran support organizations, grief groups, and suicide prevention foundations.
- Fundraising: Proceeds raised from registration fees, donations, and sponsorships go directly toward national and local suicide prevention initiatives, outreach programs, and emergency support services.
Immediate Support Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is always available:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7, free, and confidential in the US and Canada).
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor.
- International Resources: Find local support in your country at findahelpline.com.
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